Known as the “Baguio Flower Festival”, the Panagbenga is a month-long annual celebration that is one of the biggest and most- visited festivals in the country. Among the various activities that showcase the city’s culture, the festival’s highlights include the Grand Street Dancing Parade on February 25, 2017 (Saturday) and the Grand Flower Float Parade on February 26, 2017 (Sunday).
Despite its popularity and extensive media coverage, there’s always room for you to learn something new about the Panagbenga. Here are some of them:
1. Just like in any other town or city, the Panagbenga festival was created to help promote Baguio and attract tourist. But because the city was created during the American period and did not start as a town when colonized by the Spaniards, Baguio City does not celebrate its feast day with a patron saint.
2.The festival was created in 1995, to help reclaim the city’s reputation as one of the country’s best vacation destinations and to boost tourism after the massive earthquake in 1990 that devastated the city.
3. The idea was approved by the directors of the John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation and was strongly supported by the community. They decided to hold a festival every February because of the ideal and it gives people a reason to visit the city between the Christmas season and Holy Week.
4. The festival was initially held over a period of 10 days. But due to its popularity, it was extended to two weeks then three weeks—up until it was finally held for a month.
5.The festival was first named as the Baguio Flower Festival in 1995. Two years later, the archivist and curator of Saint Louis University Museum, Mr. Ike Picpican suggested changing its name to Panagbenga. The term Panagbenga comes from Kankanaey which means “a season of blooming”.
Travelling from Manila to Baguio is very convenient since there are several buses that offer excellence service and comfortable ride. However, a trip to Baguio for the annual festival is a big challenge since there are only a limited numbers of guests that Baguio City can accommodate. Here are some tips:
• Do your Research.
Research doesn’t only mean knowing which places to visit, but also knowing where these spots are located. Mapping out your itinerary will help you maximize your stay in Baguio. Here are some of its famous tourist attractions:
• Book your accommodations ahead of time.
Thousands of people flood the city during Panagbenga so we strongly recommend that you book your accommodations not later than January. Wide selections of hotels, lodges, hostels, and inns, guest/pension houses ranging from affordable to high quality accommodations in Baguio City are available for you to enjoy the yearly celebration of Panagbenga Festival.
• Book your bus tickets online.
Same thing goes with the bus tickets—make sure to book them ahead. Being a chance passenger will only add to your stress.
• Plan for the Parade.
Wear comfortable clothes and make sure you secure your viewing spot as early as possible before the area becomes crowded. Be mindful of your belongings. Make sure to leave your expensive belongings behind.
• Be adventurous foodie!
Travel with an adventurous appetite. Baguio is teeming with restaurants and eateries that suit whatever budget you have. Be willing to try new local food and who knows—you might find your latest favorite dish!
By: Angela Guia C. Bajan – Panahon TV Intern