BAGUIO CITY—Organizers have confirmed the 15 traditional events for the staging of the 23rd Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival that will run from Feb. 1 to March 4.
The theme of the city’s major crowd-drawing festival is “Celebration of Culture and Creativity,” in support of the city’s latest recognition as a member of the elite club of Creative Cities given by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The highlights of the festival”•the grand street-dancing parade and the grand float parade”•will be held on Feb. 24 and 25, respectively.
The weeklong Session Road in Bloom event follows from February 26 to March 2, when the whole stretch of Baguio’s signature road will be closed to vehicular traffic and converted into a promenade area.
Interested elementary schools in the city will compete in the grand opening parade of the flower festival from the Panagbenga Park in Upper Session Road up to the Baguio Athletic Bowl, where contingents will showcase their performances during the elimination round of the street-dancing competition.
The finalists will then compete in the festival’s grand street-dancing parade on Feb. 24.
The month-long Baguio Bloom Expositions, showcasing flower-inspired handicrafts, will also open to the public right after the grand opening parade, organizers said.
On February 11, 2018, organizers will hold the Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio program simultaneously with the “Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom” art and painting competition, the Panagbenga Open kite flying competition, and the Panagbenga cultural show, all at the Melvin Jones grandstand.
Elementary and high schools in the city will also join the school-based floral arrangement competition on Feb. 14.
On Feb. 15 to 17, participating elementary and high schools will be judged for their landscaping skills to help sustain the beauty and scenery around the city during the the festival and beyond.
Part of the activities for the annual flower festival is the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming weekend on Feb. 16 to 18, where over 2,000 graduates of the premier military school in Asia will be in the city for their traditional annual gathering.
Golf enthusiasts will also add to the city’s festive mood during the scheduled Flower Tee Golf Tournament on Fe. 16 at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay golf courses.
The city and the Chinese community will also celebrate the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival on Feb. 17.
The usual Pony Boys Day will be held on March 3, and the closing ceremonies and awarding of winners will be held on March 4, capped by a grand fireworks display in five stations around the city.
