BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The 29th staging of the Baguio Flower Festival – popularly known as Panagbenga, a term adopted from the Kankanaey language to mean blooming – was launched yesterday at the city hall grounds.
Frederico Alquiroz, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation president, said this year’s theme “Blossom Beyond Boundaries” embodies “creativity, passion and unity that defines the community of Baguio.”
This year’s festival brings back the college category to the “Grand Street Dancing” in addition to the high school, open and cultural categories as well as the elementary drum and lyre competition.
“This is part of the infusion of greater vibrance and more talents to the festival,” Alquiroz said.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Panagbenga continues to evolve over the years as he urged people to participate and ensure a smooth flow of the activities and the festival itself.
Panagbenga will officially start on Feb. 1 with an opening parade, followed by different activities all throughout the month-long festival.
The “Grand Street Dancing” parade will be held on Feb. 22. The “Grand Float Parade” follows on Feb. 23.
A week-long “Session Road in Bloom” – Baguio’s version of street promenade along the city’s main thoroughfare – will be held prior to the festival closing ceremonies on March 2.