day 366 | april 24, 2010 | Manila: Aliwan Festival

Aliwan fiesta is held annually in Manila to celebrate the different 'fiestas' (translation: festival, party) from the many provinces in the Philippines. Extremely proud to come from a country with such a rich cultural diversity, I think it's such a blessing to have an event allows us to sample most of the Philippine festivals from various provinces on one stage. 

I have lady S and lady K to thank for inviting me to tag along with them to witness this event. Armed with my nifty fifty, I felt ill-prepared compared to the army of novice and experienced photographers who were carrying 2 bodies, assisted by umbrella and ladder carriers, and totting super long lenses. It was also humbling to watch the street dancers prepare under the sweltering heat. Even through my shoes, I could feel the heat seep and burn into my feet. Some of the dancers were going about barefoot, as they sorted out their costumes and make-up. A good number of them were children. Most of the dances are about giving thanks, and celebrating harvest, as well as praying for better times ahead. As i watched the provincial teams perform against the backdrop of the setting sun, I'm amazed by how much they can do with the barest of necessities.

 Caught in a swirl of kaleidoscope colors, i am continually humbled and inspired by the filipino spirit.