Panagbenga mardi gras showcases Cordillera culture

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Though apparently lacking in fresh flowers, yesterday’s mardi gras of the city’s 17th Panagbenga or Flower Festival was culture-rich.

“We were able to feature the best of the Cordillera,” beamed Anthony de Leon, chairman of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, the private partner of the city government for the month-long festival ending on March 4.

Ten contingents showcasing the different provinces of the Cordilleras performed before thousands of residents and local and foreign tourists.

A burst of color came as the region’s different festivals – Kalinga’s Matagoan, Mt. Province’s Lang-ay, Ifugao’s Imbayah, and Benguet’s Bendian – took center stage at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. “Culture-based tayo ngayon (We are culture-based now),” said De Leon.

For tourist Josie Noscal from Jefferson, Ohio, the mardi gras succeeded in its goal. “We saw a glimpse of the highlands,” she said. 

Organizers said the yearly festival lures 1.3 million to 1.5 million tourists, with the number peaking during the mardi gras and float parade.

“We expect triple that number during the float parade,” De Leon said.

At least 26 flower-bedecked floats are joining today’s culminating parade.