Baguio City – SM City Baguio has lined up blockbuster events that include music, dancing, concerts and performances by some of the country’s most popular artists in order to contribute in spicing up the 20th edition of Panagbenga in the Summer Capital.
Karren Nobres, SM City Baguio Public Relations Manager, explained the mall management tries to complement the government-led and community-supported events by bringing in several of the country’s well-known artists that would add up to the magnitude of the crowd that will flock to the city during the highlights of the flower festival.
“Let’s get romantic on February 14 as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and feel the love songs that will be serenaded to us by the Music of the Hearts at the Atrium, 5PM,”Nobres said.
As part of its contributions for the celebration of this year’s Chinese New Year on 19 February 2015, she said SM will be showcasing the traditional lion and dragon fun dances in order to attract prosperity for everyone which will be done at the Events Center, 5 pm, a part of the festivities for the Year of the Goat.
In addition to the numerous activities lined up for the Chinese New Year by the organizers, there will be a Wushu performance and Chinese calligraphy courtesy of Bell Church on January 20 at the Events Center, 5PM.
“Join the fun and games and watch the two-day fun-filled and action packed Jollibee Fair for the kids with a special appearance by Jollibee and the whole gang from Jollitown on February 20-21 at The Drive, 10AM,” she added.
Kapuso artists from GMA’s top-rating shows will visit the mall to greet their fans on February 28 at the Drive, 5PM.
“It’s Panagbenga 3-Day Sale on February 27 to March 1. Three days of great finds & selections. The season of flowers is also a season for shopping up to 50% discount on selected items. Visit our participating establishments at SM City Baguio,” Nobres added.
90’s band Freestyle comes back with a fresh voice of Ava Santos with their blend of Pop, R&B and original songs on March 1 at The Drive,5PM.
Let’s Rock and Roll at the Drive will be on March 6 at 5 PM with the premiere concert performer and The Voice Philippines Judge Bamboo Mañalac.
Performances will segue to a grand fireworks display for the Panagbenga Closing Celebrations on March 8 at The Drive, 8PM.
The Panagbenga Festival has been held in February each year since 1995, which features floats abloom with flowers, much like Pasadena’s annual Rose Parade; street dancing with an ethnic touch; market encounters, and other activities. The Igorot ethnic culture is showcased in the festivities– through the street dancers’ Cordillera inspired costumes, and the popular Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration.
Two of the festival’s highlights, the Street Dancing Competition and the Float Parade, will take off just below SM City Baguio. The Grand Street Dancing Competition, will be on February 28 while the Grand Float Parade will take place on March 1, 2015.
Nobres appealed to the public to visit SM and join the fun and surprises to be offered by the management during the duration of the flower festival.