The 2017 edition of the annual Aqua Fiesta event hosted by the Philippine Arowana and Louhan society or PAHLS took place at Robinson’s Magnolia. In 2016, the show ushered in the introduction of the First Flower-horn Philippine Standard of judging, and the quality and quantity of this year’s entries showed that the industry recognizes those standards.
This year saw the introduction of the first Dymax Planted Tank competition, which aims to reinvigorate the planted tank hobby in the country. Contestants were delighted to learn that the tanks they decorated—worth over twice the entry fee they paid—was theirs for the keeping after the competition. The participation was much higher than was expected, with 46 competing to show off their tank aesthetics and vie for the spectacular prizes for the top three winners: trips to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Boracay.
• Best in Show – Nikko Matute
• Best in Color – Alfred Tumacder
• Best in Kok – Nikko Matute
• Best in Pearl – Miguel Cortez
PREJUVY
• Champion – Luis Borja Santos
• First runner-up – Onin Balatbat
• Second runner-up – Edwin Santos
SMALL ZZ
• Champion – Miguel Cortez
• First runner-up – Mark Maduma
• Second runner-up – Zabarte Flowerhorn Pedro
MEDIUM ZZ
• Champion – Nikko Matute
• First runner-up – Christian James Reyes
• Second runner-up – Paul Co
LARGE ZZ
• Champion- Edxel Juliano
• First runner-up – Mark Anthony Twano
• Second runner-up – Jun Samonte
SMALL KF
• Champion – Luis Santos
• First runner-up – Alfredo Tumacder
• Second runner-up – Miguel Miguel Renato Cortez
MEDIUM KF
• Champion – Eric Tiu
• First runner-up – Alfred Tumacder
• Second runner-up – Miguel Cortes
LARGE KF
• Champion- Mark Anthony Twano
• First runner-up – Anthony Osado
• Second runner-up – David Alexander Chua
FREEHEAD
• Champion – Loyola Jhun
• First runner-up – Renjun Hechanova
• Second runner-up – Miguel Cortes
FREEMARKING
• Champion – JP Dizon
• First runner-up – Paulo (surname unavailable as of press time)
• Second runner-up – Jomar (surname unavailable as of press time)
KFZZ
• Champion – Edwin Santos
• First runner-up – Nikko Matute
• Second runner-up – Martin Allan Wong Laceda
SBODY
• Champion – Nikko Matute
• First runner-up – Gek’s Flowerhorn
• Second runner-up – Edwin Santos
WINNERS OF THE DYMAX PLANTED COMPETITION
• First place – (none)
• Second place – Matthew Manes
• Third place – Melvin Yu
Also on hand were booths displaying the latest aquarium and pet accessories and accouterments, exotic creatures by Congo Charlie and Keepers of Extreme Exotic Pets, hamsters by the Philippine Hamster Owners Society, and different supplies for various pet hobbies.
Considered a landmark event in the fish industry, Aqua Fiesta also gave fish and other hobbyists alike an excellent opportunity for bonding with like-minded hobbyists. (With reporting by Marge Hermoso).
This story appeared in Animal Scene’s June 2017 issue.
