The steady roll of drums echoed through the cool Baguio morning air. Lyres chimed in bright, metallic harmony as performers moved in synchronized rhythm along Session Road. The crowd leaned forward, phones raised, children perched on shoulders, faces lit with anticipation. There was a rush in the air — a pulse that traveled from the performers’ steady trance to the spectators’ cheers. Every beat, every step, every swirl of fabric brought smiles, applause, and that unmistakable feeling: the highlight of the Panagbenga Festival is here.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Panagbenga Flower Festival, carrying the theme “Blooming Without End.” On February 28 and March 1, the festival reached its much-awaited weekend highlights — the Grand Street Dance Parade and the Grand Floral Float Parade — drawing thousands to the streets of Baguio City.
Grand Street Dance Parade | February 28, 2026
The Grand Street Dance competition transformed the city into a living stage. Contingents from different provinces and schools showcased their stories through intricate choreography, elaborate costumes, and powerful drum-and-lyre performances.
One of the most emotional moments unfolded at the Melvin Jones Football Field when Tribu Siglat from San Luis, Pugo, La Union was announced as the champion in the Festive Dance Category. Their performance highlighted the Tinungbo Festival, celebrating the traditions and identity of their municipality. The group will officially receive their ₱200,000 cash prize during the Panagbenga closing program on March 8.
Winners — Dance Festival Category
1st Place – ₱200,000
Tribu Siglat – Tinungbo Festival (San Luis, Pugo, La Union)
2nd Place – ₱100,000
Tribu Kanluran Jones – Pinilisa Festival (Mallanit, Jones, Isabela)
3rd Place – ₱70,000
Tribu Balitok a Pagey (Malasiqui, Pangasinan)
Participants – ₱50,000 each (subsidiary prize)
Drum and Lyre – Elementary Category
The energy did not wane as young performers filled the streets with impressive musical precision and spirited street dancing.
1st Place – ₱150,000
Mabini Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps and Street Dancing Group
2nd Place – ₱100,000
El Tribu d’ Lucban
3rd Place – ₱70,000
Tuba Central School Drum and Lyre Corps
Participants – ₱100,000 each (subsidiary prize)
Grand Floral Float Parade | March 1, 2026
The following day, March 1, the city bloomed even brighter during the Grand Floral Float Parade. Streets were lined as early as dawn, with spectators securing vantage points to witness intricately designed floats covered in fresh flowers. Each creation rolled down the avenue like a moving garden — roses, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers forming elaborate patterns and figures that reflected the creativity and craftsmanship of their makers.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Grand Floral Float Parade is the appearance of celebrities and well-known personalities who add extra sparkle to the celebration. Among those who graced the floats were actor and singer James Reid, actress Heaven Peralejo, and members of Ang Batang Quiapo, including Rosanna Roces. Actress Kyline Alcantara was also seen waving to cheering crowds from another floral masterpiece.
Beauty queens likewise brought elegance to the parade, including former Miss Universe Philippines–Baguio Gwendolyn Soriano and reigning Miss Universe Philippines–Baguio 2026 Roxie Baeyens. Joining them was Yllana Aduana, Miss Philippines Earth 2024 and a runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, among other distinguished guests who delighted festivalgoers.
How Panagbenga Began
The Panagbenga Flower Festival was born from tragedy. After the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake reduced much of Baguio City to rubble, the community faced not only physical destruction but emotional hardship. Businesses struggled, tourism declined, and families were left rebuilding both homes and hope. In the years that followed, city leaders, educators, local businesses, artists, and even neighboring provinces came together with one shared vision: to help Baguio rise again.
Panagbenga — a Kankanaey term meaning “season of blooming” — became that symbol of renewal. It was envisioned not merely as a tourist attraction, but as a declaration that the spirit of Baguio could bloom even after devastation. The festival united the Cordillera region and nearby provinces, whose contingents and cultural showcases continue to demonstrate solidarity and shared pride. What started as a recovery initiative has grown into a celebration of identity, artistry, and collective strength.
Integral to this celebration is the Panagbenga Hymn, composed by the late Dean Macario Fronda of Saint Louis University. His composition, originally written to inspire athletes, was later adopted as the festival’s official hymn. Its triumphant melody and uplifting rhythm echo through every street dance and parade, reinforcing the festival’s message of unity and perseverance.
Today, as drums thunder and floats roll past streets blanketed in blooms, Panagbenga stands as a living reminder that from broken ground, something beautiful can grow. Truly, it is blooming without end.
