Magic at Panagbenga

CEBU, Philippines - Can you imagine Cebu without Sinulog, Quiapo minus the Nazarene, Kalibo sans the Ati-atihan, Iloilo without Dinagyang and Bacolod without Masskara? All these festivities have become part of our identity as a nation.

The Philippines with its more than 7,100 islands, boasts of many colorful and historically interesting fiestas and festivals that are often religious and sometimes purely secular. These events reaffirm our people’s history, uniqueness and pride in ourselves. They offer the opportunities  for  experiencing and sharing  deeply rooted cultures and traditions. They likewise  afford  visitors  the chance  to  admire outstanding landmarks, unique tropical landscapes, partake of gastronomic delights and enjoy exciting nightfall activities.

As in the past years, a group of Cebuanos went up to Baguio to watch the spectacular flower festival — the Panagbenga, a word of Malayo-Polynesian origin meaning  “season of blooming.” We opted to take the Victory Liner deluxe bus and, as promised, the ride was very comfortable, with wide chairs that recline almost like a bed and a clean restroom inside.  A uniformed lady stewardess attended to our needs on the non-stop trip that took exactly four hours and 30 minutes.

We drove up to Camp John Hay, once upon a time the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. Inside the complex was the Baguio Country Club where we were billeted. There were numerous recreational facilities including an 18-hole golf course. The spacious rooms were equipped with excellent amenities and the courteous staff helped to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Thousands gathered under the clear blue skies to witness  Baguio’s yearly extravaganza  of fabulous  floral floats and  high-stepping marching bands. Themed “Inspiring the Community for a Greener Tomorrow,” the 19th  Panagbenga attracted over two million spectators. The celebration started with the traditional Cordilleran dance called “Pagsayaw sa Gansa.” This was followed with a street dance parade and drums and lyre by  elementary school students.

Decorated with thousands of flowers in every imaginable color, 22 floats made their way to the parade route amid thunderous applause and cheer. This year’s grand winner was the International Pharmaceuticals Inc., proudly from Cebu. The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region came in second while NLEX of Manila North Tollways Corp. came in third. Other participants included defending champion  Le Monet Hotel, City Government of Baguio, M. Lhuillier, SM City Bagiuo and a host of others.

Anthony de Leon, chairperson of the Panagbenga Festival and co-chair, Freddie Alquiros – incidentally a Cebuano – have perfected the art of incognito as they work together each year to put on a seamless–looking display of wonder and amazement for viewers along the parade route. What is truly unique about the organization are the people on the committees who have years of experience collectively. If there’s a problem, it always gets solved.

Definitely worth seeing were the artistic landscapes and colorful carpet of flowers at Lake Drive that have earned the reputation for creative excellence and intuitive design.

Curiosity found us  up and down  Session Road were  dozens upon dozens of stalls exhibited different wares from ornamental plants, home decors,  furniture, fancy jewelries and comfort foods such as Alabanza’s longganisa, Solibao’s shawarma, Gilligans’s tasty barbeque and lots of sweet strawberries.

The month-long festival culminated with the awarding of winners in the different competitions at the Athletic Bowl. Supportive  Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan was on hand to congratulate the champs and participants.

Without a doubt one of the most anticipated events  was the moving and impressive silent drill performed  by  the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy that left viewers awed and mesmerized. The PMA, as we know, is the bastion of the future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Panagbenga Festival in Baguio is considered a great potential for cultural entrepreneurship and, at the same time, a venue for various forms of cultural expression.