30 floats mark 30 years of Panagbenga

BAGUIO CITY — Thirty floats joined the Grand Float Parade on 1 March as Panagbenga marked its 30th year, with entries rolling from Session Road down to Harrison Road and toward the Melvin Jones Football Ground.

The Baguio Flower Festival, also known as Panagbenga or “season of bloom,” celebrated three decades under the theme of enduring growth and renewal. Competing and non-competing entries filled the city’s main roads with thousands of fresh flowers arranged into elaborate designs.

Leading the non-competing category, the Baguio City government presented a float marking both the festival’s 30th anniversary and the Year of the Fire Horse. White and maroon chrysanthemums formed equine figures pulling a wooden carriage, recalling the early days of horse-drawn transport in the highlands. Sunflowers and red roses were incorporated to symbolize resilience.

The Department of Tourism–Cordillera showcased a “Love the Philippines” entry featuring endemic flowers in bright hues, with performers in traditional Cordilleran attire set against a mountain backdrop.

AB Leisure Exponent introduced a treasure hunt-themed float designed to add playful elements to the parade route.

Hall of Fame awardee Baguio Country Club presented a K-pop-inspired concept blending contemporary pop culture with traditional Baguio imagery. The float emphasized hospitality and longevity, highlighting the club’s century-old presence in the city.

SM Prime Holdings reflected on Baguio’s recovery from the 1990 earthquake through a design that juxtaposed broken stone structures with a central Mother Nature figure seated atop stylized rice terraces. The display symbolized renewal and resilience.

In the small category, Radiowealth Finance Company highlighted financial empowerment using sustainable materials such as anahaw leaves. BB Wedding and Events Styling presented an infinity-themed float featuring oversized florals and a diamond ring motif. Jam AE Enterprise used bee and sunflower imagery, incorporating recycled and locally sourced materials. Euricka Garden depicted a horse and Igorot rider to represent cultural continuity.

The medium category included Wright Park Hotel, which featured metal sculptures by local artist Bumbo Villanueva, including the Lotus Deva symbolizing rebirth. Food brands Chowking, KFC and Mang Inasal also participated, presenting floats inspired by their signature products alongside highland elements.

Large category entries featured International Pharmaceuticals Inc., which used bamboo and white flowers to represent wellness, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority with a golf course-inspired design. McDonald’s presented a “harvest of golden moments” concept with oversized floral versions of its products. Sunsilk incorporated cascading floral waves, while Jollibee and Chooks-to-Go added whimsical touches. Zaparita’s Garden closed the lineup with peacock and swan figures adorned with blooms.

The Grand Float Parade capped the festival’s 30th year, underscoring Panagbenga’s enduring role in celebrating Baguio’s culture, creativity and resilience.