Panagbenga Float Parade marks historic milestone

BAGUIO CITY — Thousands of spectators lined the streets of the summer capital Sunday as 30 floral floats paraded from Session Road to the Melvin Jones Football Grounds to mark the 30th anniversary of the Panagbenga Festival.

The milestone celebration, themed “Blooming Without End,” featured small, medium, and large floats adorned with thousands of fresh blossoms, celebrating the city’s legacy of resilience since the 1990 earthquake.

Leading the non-competing entries, the local government of Baguio City presented a tribute to the “Year of the Fire Horse.” The float featured equine figures made of white and maroon chrysanthemums pulling a wooden carriage, a nod to the horse-drawn transport common in the Benguet mountains during the early 20th century.

Meantime, the Department of Tourism Cordillera followed with its “Love the Philippines” entry, showcasing endemic pink and purple flowers and Cordillerans in traditional attire against a mountain backdrop.

In the Large Category, SM Prime Holdings presented a narrative of healing. The rear of the float depicted broken stone structures representing the 1990 earthquake, while the center featured a figure of Mother Nature seated above the rice terraces.

Corporate entries reimagined brand icons through botanical artistry. McDonald’s displayed a French fry carton overflowing with golden petals and a floral Big Mac, while KFC featured a giant bucket made of flowers.

The Sunsilk float utilized peach and orange floral waves to simulate cascading hair, and Jollibee showcased a rotating replica of the Mines View Park observation deck.

On the other hand, the Baguio Country Club, a Hall of Fame awardee, drew inspiration from modern culture with a K-pop-themed float that blended global music trends with highland hospitality.

Small and medium category entries focused on sustainability and local heritage. Jam AE Enterprise used recycled components and locally sourced foliage to create a sunflower and honeybee design.

Wright Park Hotel debuted a float featuring metal sculptures by local artist Bumbo Villanueva, including a “Lotus Deva” sprouting from a sunflower to symbolize rebirth.

The parade concluded with a display from Zaparita’s Garden, featuring a floral peacock and swans.

The Grand Float Parade serves as the highlight of the monthlong Panagbenga, or “season of blooming,” which remains the premier cultural and tourism event in the Cordillera Administrative Region.