‘It’s the best in 18 years’

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Flowers bloomed in the streets of this summer capital yesterday as the major highlight of the month-long Panagbenga Festival – the flower float parade – took center stage.

“It’s so far the best in 18 years. It’s in fact the most colorful,” said Anthony de Leon, co-chairman of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc.

“The glamour and color is a living testimony to the booming creative industry in the country that must be nurtured to the fullest,” he added.

Rene Napenas, public affairs head of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, said the parade of 18 flower-bedecked floats was “one of the best, if not the best” among Philippine festivals.

For tourism director Purificacion Molintas, Panagbenga has brought not only Baguio but also the rest of the Cordilleras into the tourism roadmap.

Molintas said the 18 floats showcased local craftsmanship.

Last Saturday, tourists were treated to Cordilleran culture through songs and dances performed by several contingents.