Every February, the country's summer capital transforms from its cold, cozy weather into a warmer, joyous climate as the city celebrates Panagbenga. A festival that commemorates the "season of flowers." This year's festival, with the theme "A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty," is projected to draw thousands of tourists to the city from February 1 to March 5, 2023. Aside from numerous activities and the much anticipated grand street and float parade, this gathering also showcases the Igorot culture.
History of Panagbenga Festival
Baguio was not originally a town during the Spanish colonial period with a patron saint with a feast day; it was made into a city by the Americans during their conquest of the Philippines. Therefore, the city leaned more toward American tradition rather than embracing Spanish heritage; thus, Baguio doesn't have a "fiesta" that is rooted within its local scene.
Due to such, the origin of the Panagbenga Festival began with the simple notion that Baguio City ought to have its own "fiesta" or festival celebration, similar to other towns and cities in the Philippines.
The idea went full bloom.
In the year 1995, Attorney Damaso E. Bangaoet, Jr. pitched the idea of staging a flower festival to the board of the John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation. Bangaoet insisted that the festival be held in February since the city is in its warm, pleasant weather. JHDC immediately agreed to the proposal, and the rest became history.
And the idea continued to flourish.
The actual festival officially began in 1996.
JPDC's objective was to promote the concept through a variety of community sectors, including government, education, business, the media, and civic organizations. Gaining support is the festival's first focus.
Under the guidance of Eric Jonathan Picart, the JPDC personnel and volunteers helped Attorney Bangaoet Jr. organize the advisory group. Ms. Rebecca Domogan, Ms. Gloria Vergara, Ms. Julie Cabato, Mr. Willie Magtibay, and Mr. Efren Chatto are all passionate about flowers. They created the festival's logo to symbolize the culture, history, and morals of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
Trisha Tabangin, a Baguio City National High School graduate, submitted a piece to the annual Camp John Hay Art Contest in October 1995, which the festival used. On the corner of Tabangin's entrance, Ben Cabrera (BenCab) decided to place a bouquet of sunflowers.
The festival hymn was written by Saint Louis University Professor Macario Fronda. In an Ibaloi dance for celebration, the beat and motions of the Bendian dance were incorporated. The circular motions of the dance represent peace and unity.
The first Baguio Flower Festival was launched with the theme "The Birth of a Tradition" by first lady Amelita M. Ramos in order to highlight the festival's environmental, tourist, cultural, and economic goals with a variety of events to celebrate. These activities included the selection of the Festival Queen, a Floral Parade with street dance and floats, a Market Encounter with a garden display, and a number of street dancing, marching band, landscaping, and flower arrangement contests.
From there, the origin of the Panagbenga Festival continued to flourish.
Panagbenga Festival officially unveiled
The phrase "Pangbenga" is derived from the Kankanaey term, which means "a season of blossoming; a period for flowering." Mr. Isikias Picpican, an archival curator at Saint Louis University, proposed this term. The Second Panagbenga was held in 1997, and since then, the festival has already traveled on its own.
Downtown Baguio is shut down for the now-anticipated "Session Road in Bloom," a brand-new event that allows businesses to expand their lots and let entertainment events take over the road. The Mansion House hosted the Baguio Flower Festival and Fashion (BFFF). The Flower Tee Golf Tournament was held concurrently with the BFFF.
Initially, the Panagbenga was a 10-day festival that took place over two weekends: the first weekend was dedicated to the launching ceremonies, the second weekend featured Session Road in Bloom, and the third weekend included the Grand Parades. Due to its popularity, the duration was increased to two weeks, then three, and finally, the entire month of February.
The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFF) was established a few years later to oversee the event.
The Panagbenga has consistently attracted extensive media attention as a result of the instantaneous success it has experienced since its inception. Every year, the citizens of Baguio put on the hottest performance for tourists, showcasing the strength of the local community spirit.
Looking at this event's yearly success, returning to the humble history of Panagbenga festival makes it more meaningful.
Panagbenga Festival Date: Baguio Flower Festival Schedule of Activities
The activities for Panagbenga 2023 were officially announced. It may be noted that the festival was postponed during the height of the pandemic. Last December, the city held the return of the annual Lantern Parade. Some other major celebrations were also held early last year. With this, tourists are anticipating the return of the same vibrant and joyous Panagbenga.
Panagbenga Festival 2023 Float Parade might be the most anticipated part of this year's edition, but other events are still within this month-long celebration.
Here is the list of Panagbenga Festival dates and activities to look forward to.
Schedule of Activities for Panagbenga Festival
- February 1 - Panagbenga Grand Opening Day Parade
- February 5, 12, 19 - Panagbenga Sundays Showcase
- February 16-18 - PMA Alumni Homecoming
- February 18 - Panagbenga Cultural Dance Competition
- February 19 - Fluvial Parade and Mardi Gras at the Lake
- February 24 - A Tribute to the Father of Panagbenga: Atty. Damaso E. Bangaoet Jr. Statue Unveiling Ceremony
- February 25 - Grand Street Dance Parade
- February 26 - Panagbenga Festival 2023 Float Parade
- February 27 to March 5 - Session Road in Bloom
- February 1-March 5
- Panagbengascapes: Professional Landscaping Competition and Exhibition
- Session Road in Bloom: A Market Encounter
Experience Panagbenga in full bloom through a condo in Baguio.
Nothing more spectacular than experiencing Panagbenga first-hand, and living in Baguio City is the fastest way to achieve it.
Ten-story Brenthill Baguio, modeled after the authentic Baguio architecture, has a function hall for large group activities, three lower ground-level main lobbies, a garden atrium, and other exciting amenities.
This ready-for-occupancy condo in Baguio allows buyers and tenants to enjoy a warm, enjoyable, and energetic condominium lifestyle that is a fusion of leisure and business. It offers the typical property unit kinds: studio, one bedroom, one bedroom with a balcony, and two bedrooms with a balcony.
Brenthill is just a minute-away drive from the downtown where the main Panagbenga activities will be held. With pleasant weather, convenient access provided by TPLEX, and other major road improvements, future homeowners can already have an annual experience at one of the country's most prestigious festivals.
For more information on Vista Residences, email info@vistaresidences.com.ph, follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
