Friendly reminders before your Baguio Panagbenga trip

No doubt, Philippines is very rich in culture and celebrating fiesta in different regions is one evidence how significant this kind of celebration is. Through festivals, people will know the value of diversity and been able to accept all customs and traditions not only domestically but all over the world. One of the best representations of a happy festival in the Philippines is the Panagbenga or Flower festival held annually in the province of Baguio. The Flower Festival adopted the local Kankana-ey name “Panagbenga” which literally means “A season of Blossoming, A Time for Flowering.” It is usually a one month celebration every February with different activities, while grand parade happens every last week of the love month.

We have been to Baguio several times, but we never got a chance to experience their very colorful festival not until this February 2013 that got us the break to witness Panagbenga. Undoubtedly, Baguio’s flower festival is really a wonderful and happy experience especially for first timers. However, having experienced all the thrill and fuss, there are several learning experience and tips I would like to share to future Panagbenga travelers that might help them with their future planning.   

Panagbenga festival event tips

•     Book your Hotel as early as January

Panagbenga is a huge and famous celebration so expect that flock of people will go to Baguio to witness this colorful festival. Make sure that you have an advance reservation to your preferred hotel as most accommodation in Baguio becomes fully – booked as early as January.

•        Pick the hotel near the routes where the parade will pass by

Since we are not that choosy in hotel accommodation, we picked La Brea Inn as our choice of stay for 3 days in Baguio. We chose La Brea Inn since it has a very nice location near several food establishments (Army Navy, Mcdonalds, KFC, Chowking, Jollibee, ChicBoy) in Session road where the grand street parade and fluvial float pass by.  Aside from being so affordable (1700/night/room for 4) they also have balcony window on 4^th and 5^th floor where you can view the parade. La brea inn also offers clean and complete room amenities with free wifi connection and great customer service.  

La Brea Inn contact numbers : 0917-6087800 / 0923-2800395 (It's better to call them for fast response)

•        Book ahead your roundtrip tickets to Baguio

Expect flock of people on bus terminals especially after the festival so to avoid being a chance passenger, make sure you already have your reserved round trip tickets. The most famous bus line to Baguio is the Victory liner that offers you a hassle – free online reservation.  Usually, they accept reservations a month before the Panagbenga festival schedule. You don’t need to go to their terminal just to buy your roundtrip tickets; all you just need is visit their reservation site:  http://www.victoryliner.com/reservations/,your debit card or deposit the payment to Metrobank and they will send your reserved tickets via courier.

•        Travel light

When travelling, it is advisable to travel light so you will end up having lots of space for pasalubong, haha. Kidding aside, it is important when packing your things to have your list on what to bring so you will not forget anything you need. It is also helpful to ask the hotel if they will offer free use of towel and free toiletries to lessen your load.

•      Be an early bird during the parade

Both Panagbenga grand parades start at 8 in the morning and people already reserving good spots as early as 6 in the morning. As I have mentioned, you need to get a hotel with good location where the parade will pass by because it will lessen your time to walk from your preferred hotel to a good spot since all roads are closed during the parade. Since we checked in at La Brea Inn along Session road, it’s very convenient for us to go just downstairs and reserved a good spot in front of the hotel. During the street parade we reserved a sitting area around 6am while during the Grand flower float people were already taking a good spot as early as 5 in the morning.

•        Have your breakfast or bring some snacks

Since it’s a long wait, it is important to have your breakfast first so you have enough energy throughout the parade. Alternatively, you can bring your own snack or baon that you can eat while waiting for the parade. There are also lots of vendors selling street foods everywhere including sack or paper that can be your sit cover on your reserved area. 

•        Jam-packed food establishments

You must expect that after the parade everyone is rooting to have a good lunch at restaurants & fast food chain. As much as possible eat your lunch early or quite late as food stalls in SM Baguio and Session road are all full.  

•        Expect long walks and heavy traffic

Since all roads are closed during and after the parade, be prepared to walk for some kilometers either on going to SM or nearby tourist spots. You must also bring with you some patience as roads are full with vehicles that cause heavy traffic.

•        Don’t stay late at the Mansion and other tourists spots.

If ever having a side trip after the parade, make sure that you won’t stay late because you will have difficulties in getting public transportation as all FX services are full with passengers. Better yet rent the FX for a two-way ride with an additional charges.

Panagbenga festival is one of a kind flower festival you shouldn’t miss. You will be amazed on how locals dedicated themselves in making beautiful costumes and energetic dance moves. Your eyes will feast on different colorful costumes of every participant that’s really worth witnessing. The Grand Floral Parade was really refreshing and colorful. It was well attended, and included dignitaries such as Mayor, foreign delegations from Korea, Canada, Japan and local artists. (Bong Revilla & Indio cast; Robin Padilla & Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw Cast, Daniel Matsunaga, Shamcey Supsup, and Gary Valeciano. It’s really worth seeing festival in Baguio City, so colorful, so enjoyable and so amazing

