30 Floats for 30 Years! Panagbenga Festival Turns Baguio Into a Blooming Paradise
Baguio City was in full bloom on Sunday as 30 stunning floral floats rolled down Session Road for the Grand Float Parade, marking the 30th anniversary of the Panagbenga Festival. Under the theme 'Blooming Without End,' the parade transformed the city's main streets into a breathtaking moving garden of fresh flowers.
The Baguio City government led the non-competing entries with a float celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. White and maroon chrysanthemums formed horse figures pulling a wooden carriage — a nod to the city's early days of horse-drawn transport. Sunflowers and red roses symbolized resilience, a fitting tribute for a festival born from the aftermath of the devastating 1990 earthquake.
Competing floats brought creativity to another level. SM Prime Holdings juxtaposed broken stone structures with a Mother Nature figure atop rice terraces, symbolizing renewal. Baguio Country Club surprised everyone with a K-pop-inspired design, while fast food giants Jollibee, McDonald's, and Chowking brought whimsical touches with floral versions of their signature products.
The parade featured entries across three categories — small, medium, and large — with participants ranging from local businesses to national brands. International Pharmaceuticals used bamboo and white flowers for a wellness theme, while Zaparita's Garden closed the lineup with gorgeous peacock and swan figures adorned with blooms.
The Department of Tourism-Cordillera also showcased a 'Love the Philippines' float featuring endemic flowers with performers in traditional Cordilleran attire. The 30th Panagbenga underscored the festival's enduring role in celebrating Baguio's culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Source: Daily Tribune
