Panagbenga 2009

Kapamilya artists Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu were seen on board the Surf entry during the Panagbenga Float Parade Sunday, March 1.

The two topbill the Tayong Dalawa teleserye of ABS-CBN.

Spectators call them Audrey and JR — their roles in Tayong Dalawa.

By Luzviminda Vergara

THERE’S a lot more than meets his eyes.

For a four-year old kid like Yngwie, Panagbenga is more than just the blooming of flowers, it’s not only the parade of floats and the showcase of dances, but an avenue of his youthful dreams.

This little boy from Irisan instantly expressed his excitement when asked about what he thinks of the festival. At a very young age, it is surprising to see the spark of appreciation in his eyes towards the beauty of the Flower Fest. So we say, when a child appreciates, he appreciates sincerely.

Yngwie’s mother says her son, like the other kids, enjoys watching the parade. “But what he is more interested in are the PMA cadets marching along with their flag,” she added saying her son wishes to be like the cadets.

How this young boy looks up to the big boys marching down the session road in their military attire and stiff upright posture is indeed noteworthy since it has left a trace into his juvenile mind. Admiration and respect, that’s how I call it.

He is likewise fascinated with the boys in the band beating the drums again telling her mom he wants to do the same when he grows up.

“He is very vocal and appreciative,” mom says,” when he likes something, he tells it to me instantly … and you can easily notice it because he gets too excited and happy.”

And then comes the street dancers dressed in beautiful flower-accented costumes gracefully rendering their dances to the amazement of the audience, including this kid.

Upon seeing them, he again turns to his mom and say ” ang galing naman nila mommy, gusto ko din sumayaw ng ganyan!” he shouts. ” Sasayaw din ako diyan paglaki ko…”

Cool young fellow. He maybe confused of what he would like to be but a sure thing is, he intends to follow the footsteps of his “models” - those people in the parade who have been remarkable and exemplary to him.

From our psychology lessons, we learned that imitation is at high susceptibility during early age. Children tend to imitate the person or things they observed. There is even this adage, ” kung ano ang ginagawa ng matatanda, ay siyang tama sa mata ng mga bata.”

Well, this is something to ponder. NOw that we are witnessing the highlights of the 14th Baguio Flower Festival, we anticipate another episode which will mark not only on Baguio’s history but also leave a lasting impression on our children’s minds.

For those who will take part in the celebration especially the float parade and street dancing parade, be it little or big, your roles or performances count. So, why not give your best shot? Many little eyes are watching over you.

For kids like Yngwie, Panagbenga doesn’t stop after February. But, it is just the beginning of their journey in realizing what they aspire and ought to be. At least, there is something to look forward to. More importantly, what lies behind the nonchalant sophisticated facade people see, are little silent dreams of the young ones.

Truly, as the this year’s Panagbenga theme signifies, ” Our Festival, Yours Too!” But more importantly for kids, it is their festival too. (Sun.Star Baguio)

THIRTY-FOUR works of nine local photojournalists are now on display at the Rumors Bar along Session Road.

Titled “Coverage: Panagbenga,” the 34 photographs of Rizaldy Comanda, Artemio Dumlao, Rick Reyes, Thom Picana, Manny Fortuny, Andy Zapata Jr., Gloria Tuazon, Monch David, and Richard Balonglong will be on display for at least a month. continue reading