Panagbenga, the Rose Parade of the Philippines

Filipino’s way of life is truly and naturally incomparable especially when it comes to the passionate celebrating fiestas and festivals. Townspeople, balikbayans, local and international tourists as well, cross various highways, waterways, and airways across our country just to observe the innumerable collection of presentations accenting culture, tradition, and social heritage of ours. Some of which are the Baguio City’s Panagbenga, Kalibo’s Ati-atihan, Iloilo’s Dinagyang, Cebu City’s Sinulog, Bacolod’s MassKara, and many more. Despite of the unmoved sea of people, still we can see the huge smiles on every individual’s appearance.

The celebration of the Panagbenga gives the spectators the feeling of beyond compare, as they bear to witness the illustration of fully-bloom place, Baguio City. This was started in 1995, which is being claimed by the organizers, showcasing the rich history, traditions and culture of the Baguio people and the Cordillera region. Here presents the every participant’s ideas in line with the theme and was made from different flowers of different hues.

The highlights of the said event:

Feb. 1 to March 4: “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom”

Feb. 8: Handog ng Panagbenga sa Baguio and Fluvial Parade at Burnham Park

Feb. 12: Grand Street Dancing Parade

Feb. 25: Grand Float Parade

Feb. 26: Pony Boys Day

March 2 to 3: Session Road in Bloom for business booths

BFFFI co-chairman and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony de Leon, appeals to all Baguio people to welcome all guests and to ensure their handiness with the theme ‘Community Convergence for a Sustainable Tourism Growth’, he said a million visitors is expected during the month long celebrations.

Days before the float parade, the scene in other parts of Baguio.

Camera was the prime onlooker at all sides of the area. Many campers were keyed up to catch the much-awaited event. In fact, Vice Ganda, Ryan Bangs and Jugs, artists from ABS-CBN’s noon time show renamed “It’s Showtime” were present; and from GMA’s float, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.