My Panagbenga 2013 Experience

"There's no turning back."  That's all in my mind after an hour of waiting in Dau Bus Terminal in Mabalacat, Pampangga. And despite of my limited budget to see the most colorful festival of the season, I found myself on the way to the Summer Capital of the Philippines to witness the Panagbenga 2013!

Arriving at Baguio City at exactly 4 in the morning or February 24 was the bravest thing I did ever, I guess, in visiting this cold place up north. And with no itinerary whatsoever, really, I was left standing at Session Road looking at about hundreds of people, whom I thought were braver than me... because you know why? They are sleeping along the busy road of Session Road just to be on the front line when the Grand Float Parade takes its turn to wow the world.

I never thought that there are really people who would do that, but I guess die freezing and be on the front line is better than die at the back of the line and not see a thing of the most glamorous and blossoming parade of floats on this year's Panagbenga. Hehe.

Strawberry Indulgence at La Trinidad's Strawberry Farm

It's been years since I last saw this place, and during that time, strawberries where barely there. I'm just glad that with the recently concluded Eurotel Baguio Bliss, I had a chance to see again one of my top favorite places on earth! It's time to sing "Strawberry Fields Forever!"

Baguio, being famous for its cold weather and breathtaking scenery, is also famous for its red fruits called strawberry. Though, the farms of these sweet and lovely fruits are located at the higher slopes of Mountain Province, Baguio is considered the best market place to buy these delicious fruits.

And since Baguio Bliss is all about experiencing the best of the best, instead of just having strawberries from the market, the Eurotel Team that took us up to Baguio City, brought us to the closest strawberry farm that you could visit while in this lovely place, the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm.

Tam-Awan Village: Not Your Ordinary Village

Another tourist destination that one shouldn't miss when you are in Mountain Province is this one popular village that is located at the top of La Trinidad, Benguet. Just a few minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Baguio City, you'll surely feel that you're somehow on top of the world when you reach the top vantage point of La Trinidad, the Tam-awan Village.

Tam-awan Village is a cultural and arts village established and maintained by Chanum Foundation, Inc. Incorporated. It showcased some of our native's houses that were known up in the mountains.

When I got to visit this place a few days back, we were actually welcomed by these graffiti that I think were kinda off to the whole idea of Tam-awan Village. I'm not saying that the graffiti are not good, but I really think that it would have  been better if those graffiti are nature-related.

It’s Panagbenga Time!

Dubbed as the most colourful feast in the country because of its natural colors from the flowers used in the costumes and floats during the grand parade, which is always on the last weekend of this month-long festival, the Panagbenga means “season of blooming” in Kankanaey.

Every establishment, company, school and community participates in this very lovely festival in where they showcase their wonderful crafts and talent for designing and dancing.

And this coming February 26 and 27, the most awaited and anticipated Grand Festival Parade and Street Dance will be held once again on the busiest road of Baguio City - Session Road.

I’ll be out of town that weekend, but unfortunately, I wouldn’t be in Baguio City.

It is kinda sad because the first and last time I witness this grand event was last 2008, and it’s been three years now… It’s been a long time.