Panagbenga Festival 2006

The fragrant smells that could be presently teasing olfactory senses are probably less from the now-dried flowers from Valentine's Day than air wafting all the way from Baguio City. At this time of year, the City of Pines is almost surely in a flower frenzy over Panagbenga 2006, the city's biggest festival that is now on its eleventh year.

Panagbenga is a kankanaey term for "a season of blooming." It is also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, a tribute to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for as well as a celebration of Baguio's restoration. Since February 1995, it has been held to help Baguio forget the 1990 earthquake that devastated much of the city.

Panagbenga 2006 will have spectators enjoying a merged floral and float parades over two days. The Baguio Flower Festival Association (BFFA) will have a streetdancing cavalcade and band exhibition on Saturday, February 25, starting 8 AM. The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFF), meanwhile, will hold a parade on Sunday, February 26. So where should spectators be stationed to not miss any of the float and floral parades? Session Road and Burnham Park.

A search for the Mr. and Ms. Baguio Flower Festival, FM Panagbenga Pop Fiesta, Skateboard competition and Dolls of Japan exhibit were added to the BFFA calendar. The festival is supported by constituents of La Trinidad, La Union, Pangasinan, Marinduque and Masbate.

Other noteworthy events:
Bulaklak Rock Battle of the Bands at the Skating Rink on February 25 at 8 AM; Local Arts Show at the People’s Park February 27 to March 5 from 8 AM to 10 PM; Veteran Records Skateboard Competition at the Skating Rink on March 4 from 7 AM to 12 MN; Dolls of Japan Exhibit and Eiga Sai at the Baguio Convention Center Lobby on March 3 to 12; Kitefest at the Athletic Bowl on March 12 from 8 AM to 5 PM.

GETTING THERE
Baguio is accessible by air and land transportation. From Manila, the latter is the more popular choice, although at this time of the year, it may prove to be a hassle. If you prefer to fly to the City of Pines, some airlines maintain a daily schedule of flights from Manila to Baguio and back, like Asian Spirit. If, however, you opt for a four-hour joyride, there are a variety of bus companies, garage cars, and tour operators for the convenience of tourists and visitors.