Baguio celebrates centennial with culture activities

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY- Centennial activities on occasion of the founding of Baguio may be traditional or innovative but will cater to people of all ages and inclinations, as September 1 draws near, with venues around the city with the theme, “Fostering a Culture of Caring.”

This August 27, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) sponsors a Centennial Quiz Bee, as Maryknoll Sanctuary Gallery presents the “Baguio then and now: Aerials, Panoramic Views and Re-photography exhibit.

On August 29, a presentation “Sampung Dekada,” shall be held at the Baguio City High School Auditorium, while a Music Festival Grand Finals, “Kalikasan at Kabuhayan” goes on at the Baguio Convention Center.

A “Karadkad” Health Festival also goes on until August 30 at the Melvin Jones, Burnham Park.

Earlier activities include arts workshops, musical and cultural shows, educational and entertainment programs, golf tournaments, fellowships and religious celebrations, tree planting and floral shows.

On August 30, the Baguio Triathlon takes place, while on the 31st, a Sister City International Summit takes place, with SM City having “Our Baguio: 100.”

On September 1, the city wakes with the pealing of all church bells and sounding off of sirens at 6 AM. A “Mambunong performs a Bakdiw (chant) at upper Session road, as the centennial parade starts at 8 AM.

Four floats shall be fielded along with the parade; the Centennial Float, Flower City Float, Wood Carving Float and “Abong” Float, showcasing Baguio’s evolution through the years.

The Baguio Centennial Program starts at 11AM at the Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park where centennial awardees shall be honored with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest speaker. The Builders of Baguio Sculpture shall later be unveiled at the entrance of the Botanical Garden as with a Centennial marker at City Hall.

A Commemorative Stamp shall be launched at the Baguio Country Club, while fireworks caps the day at four venues, Cathedral, University of Baguio, City Hall and Camp Allen at 7 AM.

Other activities include the choosing of centenarians, centennial babies, Miss Centennial and the centennial ball.

Activities after the main date includes; Sept. 3, Filipino-Japanese Friendship day, International Peace Theatre Arts and HRAB activities; Sept. 5, Concert as sponsored by the HRAB; Sept. 6, Road Race, Tree-Planting, Drum and Lyre Festival, and Post Postcard Panoramas of Baguio. Other centennial activities including garden shows and planning sessions for the city are expected for the next months.

Details may be requested from the Baguio Centennial Commission based at the Baguio Convention Center, tel. no. 446-2009.