Features

Monday, February 3, 2003
The sight, sound (and smell) of Panagbenga
By May Anne Cacdac

THE MONTH of February is short in days (28 this year since it is not a leap year) but is long in festivities in the city of Baguio as it ushered in the opening of the month-long celebration of the 8th Annual Baguio Flower Festival or the Panagbenga, the season of blossoming.

What started out to be a humble revelry has turned into one of the biggest events in the city and the Philippines, a dream that has turned into a reality - for Baguio to showcase its inherent beauty.

This year's staging of the Panagbenga, a brain-child of lawyer Damaso Bangaoet of the John Hay-Poro Point Development Corporation, has been turned over by the JPDC to the City Government with Mayor Bernardo Vergara at its helm.

The opening parade, led by city officials was less than spectacular but nevertheless, inviting. After all, that was only the preview to the grand parade, which will be held on Feb. 22. And if this parade was only a preview, one can only imagine how magnificent the coming fanfare will be.

The organizations, barangays and establishments in the city came in full force to show their support. The participating schools and street bands exhibited their musical and dancing talents. With the lively Bendian dance (theme song of the Panagbenga) playing in the background, some spectators were up on their feet and danced along.

There are added attractions to this year's celebration: The Floral Carpet, the Burnham Lake Fluvial Festival and the Mr. Panagbenga bodybuilding competition.

However, there is one attraction that remains something to look forward to and that is the annual Market Encounter.

This year, the market encounter has found a new home. Past market encounters were previously held at the football field of the Club John Hay. Now, the event is held at the Melvin Jones grandstand, allowing it to be more accessible to the public.

This is the venue where plant growers and plant lovers come together. The market encounter showcases plants, flowers from the different parts of the country.

"Seventh year na naming nagpaparticipate dito sa flower fest. Masaya lagi dito sa Baguio (This is our seventh year of participation in the flower fest. It's fun here in Baguio)," said Beth, a horticulturist of Orchids International, based in Clark Field, Pampanga.

One can't help but wonder in awe about the time, effort, patience and love these people give to allow their plants and flowers become their beautiful best.

"Kailangan talaga ng pasensya pag nagtatanim at nagpapabuhay ng mga halaman. Ang iba kasi gusto instant ang result. Di naman posible yun. Parang mga tao yan, love and care ang ibinubuhos sa kanila (A lot of patience is needed in planting and caring for plants. Others want instant result. But that's not possible. Like a person, we should pour love and care)," expressed Aling Beth.

The landscapes are still there and you will not be disheartened to walk under the glaring sun as the display is really worth it. It seems that the landscapes only get better and better every year, displaying the full creativity and artistry of the hands behind them.

Aside from the plants and flowers that are for sale, native arts and crafts from all over the country are also available in the different stalls, positioned all throughout the field. One will surely feel proud to be a Filipino when they see how creative and how deft the Filipino hands are in creating such masterpieces. There are stalls selling clothing as well.

When you feel those hunger pangs, just sniff and your nose will lead you right to the food stalls. Those who love street food, eat at your hearts content because there are a lot to choose from!

If you think that once you've seen one market encounter, you've seen it all, better think again. This is where your eyes, ears and even mouths will have a feast.

And if you think that once you've attended one flower festival, you've attended them all, again, better think twice. The Panagbenga will surely just keep on getting more and more fascinating. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)