Festivals!
By dolce_vita78
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
Philippines
February 8, 2008 10:46am CST
Our country is an archipelago made up of 7,107 islands and if I am not mistaken, about 80%, if not more, have their own festivals to boast of. Each city or municipality have their own festival. Our city is known for it's annual Flower Festival. This is very much similar to that of the Rose Parade held annually in Pasadena, California.
Baguio Flower Festival also known as Panagbenga Festival is one of the famous and world renowned festival in the Philippines. Baguio is also known as "Flower Garden City of the North" celebrates the festival in February and the highlights of the festivities includes flower, flower exhibits, lectures, garden tours, floral contest and a parade of floats.
In this festival, flowers rule! Held in February, it highlights Baguio as "The City of Flowers". Started in 1995,it reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. A festival hymn was composed by Prof. Macario Fronda, band master of the St. Louis University. To this music was added the rhythm and movements of the Bendian dance, an Ibaloi dance of celebration. The Bendian dance's circular movements speak of unity and harmony among the members of the tribe-themes foreshadowed the coming together of the various sectors of the community to bring the festival to life.
The festival acquired a local name, Panagbenga, meaning "a season of blossoming, a time for flowering". It is also a tribute to Baguio, which made a comeback after the devastating earthquake in 1990.
Panagbenga showcases the people's talent, artistry and ingenuity via performances, exhibits and more. It opens with a shower of rose petals along Session Road while marching bands played lively tunes that sets the mode for the parade. Colorful costumes and lively dance numbers come next followed by cleverly- crafted, vibrant and multicolored floats made entirely from flowers of every kind which never fails to delight and awe the spectators young and old.
Panagbenga represents the many facets of the "Summer Capital", its people and its heritage. Like the festival, the city blooms with brimming talent, natural beauty and indominable spirit. With the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Baguio, every trip to the City of Pines becomes a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Please share something about the festival/s your place is known for..
2 people like this
7 responses
@cdparazo (5765)
• Philippines
11 Feb 08
I am from Cebu City, the Queen City of the South in the Philippines and we have one of the biggest festival known in the country, the SINULOG. It draws tourists and expats from around the world every year. To find out more about Sinulog, you can check out the website www.sinulog.ph
Pit Senor!
@simplyman2006 (1706)
• India
7 Mar 08
i am from india . here in our india in every single month there will be 2-3 festivals come well in my religion there are many festivals which we celebrate.here in our punjab or india. we celebrates "HOLI" in march with colours. its simple u have to take colours and u have to put on others face or on clothes and we enjoy it very much.
1 person likes this
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
• Philippines
11 Apr 08
Wow! That festival must really be a great one!
1 person likes this
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
4 May 08
Philippines is a wonderful country. I have been to Manila once, just once. People are so nice and friendly. I can sense now that it is also a country of festivals and joy ! I wish I can be there at the "City of Pines" some day soon. I wish you a happy time.
I have been to Thailand once at the "water festival" time. That's when every one pours water on every one , singing and dancing ! That is a very joyful time too !
It's the time that augers in "New Year" too !
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
15 Apr 11
I grew up in Baguio too. I don’t usually go out during the parades because there are just so many people and I experienced walking from downtown Session Road to Camp 8 where we used to reside because of traffic. The vehicles are not moving at all. But I always looked forward to the Session In Bloom because there are a lot of foods on the streets.
I was born in Villasis, Pangasinan where they have recently established their Talong (Eggplant) Festival. Eggplant is the town’s prime product. I noticed that there are a lot of festivals in our country in honor of Saints and what product the town is known for. It seems these festivals would still increase as the years go by.
I was born in Villasis, Pangasinan where they have recently established their Talong (Eggplant) Festival. Eggplant is the town’s prime product. I noticed that there are a lot of festivals in our country in honor of Saints and what product the town is known for. It seems these festivals would still increase as the years go by.
@baicebu (2)
• Philippines
3 Jan 11
you may also check my page for Sinulog 2011... now and each day i gather some information for upcoming events, here is the link: http://baicebu.com/sinulog-festival/ . This Festival is must awaited Celebration in the Philippines, why not come over and experience the one dance one beat and one vision...
@baicebu (2)
• Philippines
3 Jan 11
now in each day i gather some information about Sinulog 2011... This must be the awating festival in Philippines. here is my page tribute: http://baicebu.com/sinulog-festival
@keithcortes05 (161)
• Philippines
11 Feb 08
Im from cebu, we celebrate here Sinulog, every third sunday of january, Last sinulog 2008 was really great,. great fun, fireworks and we part hard all night long!
