The huge crowd that gathered along the 4-kilometer parade route from Upper Session Road up to the Melvin Jones football field were wowed by the thirty-three competing and non-competing floats that were beautifully designed to showcase the artistry and diverse culture during the Panagbenga grand floral parade last Sunday.
Escorted by the various marching bands from inside and outside the city and the winners of the drum and lyre and festival dance categories of the grand street dance parade, the four non-competing floats, , two small floats, three large floats and fourteen medium floats paraded along the route filled up with spectators who were in their desired vantage points as early as 4 am to witness one of the major festival highlights, the grand floral parade that started around 8 am.
From the previous 18 to 24 participating floats presented by both the government and private entities, this year’s participation to the grand floral parade increased to 33 following the decision of the organizers to re-classify the participating floats to small, medium and large from the previous small and large categories.
The floats were primarily made up of fresh flowers that were grown by flower farmers from the nearby towns of Benguet and other materials in compliance to the criteria that the floats should be made up of at least 95 percent fresh flowers and greenery.
It took some time for the members of the board of judges to decide on the winners of the grand floral parade because of the quality of the floats that were presented. Former Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan, who is the Chairman for Life of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), claimed that he approached the members of the board of judges right after the grand floral parade to inquire on their decision but he was informed that the results were still being tabulated because they had a hard time deciding on which among the floats will be declared the winners. The members of the board of judges are officers and members of the World Flower Council.
The float of the Pangasinan Solid North Transit was declared as the grand champion in the large category. It represents the fusion of modernity and tradition. It presented the familiar of engines that harmonize with the lively beats of the parade that created a symphony of celebration of connectivity, community, and the shared joy that defines the Panagbenga spirit.
Placing second in the large float category was the float of Jollibee Foods Corporation with the theme ‘Blossoming Joy.’ It encapsulated a rich tapestry of themes and symbols, weaving tradition, modernity and community spirit into a vibrant spectacle. At its core, the concept celebrates Baguio’s heritage and progress, infused with the brand’s commitment to fostering unity and joy among the people. It also integrated the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural symbols adorned with floral motifs that pays homage to its rich heritage and infuses the float with a sense of local identity and ownership. It serves as a visual reminder of the community’s deep-rooted traditional and cultural richness, inviting outlookers to connect with their heritage and feel a profound sense of belonging.
The float of the State-owned Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) landed third. It presented a visual masterpiece representing the natural beauty of TIEZA’s Balicasag Island Dive Resort in Panglao, Bohol. The design celebrates the fantastic natural wonders of the island, with a miniature representation featuring coral reefs and marine life in the dive resort. Crafted with eco-friendly materials, the float’s vibrant colors and intricate details showcased the richness of the island’s marine biodiversity. It symbolizes and honors the harmony of nature at Balicasag. It is a moving snapshot, inviting the audience to TIEZA’s commitment to nature and sustainable tourism during the festival.
In the medium float category, comebacking Chowking stamped its class by besting the thirteen others as it emerged as the grand champion. The float showcased intricate Chinese decorations that pay homage to its brand and good food for sharing featuring their family Lauriat. It was covered with floral elements that are dominantly red and believed to bring good fortune and positive energy. Further, it illustrates the beauty of diversity and stability and illuminates the Panagbenga festival with its floral presence.
The float of Procter and Gamble Youthopia landed in second place. It introduces Safeguard’s latest innovation, the new Safeguard White Camella, that sets to transform how Filipinos perceive anti-bacterial soaps from severe to seriously fun soft-skin protection while staying true to its legacy uncompromising germ protection. It was designed like a shower tub floating through the city, it re-imagines the joy of showering. It was made of white petals infused with white camella extracts, it is soft to the touch even at a glance just like the best lather-feel of the soap and embodies the essence of the soft-skin benefit and long-lasting scent.
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s float placed third. It symbolizes one of the world’s most iconic food symbols, the KFC Bucket. Its finger-licking good chicken is enjoyed in more than 145 countries worldwide and more than 25,000 restaurants. The bucket of chicken symbolizes the tradition that KFC carries from generation to generation, KFC’s original recipe represents its unmistakable taste, the top secret, unique blend of eleven herbs and spices that was perfected by Col. Harland Sanders and is still used today. In the Philippines, it is best served with the KFC signature gravy.
The entries of Zaparitas Garden in the small float category garnered first and second places. The floats showcased real flowers such as gumamelas, sunflowers, mushrooms, bonsai trees, natural stones among others. The floats depicted stories of blossoming tales of floral fantasies.
With the successful conduct of this year’s grand floral parade, the BFFFI is looking into greater participation of both government and private entities in the future staging of the Panagbenga because of the inclusion of the small, medium and large float categories that will allow them to select on which among the categories will they present their floats. By Dexter A. See