Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) has officially kicked off the first competition leg of this year's edition of Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen — The Launch and Pride of Place.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Top 12 Finalists from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao took us on a virtual tour of their respective cities and provinces as they promoted their distinct local cultures and traditions.
The first candidate, Sophia Noreen Guillermo, showcased the rich history of her home province Ilocos Norte. Among those are the province's famous Empanada delicacy; Basi, a controversial Ilocano wine; the Inabel blanket; the Tadek; and the Amian breeze.
"The North, the land of my roots and of our great ancestors. Their brilliance and patriotism, a legacy that history cannot deny," she said. "The Ilocano devotion never falters."
Next off is Nadine Faith Mccoy of Cebu City. This 17-year-old stunner tells us to slow down and enjoy life in the Highlands — the other side of the Queen City of the South.
Nadine featured some of the famous tourist attractions in the province including the Sirao Garden, Temple of Leah, and Soul Sierra. She also has gone on a food trip in Maharlicup wherein she tried some Cebuano delicacies like puto, sikwate, and budbud.
"Whatever life throws at you, always remember that you can find comfort in the highlands," she said.
Dana Gabrielle Tautho, who represents Davao City, took pride in the highly-urbanized developments in her hometown.
Located in a strategic location, Dana mentioned the extensive mountain ranges in her city which connects to the highest peak of Mount Apo. She likewise featured their rich coastal waters that are home to some of the endangered species in the country.
The next candidate is Kristell Candice Padagdagan who hails from Guinobatan, Albay. This 18-year-old beauty proudly shared the beauty and diversity behind her remarkable home province.
From some of its famous tourist destinations, a world-class airport, and savory cuisines, KC believes that what makes Albay truly "Magayon" are its people.
Jeaven Iyl Musni of Bacolod City is giving you more reasons to smile in the City of Smiles.
Jeaven took pride in her city's well-known MassKara Festival, a celebration of its people's majestic smile as well as their resiliency through the test of time. The festivity still remains the defining element of the city and its people.
Another pride of Cebu City is Jackelaine Fleming, who showcased the grandest festivity in the country — the Sinulog Festival of her province. She also mentioned how Cebuanos took pride in their devotion to Senyor Sto. Niño and their rich history.
Likewise, Jackie also featured some of Cebu's famous infrastructure, one of which is the CCLEX or the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway — the country's tallest and longest bridge.
Representing Buenavista, Agusan del Norte is Martina De La Rama. For this 18-year-old stunner, the beauty of her town lives up to the Spanish origin of its name Buena Vista which means "good view."
Martina promotes her municipality's vision of becoming a haven for foreign investors as she emphasizes its aqua-tourism and eco-tourism.
"Beyond a good view is a good life," she said.
Baguio City's Marikit Manaois is giving you a fresh view of what the country's Summer Capital has to offer. From its finest cuisines to activities and leisure, Marikit will help you rediscover why you should visit Baguio soon.
"This is my pride, my people, my home — Baguio," she said.
Maica Martinez of Nueva Ecija enumerated some of the things that makes her proud of her province. One of it is the peculiar festivity in the town of Bibiclat the "Taong Putik" festival.
Maica also took pride of her province which is dubbed as the "Rice Granary" of the Philippines.
Likewise, she also featured some of its key tourist destinations and areas such as the Highland Bali Villas Resort and Spa, Pantabangan Dam, Fort Magsaysay, Milka Krem, and PhilRice.
The next candidate is Thañamae Cahilig, another beauty from the town of Labangon in Cebu City.
Biking her way to the busy streets of Cebu, Thaña gave us a glimpse of what it is like to roam around and enjoy the rich history and sumptuous cuisines of her province, particularly lechon and suman.
She also featured one of Cebu's pride, a dragon boat team composed of breast cancer survivors.
Davao City's Shannen Nikki Ortega welcomes us with pride to her home province.
Nikki featured Tag-Puan cafe which serves some of the authentic cuisines from Davao City.
She also showcased several tourist destinations in her province like Kadayawan Tribal Village which highlights the 11 unique tribals in Davao City, the Roxas Avenue Night Market, and The Grassland.
Our last candidate, Kassandra Avena hails from Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
Kassandra took pride in her beloved province's famous fluvial parade which honors the Lady of Penafrancia, it likewise symbolizes their people's devotion and faith. She also featured the 26 ft image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace.
According to her, it is a dream come true to represent Caramoan on a bigger stage.
The Launch and Pride of Place show was hosted by DJ Raqi Terra of 90.7 Love Radio Manila and DJ Nick of 96.3 Easy Rock Manila.
All the competition segments and the coronation night will be aired over DZRH TV, and all social media platforms of MBC: DZRH News, Love Radio, Yes The Best, Easy Rock, Radyo Natin, and Aksyon Radyo.
Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen is presented by Unique toothpaste, White Rose Papaya whitening soap, Charm fabric conditioner, DITO Telecommunity, Palmolive Naturals Ultra, Birch Tree, and Tanduay.
For more details, follow Aliwan Fiesta on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
