Panagbenga at SM City Baguio

MANILA, Philippines - With the Environment and Community in Harmony as this year’s theme, SM City Baguio joins in the Panagbenga Festival celebration this month with cultural performances, contests and visits from celebrities. Mall goers will be treated to sales and bargains.

The month-long festival was conceptualized as a tribute to the city’s beautiful flowers, and as way of rising up from the devastation caused by the earthquake in 1990. It began in 1995 with floats decorated with flowers and street dancing by groups dressed in flower-inspired costumes as they sway to the rhythm of the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration.

SM City Baguio has set up a Panagbenga Garden at the Market Fresh Area. Everyone can visit it until March 6. Inspired by the idyllic landscapes of Zaparita’s Garden, it’s a perfect place for photo ops.

The season of flowers is also a season of shopping. Don’t miss SM City Baguio’s Panagbenga 3-Day Sale for great finds and bargains.

Discover the best of Baguio through beauty and dance contests. The Search for Little Mr. and Ms. Panagbenga is on Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.; the Panagbenga Princess Pageant, Feb. 20, 4 p.m.; and RNB Dance Contest elimination, Feb. 25, 4 p.m.

There’s Kapamilya Karavan on Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. at The Drive while Kapuso artists will have a show on Feb. 27.

SM City Baguio rocks with the hottest bands from Feb. 28 to March 5 with Pointen on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.; the Bloom Brothers, March 1; and True Faith, March 2.

Capping the celebration are a street party on March 5 at 6 p.m. at The Drive; and a grand fireworks display, March 6, 8 p.m.