Exciting events mark Baguio Panagbenga fest

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The 19th version of Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival streetdancing parade commenced yesterday with Cordillera Administrative Region congressmen, Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) mayors and regional directors of line agencies marching from Panagbenga Park through Session road down to the Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park.

The parade was led by Boy Scouts holding the Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom streamers, followed by the Philippine Military contingent and band, city officials, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) headed by its president Anthony De Leon, general manager of Baguio Country Club  and Baguio sister cities foreign delegation, Taebaek and Gongju cities.

The Buyagan Elementary School Magevay drum and lyre group all the way from La Trinidad, Benguet is special guest performer with their “tribute” piece, in ethnic costumes depicting and uplifting Benguet treasures and products. “Magevay,” an Ibaloi term for “robust” was thus named for its fast-growing membership since conception in the late ‘90s.    

Two other non-competing entries; Kias and Emilio Aguinaldo elementary schools followed the Magevay drum and lyre group. 

A potpourri of complementary and neon colored flower costumes, bees and butterflies, sparkles, glitter and gossamer streamers adorned the performers of competitors: Baguio Central, JosefaCariño, Quezon Hill, Mabini, Jose P. Laurel, Lucban, Fort Del Pilar, Doña Aurora and Baguio Special Education Center. Each contingent performed their interpretation of the theme; “Inspiring The Community For a Greener Tomorrow.”

The open category featured the Ayoweng di Gangsa’s depiction of volunteerism during times of labor and celebrations in the Cordilleras; practices of the Kalinga people during planting, feasting, harvest, in complete costume by the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS)-Fort del Pilar Annex; Ampucao brgy and Camp 3’s entry on environmental degradation and re-greening; BCNHS Main’s Tribu Kalinga entry on celebrations after rituals driving infestations from their abundant harvest; Pinsao National High School’s Sakusak which focuses on protecting and preserving what deities have showered on them.

Kamora National High School, danced its way with the depiction of the Adivay festival of Benguet, a celebration of triumph of man’s relationship with earth, wind, fire and water.

For the float parade, the contingents were divided into a threesome with bands leading the way. Other guest performing bands were also present.

Among the competitors were Gold Dust Creations, Megapines Realty, GMA network, Taloy Norte farmers, Department of Agriculture CAR, International Pharmaceuticals, Phil. Seven Corporation, Allphones, Jollibee, Psalmstre, PIDC-TPLEX, MNTC-NLEX, Baguio Eco-Park, Beauche International, Smart Communications, AMA MAgsaysay, MLhullier, Le Monet Hotel and International Praise Center.

They were joined by the champion in the street dancing parade.             

Session road opens Monday, Feb. 24 up to March 2, as promenade area to the general public as with the Market Encounter; Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition, at Burnham Park and goes on until closing date.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan during the later portion of the parades thanked all cooperating bodies, groups, and volunteers who through their efforts ensured the health and safety of all participants and spectators. The Baguio City Police was augmented by personnel from the regional police office; while all emergency workforce are on hand. 

 As part of Administrative Order 20, series of 2014, issued by Mayor Mauricio Domogan earlier, the number coding for private vehicles is suspended on Feb. 24 and 25. This is to “provide local residents and visitors and their families, who come from different parts of the global village, convenient and stress-free journey around the city. “ This is to help boost the city’s identity as a premier tourist destination in the country, the AO stated.