BAGUIO CITY – The city’s major streets was filled with the resounding sound of the drums and the rhythmic music emanating from the lyres that were played by the members of the five competing drum and lyre contingents that paraded during the conduct of the grand float parade that was one of the highlights of the 29th edition of the Panagbenga.
The huge crowd that trooped along the parade route from the Panagbenga Park along South Drive up to the Melvin Jones football field cheered the members of the participating contingents as they passed by their respective vantage points to inspire and motivate them to showcase their best performances along the streets and during the field demonstrations that capped the day for them.
Each of the participating contingent were given two and a half minutes to enter the field, six minutes for their field presentation and one minute to exist prior to their being judged on which group stood out in the said competition.
Tears of joy rolled down the faces of the members of the El Tribu D. Lucban after the announcement was made that the group was this year’s grand champion for the drum and lyre competition in the elementary level as it served as a back-to-back feat for them following their victory in last year’s competition.
The el Tribu D. Lucban highlighted the city’s resilience in their performance that was likened to a flower. From its humble beginnings in the Cordillera region, facing challenges like the 1990 killer earthquake, typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic, the core city has evolved and honored its peoples as they played tribute to the Cordillera. Songs like ‘Musika,’ ‘Salamat,’ and “Salamin Salamin’ celebrate progress and the visual highlighted the city’s landmarks and culture the performance concluded joy, strength, unity symbolizing the city’s past, present and future. The champion took home the grand prize of P150,000.
Landing in second place was Apolinario Mabini Elementary School that brought home a cash prize of P100,000. The performance showcased that in the heart of Kalinga, where tradition and nature intertwine, the spirit of blossoms beyond boundaries comes alive. Amidst the breath taking Sleeping Beauty mountain, the graceful dance of the ‘banga’ reflects the resilience of the Kalinga people, carrying the legacy of their ancestors. Honoring po Whang-od, the last ‘mambabatok,’ her timeless art of hand-tapped tattoos symbolizes heritage flourishing beyond generations. As Panagbenga 2025 celebrates unity through blooms, Kalinga stands as a testament to its peoples’ beauty, culture and bundles spirit.
Placing third was the Tuba Central School that brought home a cash prize of P70,000. The performance told the captivating story of young girls and boys cultivating a thriving musical garden. Through intricate dance steps, the performers mimic the traditional Cordilleran practices of sowing, fertilizing, and watering seeds, as well as the pollination of flowers by butterflies. It culminated with a stunning display of blooming flowers and dynamic dances, set to music that seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements, celebrating Cordilleran culture.
The five participating drum and lyre contingents were given a subsidy of P100,000 each as part of the commitment of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFFI) to encourage more participation from the elementary schools in the annual grand streetdancing parade.
The grand streetdancing parade was bannered by three marching bands from the Philippine Military Academy that served as the lead band, the Saint Louis University (SLU) and the visiting Citizens Brigade Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite.
