Thousands of flowers have once again painted Baguio City on its annual Panagbenga Festival. The highlight and the grandest among the month-long series of events was held last February 28 – March 1, 2009.

Panagbenga, is a local (Ilocano) term which means “season of blossoming.” Because of its cold weather, Baguio is renowned for its spectacular blooms that are sold around the Philippines and are sometimes exported abroad.

The Grand Street Parade (Feb 28) featured street dances from students in Baguio and other sponsored groups. Most of the performers I have seen were kids and they were really good. The costumes were very beautiful, and some are even came dressed as a flowers.

The Grand Float Parade, the most awaited and most celebrated Panagbenga event was held last Sunday, March 1, 2009 at around 8am. It showcased like 20 floats with different themes and dressed up with lots and lots of flowers!

The street dancers interpreted one particular song- the Panagbenga theme song that gave me ear worms. I can still hear it!(Tenenen tenenen tenenen.. ahaha.) it sounded happy anyway.   oh gosh. earworms! i can’t resist humming the tune!!!

Some local celebrities also joined the parade which made the crowd cheer louder.

I think this year’s celebration must have been the grandest. reason is, aside from Panagbenga, Baguio is also celebrating its 100th year of inauguration as a city.

Just to give you some tips,  it’s better to arrive a day earlier so that you can come early to the parade and have a very good view especially if you are into photography. Also, tour around the city. Baguio has a lot of interesting places to go to.