[BAGUIO PHILIPPINES HOLIDAY] Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City

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

1. 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.
2. Rain or shine it’s always good to bring an umbrella, the weather is unpredictable.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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

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

1. BenCab Museum 

BenCab Museum photo by John Derek B. Derequito

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.

5. La Trinidad Strawberry Farm 

Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad photo by Nica Guballa

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!

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