ILOILO City – This city’s Sinamba sa Regatta is heading back to the national stage. It has received an invitation to compete in the Aliwan Fiesta 2026 in Metro Manila.
The invitation, extended by the organizers of the Aliwan Fiesta, will see Paraw Regatta Festival’s dance champions representing Iloilo City in the May 7 to 9 competition, where top festival winners from across the country converge for a celebration of culture and artistry.
Ellen Fullido, vice president for Human Resources and Admin Services of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) that organizes the annual Aliwan Fiesta, announced the invitation during the awarding ceremony of the Sinamba sa Regatta at the just concluded Paraw Regatta Festival.
The Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores of Jalandoni Memorial National High School was declared the Sinamba sa Regatta 2026 champion.
Fullido praised the significant transformation of Sinamba sa Regatta, noting its steady growth into a highly competitive and polished presentation.
“Ever since na nagsimula ang Aliwan Fiesta, I think there were three times na nakasali ang Paraw Regatta Festival. Doon sa nakaraang Dinagyang Festival, nag-judge din kami,” she said, recalling Iloilo’s previous participation and the organizers’ firsthand appreciation of Ilonggo talent.
She emphasized that the Sinamba sa Regatta has evolved into a performance worthy of national recognition.
“From the Aliwan Fiesta organizing committee that I’m representing right now, we are inviting Iloilo City again, the Sinamba sa Regatta, to compete in Aliwan Fiesta in Manila happening on May 7–9. Sa nakita ko over the years, sobrang nag-level up ang Sinamba sa Regatta. Hindi na siya ‘yung dating samba lang,” Fullido said, highlighting the competition’s artistic and cultural growth.
Fullido added that the invitation reflects the Aliwan organizers’ recognition of Iloilo’s strong cultural identity and performance excellence.
She said the Sinamba sa Regatta now stands as a compelling showcase of Ilonggo heritage, creativity, and discipline, making it a strong contender among the country’s top festival champions.
The Aliwan Fiesta gathers winning festival contingents from across the Philippines, providing a national platform for cultural exchange and competition while promoting local traditions to a wider audience./PN
