Baguio in bloom

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — After a successful mall show last Feb. 26, Kapamilya stars Empress Schuck with AJ Perez (right, center) and Enchong Dee (far right) with Joseph Marco joined the Street Dancing and Float Parade held in the summer capital the following day.

It had been a heady month of celebration for the city since the first week of February. The Grand Street Dance Parade and Grand Float Parade were the focal points of Panagbenga. Main roads were closed and the rest of the streets became huge parking lots.

The Panagbenga Festival, popularly known as Baguio Flower Festival is kankanaey (a native dialect) for “a season of blooming.” It is held annually.

The celebrations last for over a month and peak periods are weekends.

The festival showcases the many floral floats and native dances and the region’s rich culture.

The festival also pays tribute to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for and its symbol for getting back on its feet after the devastating 1990 Luzon Earthquake.