Everybody’s friend Freddie Alquiros, a staunch believer of living life to the fullest, graciously invited a group of Cebuanos to experience and witness Baguio’s annual street dancing and flower festival popularly known as Panagbenga.
While it is always a pleasure to get away and explore exciting destinations such as Baguio, we were not prepared for the heartwarming hospitality that greeted us upon arrival.
We were billeted at The Manor, located within the lush greenery of Camp John Hay. Nestled within 246 hectares of beautiful prime land, the four-story structure with its sprawling, well-manicured, landscaped gardens is a splendid presentation of the city’s natural beauty and bounty.
The 177 rooms, including 52 well-appointed suites, are equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi Internet access, cable TV, a well-stocked refrigerator, electronic in-room safe and handsome furnishings. Simply not to be missed is The Manor’s Le Chef Restaurant on the ground floor, which serves contemporary dishes masterfully prepared by renowned chef Billy King.
In skinny jeans, lightweight jacket and with cameras on hand, we trooped to Session Road for the Grand Street Parade. We met up with Damaso Bangaoet, the “father” of Panagbenga, Anthony de Leon and Freddie Alquiros, chairman and co-chair, respectively, of the much-anticipated event.
In their crisp gray and white dress uniforms, the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy led the street dancing parade and band exhibition. In colorful costumes doing a steady and rhythmic forward walk, dozens of marching bands, instrumental musicians and a drum line participated as well.
Much too soon it was over but our excitement mounted as the much-anticipated grand float parade was just hours away.
Staged every year since 1995, the Panagbenga has grown from a local institution to an international event that’s just as fabulous as other flower festivals — but on a smaller scale — like California’s Rose Parade in Pasadena and the Bollenstreek in Holland.
The spectacular floats made from every imaginable petal, seed and root were grand and colorful. The masterpiece of the floral decorations — that a lot of people came together to build for this once-a-year event — certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations.
The winners were as follows: In the float category, SM City Baguio and Samsung tied for first place. The Department of Tourism came in second and San Miguel Brewery Red Horse third.
In the drum and lyre contest, Santa Teresita School of Tabuk, Kalinga, and Baguio Central tied for first place, followed by Mabini Elementary School, second, and Doña Nicacia Puyat Elementary School, third.
When we left the following morning, Freddie gave us a warm, big hug. We knew then that we would be back.