What’s Panagbenga?
Panagbenga is a Kankana-ey (dialect widely used by Cordillerans) which means “a season for blossoming or a time for blooming.” Panagbenga symbolizes Baguio’s rise from the strong earthquake that hit the city in 1990. This year’s festival theme is “A Blooming Odyssey”.
Our Panagbenga Festival Experience
- There are thousands of spectators wanting to get good view of the parade just like you. Tip: The parade starts early so you should find your viewing spot before the parade starts. Last year, Alex, Kyle and I went near Baguio Convention Cetnter (where the parade started) so we got the chance to see all the floats before the start of the parade. After taking pictures of the floats, we immediately went to the Athletic Bowl where the parade ended. 😉
- Baguio is a small city. And the hotels cannot accommodate all the visitors. Tip: It’s really impossible to find a hotel a week before the the float parade so you have to book early. You can also try transient homes.
- Secure your belongings. With a very large crowd, there could be thieves roaming around the city. Secure your camera and wallet, these are the usual targets.
- Fully enjoy your visit to the City of Pines. Spend another day in the city visiting these places: The Strawberry Farm, PMA (note: you can’t get in if you’re wearing slippers, you have to be in shoes!), Mines View Park, Burnham Park and Camp John Hay.
Where: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl
Activities: Opening Ceremonies Drum and Lyre Dance Parade, Competition and Field Presentation, Opening Concert and Fireworks Display
February 1 to March 3: Baguio Blooms: Landscape Exhibition and Exposition
Where: Burnham Park
Activities: Landscaping Competition and Exhibits, Trade Fair and Bazaar, Baguio’s Got Talent and Concerts
February 10, 2013: Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
Where: Melvin Jones
Activity: Painting of Streamers
February 23, 2013: Grand Street Dancing Parade
Where: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl Activities: Drum and Lyre Presentations and Field Demonstrations and Street Dancing Parade
February 24, 2013: Grand Float Parade
Where: Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Activity: Float Parade
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