Panagbenga launching slated in Baguio Nov. 5

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The city’s biggest and most colorful activity, the Baguio Flower Festival known as Panagbenga with its hymn featuring Ibaloi rhythm will be launched today (Nov. 5) at city hall grounds during the flag raising ceremonies.  

Aptly themed, “A blooming odyssey,” the 18th staging of the flower fest on February 2013 shall be attended by the city’s top officials, with welcome remarks by Rep. Bernardo Vergara and launching by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

The launch signals the start of preparations for the activity which showcases Baguio’s floral flood in the month of February. 

The unveiling of the logo and theme shall be done by Panagbenga 2013 executive committee officials Freddie Alquiros and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony de Leon.

The Philippine Military Academy band plays for the colors, national anthem and Baguio March as the University of Baguio dance troupe presents a number. 

The city hall choir sings the Baguio Hymn before the ceremonies, while the Boy and Girl Scouts will release colorful balloons.

A press conference follows the launching at the city hall multi-purpose hall, where activities starting February 2013 shall be announced.

A launching concert by the Edralins, as part of the launching, shall be done at 7 in the evening at the SM events center.

Meanwhile, other beautification, and improvements of other tourist destinations are still being done.

Other activities including fishing tournaments shall be scheduled, before dredging at the Burnham Lake starts.   

According to event organizer and chair of committee on tourism, special events, parks and playgrounds, Councilor Elmer Datuin, and other activities are being planned for the next months.