Flowers abloom in Panagbenga

On a recent visit to Baguio, I overheard conversations in Cebuano from tourists still possessed by the Sinulog fever, that they were so excited to finally experience the Panagbenga Flower Festival. 

On my way to the parade route, I actually thought I was in Cebu as I bumped into friends — serious Sinulog festival-goers — who I’ve encouraged to visit this annual festive celebration.

Proudly staged annually since 1995, the Baguio Panagbenga Festival has grown from a local fiesta to an international event that is on a smaller scale, but just as unique and awesome as other flower festivals such as Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon, Washington DC, USA; Festival of the Flowers in Medellin, Colombia; the Flower Carpet in Brussels, Belgium; and the most popular Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, USA. 

The street-dancing parade began with the cadets from the Philippine Military Academy, followed by hundreds of students in colorful costumes doing a steady and rhythmic forward walk, marching bands and drum and lyre musicians, walking the stretch from Panagbenga Park to the Athletic Bowl where they presented a full-blown performance for the whole audience to witness.

In keeping with tradition the festival hymn, composed by professor Macario Fronda, the band master of the St. Louis University, filled the chilly air.

Top winners include Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (Elementary Division); Baguio City National High School (High School Division), and Pugo Catholic School (Open Categor). The highlight of the weekend was the spectacular grand float parade, which was ultimately majestic. The 23 floats then made their way to the Melvin Jones Park for the final  judging. 

Bagging the top prize in the Small Float Category was Maybank, followed by Coca Cola and Zenfone. In the Big Float Category, NLEX SCTEX was hailed as the champion, while SITEL and the Department of Tourism completed the top laurels. Among the other participating floats were Cebu-based M Lhuillier, and International Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bioderm Soap.

 An estimated two million lined the streets. Of course, if you take in the festival, you must be sure not to miss the awesome Landscaped Gardens at Burnham Park. Exhibits of local and international cuisine, musical performances and similar activities also play a role in the month-long festival. It also featured Baguio blooms down Session Road where dozens of stalls showcase the Cordillera Region and the surrounding provinces’ popular souvenirs and delicacies.  

Recognition must be given to the hardworking gentlemen of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation led by the driven Mayor Mauricio Domogan, board of trustees chairman and general manager of Baguio Country Club Anthony de Leon, co-chairman Freddie Alquiros, and treasurer and general manager of The Manor of Camp John Hay Ramon Cabrera who tirelessly worked to make this year’s Panagbenga one to be remembered for a long time.