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Baguio
Flower Festival also known as Panagbenga Festival is one
of the famous and world renowned festival in the
Philippines. Baguio is also known as "Flower Garden City
of the North" celebrates the festival in February and
the highlights of the festivities includes flower,
flower exhibits, lectures, garden tours, floral contest
and a parade of floats.
In this festival, flowers rule! Held in February, it
highlights Baguio as "The City of Flowers". Started in
1995,it reflects the history, traditions and values of
Baguio and the Cordilleras. A festival hymn was composed
by Prof. Macario Fronda, band master of the St. Louis
University. To this music was added the rhythm and
movements of the Bendian dance, an Ibaloi dance of
celebration. The Bendian dance's circular movements
speak of unity and harmony among the members of the
tribe-themes foreshadowed the coming together of the
various sectors of the community to bring the festival
to life.
The festival acquired a local name, Panagbenga, meaning
"a season of blossoming, a time for flowering". It is
also a tribute to Baguio, which made a comeback after
the devastating earthquake in 1990.
Panagbenga showcases the people's talent, artistry and
ingenuity via performances, exhibits and more. It opens
with a shower of rose petals along Session Road while
marching bands played lively tunes that sets the mode
for the parade. Colorful costumes and lively dance
numbers come next followed by cleverly- crafted, vibrant
and multicolored floats made entirely from flowers of
every kind which never fails to delight and awe the
spectators young and old.
Panagbenga represents the many facets of the "Summer
Capital", its people and its heritage. Like the
festival, the city blooms with brimming talent, natural
beauty and indominable spirit. With the sights, sounds,
smells and tastes of Baguio, every trip to the City of
Pines becomes a memorable experience that will keep you
coming back for more. |
