“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity.” ~John Ruskin
If you are planning to visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines – Baguio City, plan it on February where spectacular activities happen almost every day. The Panagbenga Festival is the grandest flower festival in the country.
Panagbenga means “a season of blooming.” The word is a kankanaey word, a dialect mostly in some parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.
The festival highlights Floral Float parade where cars are adorn by flowers like Malaysian Mums, Antorium, Rose, orchids and the like. It also showcases the creativity of the local artist. Another highlight of the festival is the street dancing where it mesmerizes its spectators by the endowed students of Baguio City and the nearby provinces.
The festival will run for the whole month of February where each day the city government plots an activity where everyone would definitely enjoy. Other highlights include battle of the bands, local arts show, closing of Session road.
The closing of Session Road is one of my favorite since it is closed intended for shoppers. Affordable wood carves, flowers, food, clothes, and a lot more is offered on the said event.
Schedules of Activity:
Panagbenga Festival 2012
Panagbenga Opening Parade – February 1, 2012
Market Encounter – February 1 to March 4, 2012
Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom – February 11, 2012
Handog ng Panagbenga sa Baguio – February 12, 2012
Fluvial Float Parade February 12, 2012
Chinese Spring Festival – February 21, 2012
Grand Street Dancing Parade – February 25, 2012
Grand Float Parade – February 26, 2012
Session Road in Bloom- February 27 – March 4, 2012
Pony Boy’s Day – March 2, 2012
Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display – March 4, 2012
The said festival showcases not only the local talent but also talents from the nearby provinces such as La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Region and Benguet. Not only that, you got to experience as well the culture and tradition of the Igorots.
Places to Visit in Baguio City:
Burnham Park: It offers wide variety of activities like brisk walking along the famous Burnham Lake and boat riding perfect for the whole family to chat, laugh and simply relax. Since February is one of the coldest months in Baguio, after boat riding you can have some exercise by renting a bicycle perfect still for kids and the whole family to heat up your body. Teenagers would definitely love skating and toddlers would love the kiddies’ park. All this can be found at Burnham Park.
Lourdes Groto is also a must see place in Baguio. Its serenity and silence is so perfect for praying and self reflection. Good view as well and camera perfect background enhances the beauty of the subject.
Mines View Park, The Mansion and Wright Park are also perfect for Horse Back riding, picture taking, and shopping for souvenirs and pasalabong.
Another place you shouldn’t miss when you visit Baguio City for the Panagbenga is the Tam-awan Village. A perfect place for art enthusiast and those who would like to know more about the Igorots. A place where you could taste their native delicacies like pinikpikan. Pinikpikan is so tasteful a perfect combination of burned chicken and dried pork.
Panagbenga is truly majical! When we let a thousand folower bloom in Baguio City it looks like a paradise of flower and feels like enchanted with the fairies singing lullaby.
So what are you waiting for book your hotel now for a PANAGBENGA EXPERIENCE and help let a thousand flowers bloom this February 2012!
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