Panagbenga fest contest winners known

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The Pamulinawen group from Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) and Mabini Elementary School won top places in the street dancing open category, high school and elementary division, respectively, during last Saturday’s showdown at Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park.

Open category first place winner Pamulinawen portrayed a hardworking fishing community with a thankful spirit for a bountiful harvest from the sea, as second prize winner props-laden Itogon Cultural Dancers depicted the success of a hunting community through unity and teamwork. Third placer Benguet State University danced through with a Moriones-inspired costume.

For the high school category, after BCNHS are the Kalinga Cultural Dancers, and Pinsao National High School; all portraying cultural dances of the Cordilleras.

Mabini Elementary School won for the top award in the elementary category for second straight year, as Baguio Central School came as first runner-up. Emilio Aguinaldo ES and Dona Aurora ES were second and third runner-up, respectively. The elementary school participants came in colorful glittering gowns and capes, with batons and crowns, flaglets and banners, with their own drum and lyre groups. Gigantic colorful and realistic backdrops were also provided, as with other accessories.

For the float contest, the North Luzon Express nature-inspired and flower-laden platform got the top plum; while the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Jollibee Corporation tied for the second place. The three were from the 16 contingents that displayed rolling fantasies down Session road, Harrison road up to the Athletic Bowl. Multi-colored flowers, moss and indigenous materials were crafted into human shapes, animals, dragons and birds included, baskets, mushrooms, indigenous pots, windmills, vegetables using roses, mums, daisies, and dry blooms statis and everlastings.

The announcement came during the press conference last Thursday at upper Session road.

According to Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the festival is a success due to teamwork and unity between and among government and private groups.

The city fielded a float depicting the cooperation between and among Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT) and their respective products to make up a vibrant, tourist-friendly and thriving community.

Member of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. Freddie Alquiroz said a proposal for a medium sized float has been made. A clamor for said contest category has been done as large floats entail more labor needs and expensive flowers. A review of the prizes is underway, specially for the floats, the mayor added.

We cannot compensate enough for the participants’ efforts and expenses in joining, except for our small token, heartfelt gratitude and prayers for them to be rewarded in other meaningful ways, the mayor added. The province of Pampanga and Philex Mines have committed in joining the float festival next year, Domogan also said.   

Hard-working committees were also commended during the press conference, including the Boy and Girl Scouts, National Service Training Program (NSTP) students of the University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Saint Louis University, socio-civic organizations, volunteers, the media, members of the Baguio City Police Office and Police Regional Office-Cordillera, the communication groups, and all other working contingents.               

The mayor also invited the general public to the closing ceremonies this Sunday afternoon at the Athletic Bowl. A raffle will be conducted, where prizes such as refrigerator, washing machine, and a ticket to Coron, Palawan will be given out.                   

It was noted that Baguio retains its being a tourist destination of the north, as to Domingo Ramon Enerio of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism. The Panagbenga festival promotes the northern part of the Philippines, showcasing the culture, history and the people, he said.

He suggested that whole-year round activities be conceptualized as tourist come-ons