Having said this, I am more inclined to believe in the “symbolic” meaning of celebrating the Panagbenga festival. This festival was first conceptualized for the purpose of boosting the city’s tourism economy after it was devastated by a killer earthquake more than two decades ago. Hence, the term “Panagbenga”, which sometimes can also mean “Baguio City in Bloom”.
I was able to attend the street dance parade on Feb 24th, 2013. I’ve been away from my hometown for quite a while and this is my first time to shoot at the Panagbenga Festival.
Click here to view the complete photo slideshow >> “Panagbenga Festival 2013”.