The Festival of Blooming Flowers or Panabenga Festival is a month-long annual festival in Baguio. The term ‘panabenga’ was derived from Kankanaey, which means ‘Season of Blooming’ This festival that is celebrated annually every February, was created to tribute the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. It also reflects the history, traditions, and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
However,
COVID-19 or 2019 Novel Coronavirus hit the Philippines, Baguio
officials announced that the Panabenga Festival activities will be moved
through March until April.
Below
is the updated schedule of activities from www.panagbengaflowerfestival.com
WHAT
TO EXPECT
One
of the main highlights of the festival are parades featuring floats decorated
with flowers and street dancers coming from different tribes and/or
participating schools floral-themed costumes and props symbolizing Baguio’s stunning variety of flowers.
What
you can expect from the month-long festival are the Opening Parade which is
rescheduled on March 21, 2020, the Canao or Kanyaw a traditional dance or
ceremony of the indigenous mountain people of Northern Luzon, bazaars and
fairs.
TIPS
WHILE ATTENDING THE PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
- When you travel to another place may
it is inside your country or outside always check the weather before you head out to your destination. This way you won’t have to worry about what
to wear and what to bring with you for convenience.
- Rain or shine it’s always good to
bring an umbrella, the weather is unpredictable.
- You are going to unfamiliar ground,
secure all of your belongings so you won’t have any problems and you’ll be
able to enjoy your trip!
- Planning ahead requires you to reserve
your transportation and accommodation tickets in advance. Though some
hotels and some bus terminals take on the day purchase reservation is the
key for a worry-free trip.
- Amidst the
COVID-19 issue taking extra precaution is needed, wear a face mask, and
always practice proper hand hygiene.
HOW
TO GO TO BAGUIO CITY
A. By Bus from Metro Manila
 |
| By car, you can reach Baguio City in 4-6hours. Screenshot from Google Maps |
A. By Bus from Metro Manila
There
are many available bus trips to Baguio. Some leave Avenida in Manila, Pasay,
PITX (Philippine Integrated Terminal Exchange) in Paranaque, or Cubao in Quezon
City terminals daily on an hourly basis.
Going
to Baguio on Regular Aircon bus trip would cost as low as 475 - 496 depending
on the bus line and location of the terminal.
These
are the popular bus lines offering transits to Baguio City:
Victory Liner
Partas
Joy Bus
Genesis
Pine Tree Transit
Solid North
Philippine
Rabbit
Travel
time will be approximately 6-7 hours (or longer) during Panagbenga Season.
B. Via
private vehicle:
On an
average of 4-6 hours drive, tourists can reach Baguio City by car, though it
takes much longer during holidays, long weekends, Holy Week, and Panagbenga
Season, etc.
Drive through NLEX.
Take Exit 85 right into SCTEX.
Transfer to the right lane and drive to Baguio
via Tarlac.
Take the Tarlac exit and follow the road signs
that will go to MacArthur Highway.
Once on MacArthur Highway, drive straight to
Tarlac and Pangasinan upon reaching Rosario, La Union.
From the Rosario junction, turn right into the
famous Kennon Road. This is the most popular and scenic route up Baguio City.
For
those who prefer the wider lanes of Marcos Highway, drive further into Rosario
and turn right towards the new entrance.
WHERE
TO GO WHILE IN BAGUIO
Other
than joining the Festival you can always drop by to these places and complete
your trip while in the Summer Capital of the Philippines
Owned by the renowned national artist, Ben Cabrera, the museum is filled with paintings, sculptures, and installations that can both rattle and inspire you. Occasionally, the artist himself shows up in the museum, when he does, you can have a photo taken with him or if you’re brave enough you can strike a conversation with him.
2. Camp John Hay
 |
| Bell Amphitheater at Camp John Hay photo by John Derek B. Derequito |
This particular destination is named after US President Theodore Roosevelt’s Secretary of state John Milton Hay. Discover and appreciate history at the Bell House, have fun at Tree Top Adventure or be one with nature at the Butterfly Sanctuary or the Yellow Trail Hike.
3. Burnham park
Do
you just want to relax? Have a fun day outside at Burnham Park, you can have a
picnic, bike, or even ride a boat swan at the lake.
4. Mines View Park
Just located at the northeast side of Baguio City, Mines View Park offers a panoramic view that overlooks the mining town of Itogon, a sight of the Amburayan Valley can also be witnessed at the view deck. The park also offers a splendid spot for picture taking with the alluring view of the mountains as a background.
Surely you have known you can pick fresh strawberry at Baguio City. Visit one of the famous strawberry farms - La Trinidad Strawberry Fields to pick fresh strawberries. These are the best pasalubong to bring home and a special treat to yourself if you’re a big fan of strawberries.
Many
roads may be closed or filled with people from different parts of the country
and the world but attending the festival will be the highlight of your trip
surrounded with a lot of dancing, street parties, and perfectly timed drum
beats, stunning performances of the dancers and the beautifully decorated
floats. Baguio is a must-visit any time of the year!
***
Need help with planning your next trip? Visit Rakso Travel's website at www.RAKSOTRAVEL.com or send an email to support@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to a travel representatives call at +63 (2) 8651-9000.
Find out the cheapest airfares and book your air ticket now through Rakso Travel Online Air Ticket Reservation System.
Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get more travel updates!
2 Comments
The television campaign for Enterprise Rent-A-Car with a car wrapped up in paper and with the slogan 'We'll pick you up' has made the enterprise famous for their offer to pick up the customers and bringing them to the rental office. Rent an exotic car
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you for sharing article with us, I value your information. Check this also - Used Tractor
ReplyDelete