Panagbenga or Baguio’s flower festival is one of the biggest celebrated festivals in the Philippines which also attract millions of tourists local and international. It is an annual event usually takes place in the month of February with a month long celebration and highlights are the street and float parade.
Panagbenga festival street parade
It was our first time to be part of this Panagbenga event, we were not able to get passes/IDs for taking pictures in the parade so our space was really limited and we just shoot whatever we can… 
it was a challenging situation for photographers because of guards/marshals guarding our every move and the big crowd of tourists everywhere.
Panagbenga festival street parade
Panagbenga Tips:
1. Apply for an ID/pass before the event.
2. Wake up early to get a good spot for taking pictures.
3. Point & shoot cameras can go handy, so bring if you have one.
4. Don’t mind the crowd’s reactions/comments else you can be in a fight.
5. Make sure you have eaten a full meal or bring crackers and water to sustain your energy.
Panagbenga festival street parade
6. Wear a cap and sun block. You don’t want to go home with burnt nose and cheeks!
7. You can bring a stool /chair or anything to step on in case you’ll be situated in the back most part of the crowd.
8. Be mindful of your movements and people around you especially when you are all squeezed in one place.
9. Watch, shoot and have fun!
Panagbenga festival float parade
The street parade was held on 26 Feb (Saturday) while the float parade was held on 27 Feb (Sunday), both in the morning around 8am until 11am. It was a morning of beautiful flowers, colorful costumes, and cultural traditions, good music, entertaining dance numbers and a lot more.
Panagbenga festival float parade
Being in Baguio and participating in their Panagbenga festival is really a fun and good experience. If you haven’t been here, put it on your list for next year’s travels.
Panagbenga festival float parade
For more pictures, check out these albums:
Street parade – http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=271547&id=228711662026
Float parade – http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=271560&id=228711662026
Great tips! Especially number 4: “Don’t mind the crowd’s reactions/comments else you can be in a fight.” This made me want to laugh because I know it does happen in reality! By the way, I used to have a hard time booking accommodations in Baguio during the Panagbenga festival! If it weren’t for Philippine Hotel Reservations Service I wouldn’t be able to find a place to stay. I suggest for all those looking for accommodations in Baguio you might want to check their website: http://www.philippinehotelreservations.com/hotels-in-baguio/
Thanks for dropping by!
Yeah, funny but it’s true, I had so much patience that time else…I can’t imagine what can happen… hehe!
We were there too and it was crazy crowded! Love the second photo
Hi.. we are going this year.. and i just wanted to ask, where or which spot were you at when you took these pictures???
It seemed you were on a good one
Hi James, haha really, it looked like we were on a good spot…
well, we had our spot at the foot of SM Baguio on the right side just above our hotel – hotel 45…I think that’s near the intersection before session road, but I would recommend you to get a good spot along session road, be super early so you’ll be in front of the crowd. Good Luck! 