Baguio City was in full bloom once again as it celebrated its 22nd Panagbenga Flower Festival. About two million locals and tourists flocked to the major streets of the city during the festival’s two-major events: Street Dance Competition and Grand Float Parade.
But the colorful blooms and the lively performance of the dancers weren’t the only highlights of the month-long affair. Young Life was there to witness these five cool things that you probably didn’t know happen at the flower festival.
Sizzling hunks paraded on the street
Photos of four well-sculpted men in bahag went viral on social media faster than you can say Panagbenga. The crowd roared when the “Panagbenga Hotties” paraded on the streets, and we can’t really blame them, not at least when these men are showing off their washboard abs, toned arms and pretty face. Suffice it to say, it was a steamy day in Baguio City.
A band of Pikachus arrived
The ultra cute Pikachu also came to the flower festival to the delight of Pokemon and non-Pokemon fans. And there wasn’t just one, not two, not three Pikachu—but a bunch lined up in two. At the end of the line, an odd-looking Pikachu (with smaller eyes) added a whole load of cuteness and quirkiness to their segment.
Kylie took a selfie
Without a doubt, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa’s beauty overshadowed the colorful flowers on her float. While the Baguio City-born beauty queen was parading, she took out her phone and took a selfie with the crowd. The resulting image? Pretty as expected. Check it out on her Instagram account @kylieverzosa.
Jollibee brought his squad
With or without the viral Valentine’s Day commercials, Jollibee is truly a hit among Filipinos of all ages. At the Panagbenga Festival, Pinoys’ favorite bee led the fastfood chain’s competing float; he even brought his squad: Mr. Yum, Popo, Hetty and Twirlie, and the gang took #squadgoals photos with the crowd.
Westeros in Baguio
Winter came to the already cold City of Pines when the characters from the hit HBO series Game of Thrones arrived. Tyrion, Jaime, Littlefinger, Cersei, Sansa, Arya led the pack complete with “direwolves” and Unsullied army. On board their float, on the other hand, were Jon Snow, King Tommen Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen.