A relaxing Holy Week treat in Baguio City April 5-6 2012

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines due to its high elevation, about 5000 feet above sea level, covered in thick Pine trees, surrounded by stunningly beautiful mountains and people so warm and friendly to everyone who likes to pay a visit and experience what the city has to offer, no wonder why every summer, Baguio is one of the best destinations in the Philippines for both local and international tourists. For over 4 years since the birth of our group “B4life”, we’ve been travelling this place back and forth and it has been included in our plans to visit and uncover the wonders of this “City in the skies”

For the third time, on April 5-6 2012, we were able to take our steps to one of our favorite destinations and this time with our friend Marvin. Going to Baguio City is never a hassle except when peak seasons comes e.g Holy Week, Christmas and specially the Panagbenga Festival which are yearly held in the month of February, but since we decided to have our short vacation on the said date, as expected, there were huge volume of passengers in every terminals going out of town. But travel will never be complete without this. We left Quezon City at 2:35 AM, Holy Thursday, with our bags and food enough for four days. It was a six hour bus travel from Cubao to Baguio city. As the sun rises, we saw the beauty of each town we have passed as we head straight to our destination. Just a quick reminder, before you get there, you need to pass four neighboring provinces which are the regions of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan. 

Victory Liner Fare (Air conditioned) Php. 450 one way

We arrived in Baguio City at 9 AM, nothing has really changed at all, we were welcomed by the cool breeze coming from the Pine trees and the mountains situated beside the City. Bus, Taxi and Jeepney are the modes of transportation. For back packer tourists, taxi should be your primary option so as to avoid inconvenience on your vacation, with a flag down rate of PHP. 45.00 equivalent to $1.00, you can go to any places in Baguio City hassle-free including its renowned tourist spots. 

Hotels are not a big problem, there are lots of world-class Hotels and Inns to choose from, but I recommend City Lights hotel and La Brea Inn, these two hotels have all the facilities you need for your short stay in the City. For budget conscious people but looking for bigger rooms fit for 8 to 10 people, Venus Park hotel is an option. You may also try transient houses for larger groups fit for up to 15 people and above. Finding a place where to eat out will never be a problem. Baguio City has lots of affordable restaurants to serve the visitors and tourists willing to try the northern food trip.  Here are a few.

1. Atenara House – Located at Claro M. Recto Road, renders a world class All-American Eat All You Can Roast Beef, Salad Bar & Pasta Buffet for PHP. 399/person.

2. Bliss Café -  Leonard Wood Road, offers all pure vegetarian dishes.

3. Café by the ruins -  Otek Street, Baguio City, offers ethnic cuisine such as native chicken and mountain rice served with palatable mountain strawberry desserts.

4. Little Johns – Camp John Hay, Baguio City,  known for their chocolate fondue, strawberries, banana and marshmallows.

5. O Mai Khan – Otek Street, offers authentic Mongolian barbeque.

6. Palizattta – A small bistro with a panoramic view of Session road. Their Tandoori Chicken is always visited by its patrons. Average check is Php. 270

But wait, do you know what are the tourist spots to visit once you and your friends get to Baguio?  I have prepared a short list about the must see places in and around the city that will help you organize your itinerary better. You need to plan ahead about the places to visit to save time and fuel because some of the places are isolated, the travel time may take a while but once you get there, you will find the places quite rewarding and worth time spending.

1. Botanical Garden – Just a few meters from the Mansion lies a place that depicts the culture and early living of the Igorot tribe plus enjoy the different kinds of flowers that only thrives in higher elevation like Baguio City.

2. The Mansion - Situated in the summer capital of the Philippines, was built in 1908 to serve as the official residence of United States Governor Generals and now one of the most promising tourist spot in Baguio City. Millions of people every year come to visit and take a picture of the beautiful structure and landscapes in the Mansion.

3. Wright Park Riding Circle – Just a few walks from Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of fun and amusement from horseback riding to picture taking at the Igorot replicas and shopping along the booths for souvenirs, this place is a perfect getaway to unwind and enjoy the cool summer breeze.

4. Mines View – Is a popular tourist attraction located within the limits of Baguio City showcases a 360 degree view of Benguet mountain range. Some say that Mt. Pulag (the highest mountain in Luzon is visible from the viewing deck of Mines View.

(Beware, there are fake or immitation Igorots all over the town, one of the best example is the guy on the right side wearing eyeglasses (Colorum Igorot Tribesmen)

If found, report to the policemen immediately :))

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5. Camp John Hay – Used to be a resting ground and recreational facility for employees of the military and the defense department of the United States in the Philippines in 1900’s offers a relaxing hide out for tourists who want to enjoy both nature and history.

Inside the Bell House

2008 photo

6. Burnham Park - Located at the heart of the highly urbanized City of Baguio, offers a fun treat for everyone, its two main attractions are boating and bicycle riding for Php.100

7. Bell Church Baguio City

8. Strawberry farm

delicious strawberry ice cream

9. Tam-Auan Village – Here in this small place beside the mountain lies the legendary houses of Ibaloi and Igorot tribesmen. Entrance fee is Php. 50.00/person and Php. 25.00 for students.

Baguio City is certainly one of the most sought-after places we always wanna visit, not because we want to escape from the noises and pollution of old Manila but to enjoy the nature and its vast culture. No wonder why millions of tourists including our group would come yearly to try a different northern escapade.