BAGUIO CITY – The enchanting fusion of light, flowers, and artistic expression came to life as the Fifty Shades of Bloom officially opened at the Botanical Garden on February 13 until May 30, 2025. The event will run from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, transforming the city’s beloved green space into a breathtaking illuminated nightscape, setting the stage for an immersive floral experience.
Organized by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), the event marks the first Panagbenga Festival special of the Botanical Garden. According to Atty. Rhenan Diwas, the initiative was conceptualized as an extension of the Christmas Special of Botanical Garden, repurposing the holiday lights to create a fresh visual spectacle.
“This is an appreciation of nature, especially flowers,” Diwas said. “It is also a way of integrating our information education campaign through their lenses and photos, the public will be able to appreciate nature and its beauty.”
A major highlight of the event is the collaboration between CEPMO and around 50 photographers from Baguio and neighboring municipalities with a hundred illuminated photographs. These artists have contributed illuminated floral photography, seamlessly blending their works with the garden’s vibrant nightscape. This partnership not only elevates the immersive experience of the Garden Crawl but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty through artistic perspectives.
Visitors to the Fifty Shades of Bloom are invited to stroll through glowing floral arrangements, admire the captivating illuminated photography, and revel in the garden’s transformed ambiance. The event is expected to draw both locals and tourists, enhancing the Panagbenga Festival’s reputation as a celebration of artistry and nature.
With its unique blend of technology, art, and environmental appreciation, Fifty Shades of Bloom offers a magical escape into a world where flowers and lights intertwine, creating an unforgettable spectacle for all who visit. By John Hermarc P. Villanueva