The Aliwan Fiesta has truly been an event where you can proudly shout that “I AM FILIPINO” it just makes you feel so proud seeing children of my age dancing and parading proudly at the street of Metro Manila, leaving their provinces to show off what their hometown can offer to us Manilenios, and of course to foreign media people who would show it to the world.

Dancing to the beat of the drums and other ethnic instruments as they parade to the streets, it’s like being back In Rio for CARNAVAL, but this one feels more like Home. Though strangers from different islands in the Philippines, once you point your camera towards them, they would look at you and smile, a smile much more Radiant than the sun, a smile much much more infectious than HIV or AIDS, the feeling of tiredness just slips away.

As they Chant, their songs you can’t avoid being carried away by so much energy and just shout along with them “ALIWAN!!“ 

This has been a defining moment for everyone.