Trips to Baguio’s Panagbenga & Hong Kong flower show set

One need not be a horticulturist to appreciate the Panagbenga, now one of the top three most colorful and exciting festivals in the country. Hundreds of thousands of tourists will converge in Baguio to enjoy the exuberant colors of the costumed street dancers, the floats and bands parades, the “Carpet of Flowers” similar to those abroad, the best garden competition, the flower bedecked boats in Burnham Lake and the fireworks display.

Over the years, foreign participation has multiplied. The Department of Tourism is giving awards to the establishments with the most attractive flower décor, making Baguio more festive indeed. The battle of the bands and concerts will also feature rock bands from Manila such as Parokya ni Edgar.

The trip organized by Adams Express Travel (536-1736) includes a visit to the miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag Church. House specialties at different restaurants will also be enjoyed by guests on this three-day affair from Feb. 21-23 (Friday – Sunday).

On March 7-10, Hong Kong will host its 2003 popular flower show and competition. There will be unique displays of exquisite local, mainland China and overseas flowers and plants with the winning competition entries. The competition is divided into 16 sections and 93 classes including scented flower, orchid, potted plant, foliage plant, bonsai, floral arrangement and floral art.

Dubbed as “Hong Kong’s show window in the horticultural world,” the flower exhibit will also have horticultural talks and demonstrations, music and dance performances.