It’s the ultimate streetdance showdown as champion contingents representing major festivals from the different regions throughout the country come together in a spectacular show of "unity amid diversity" when "Aliwan Fiesta" unfolds on May 1 to 3, courtesy of the Manila Broadcasting Company and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the cities of Manila and Pasay.

Now on its sixth year, "Aliwan Fiesta" has taken the most inherent form of grassroots entertainment in the Philippines and developed it into a sizzling summer celebration that leaves no doubt as to the creative energy that envelops our very lives. Considered the biggest visual extravaganza ever to grace the streets of the metropolis, it offers millions of pesos worth of prizes to participants vying for the championship plum in the streetdance and float design categories, while allowing audiences to admire a bevy of beauties in the quest for "Reyna ng Aliwan."

With the intense rivalry that has built up among the biggest players in cultural tourism, defending champion Cebu is fielding two entries anchored on the "Sinulog," while former grand prize winners like Iloilo’s "Dinagyang" and Cotabato’s "Halad" are out to reclaim their supremacy. Also seeing action anew are Baguio’s "Panagbenga," Bicol’s "Penafrancia," Davao’s "Kadayawan," Laoag’s "Pamuli-nawen," Bulacan’s "Desposorio," Leyte’s "Alikaraw," Maguindanao’s "Kalilintad," Quezon’s "Boling-Boling," and Shariff Kabunsuan’s "Meguyaya."

Various local government units have tapped their most outstanding choreographers and craftsmen to ensure that entries from Mountain Province’s "Lang-ay," Isabela’s "Gakit," Negros Occidental’s "Pinta Flores," Iloilo’s "Sa-ad," Leyte’s "Buyogan," Zamboanga Sibugay’s "Bakhawan," Shariff Kabunsuan’s "Buklod" will be in fighting form. Not to be outdone, the National Capital Region is fielding Pasig’s "Pakalog," and Navotas’ "Pangisdaan."

A concert evening featuring top local bands and a streetparty with contemporary dance competitions will kick off the "Aliwan Fiesta" celebrations on May 1, to be followed by the pageant night on May 2. A grand parade capping the festivities will be held on May 3, starting at Quirino Grandstand and traversing the length of Roxas Boulevard, all the way up to the Aliw Theater grounds. A variety show featuring the country’s top entertainers will precede the awarding ceremonies.

Other attractions include a shoppers’ bazaar featuring outstanding products from the different regions and a grand fireworks display for the finale. Photography enthusiasts are also invited to join the "Aliwan Fiesta" Photo Competition, with the theme "Sayaw, Indak, Padyak!"