Introduction
Baguio City, the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," comes alive every February with the vibrant and colorful Panagbenga Festival. This month-long celebration, meaning "season of blooming" in Kankanaey, showcases the city’s rich history, artistic expression, and deep appreciation for nature.
This year was particularly special for me, as I celebrated my 30th birthday on February 20. My partner, Barry, whose birthday falls on February 25, and I decided to make it extra memorable by flying to Baguio to experience the Panagbenga Festival firsthand. The timing was perfect, as the much-anticipated street dance and grand float parade were scheduled for February 22-23.
How to Get There
We planned ahead and booked our flights with Philippine Airlines, the most affordable option at the time. Our journey started in Davao on February 21 at 2 AM, landing in Manila by 4 AM. From NAIA Terminal 2, we took a Grab Car to Cubao for ₱466, where we had breakfast before our bus trip.
To ensure a smooth journey, we had pre-booked our bus tickets through JoyfulBus online, costing ₱960 per head (one-way). For our return trip, we opted for the Victory Liner Royal Class, which featured comfortable beds—a unique experience for ₱1,550 per head.
Accommodation
We arrived in Baguio at 1 PM and had lunch while waiting for our 2 PM check-in. Our accommodation was a cozy Airbnb unit in Megatower 4, costing ₱9,300 for a 4-day, 3-night stay—an excellent deal for the entire condo unit.
Our Panagbenga Experience
Day 0: Arrival and Rest
After settling into our condo, we had planned to visit the market but ended up sleeping until 10 PM! We had a late dinner and rested for the big day ahead.
Day 1: The Street Dance Parade
Since our accommodation was near the parade venue, we assumed we would hear the commotion and wake up accordingly. However, we underestimated the schedule and, by the time we stepped out at 9:30 AM, the street dance parade had already ended, with spectators gathered at Burnham Park.
We made the most of the situation and enjoyed the festivities at Burnham Park. Later in the evening, I posted an update on Facebook, and my friend Jazz reached out. She, along with her partner Shane and friend Ann, was also in Baguio. We decided to meet up for dinner at Moch, a fantastic spot with breathtaking city views and a chilly atmosphere.
Day 2: The Grand Float Parade and Sightseeing
Learning from our previous day’s mistake, we woke up at 5 AM and secured a great viewing spot near SM Baguio by 6 AM. The parade started at 8 AM and concluded by 10 AM. I made sure to capture both photos and videos of the beautifully decorated floats, though my iPhone battery drained quickly due to recording in Cinematic mode.
After the parade, we met up with Jazz, Shane, and Ann again for lunch at Itogon Mountain Village | Cafe Stella, a cozy café with great food, WiFi access, and scenic views.
In the afternoon, we explored Camp John Hay, visiting the Cemetery of Negativism and the historic Bell House. Next, we headed to Dominican Hill-Mirador, known for its eerie ambiance. Though entry into the building was restricted, the foggy surroundings made for a thrilling experience.
We also did a quick hike at Mirador Heritage and Eco Park, which was a bit exhausting but totally worth it. To recharge, we stopped by Starbucks in Camp John Hay for coffee and to charge our phones. By 7 PM, we wrapped up an unforgettable day filled with adventure and laughter.
What started as a simple plan to witness the Panagbenga Festival turned into an enriching and exciting trip full of new experiences and memories.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s a summary of our per-person expenses:
Flight (DVO-MNL-DVO): ₱5,900 (with 10kg check-in baggage + 7kg hand carry)
Bus (Cubao to Baguio): ₱960
Airbnb Accommodation (4D3N): ₱4,650
Bus (Baguio to Cubao, Royal Class): ₱1,550
Grab Car (Airport-Cubao-Airport): ₱500
Food, Entrance Fees, Miscellaneous: ₱2,000
Souvenirs: ₱1,000
Total: ₱16,560 per head
The Panagbenga Festival was truly a remarkable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in culture, nature, and festive celebrations. If you’re planning to visit, book your flights and accommodations in advance, wear comfortable clothes, and get ready to be enchanted by the beauty of Baguio in full bloom!
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