Let me just share this bit by Ms. Julie Fianza about the upcoming events for the Baguio Flower Festival Panagbenga Parades on Feb. 24-25 By: Julie Fianza Email: news@baguiocity.com Posted: February 16, 2007 09:54:36 PM GMT(+8) BAGUIO CITY-The city’s main roads, parks and tourist spots are expected to be crowded with local and foreign visitors as the Panagbenga’s popular and most awaited streetdancing, flower and float parade goes on this coming weekend, Feb. 24 and 25. Acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. thus asked for indulgence among the general public during this time, as since the city is considered as a premier tourist spot, crowding could not be avoided. The traffic number coding scheme has also been suspended, thus, more private vehicles are expected in the streets, the acting mayor added. The parades, expected to be participated in by the city’s barangays, elementary and high schools, business establishments, socio-civic groups, and flower growers, are scheduled to start both at 8 AM, on Saturday and Sunday from atop Session road and weave its way through Session road and Magsaysay avenue to Burnham Park. A variety of shapes, styles, forms and quaint designs of flower floats are also expected with the profusion of blooms, courtesy of green thumbs under shade of green houses, here and in the province of Benguet. Said floats are expected to elicit awe from plant enthusiasts among the locals and tourists alike. On-going activities for the festival are, the Barangay beautification in chosen barangay venues; school-based activities in city schools; Market encounter, International Trade Fair and Mindanao Bazaar, all at Burnham Park; the Baguio Art Galleria Painting Exhibit at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC); flower trading post at the Art Area Filling Station at Camp John Hay; and, the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS). A medical mission also goes on at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) on Feb. 19, through the concerted efforts of local doctors and those from the US who deem it proper to share their expertise with Baguioites. On Feb. 20, 21 and 22, the doctors shall move to Dontogan barangay court, Irisan barangay court and City Camp Proper for more services to the needy. On February 20-21, Jazz Up your Jeans, a bleach art contest is open to those who would want to design their jeans, at SM City Atrium, while on Jan 23, several activities are scheduled: at 7 AM, the Mr. Panagbenga at the BCC; I FM Pop Fiesta 2 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl; 6 PM, Wedding Made in Heaven Fashion Show and Santacruzan at the Baguio Cathedral and Session road; 4 PM, Flower Princess coronation at the FB bldg, University of Baguio; 6PM, Flower Jam at SM/ Malcolm Square/People’s Park; and Weddings Made in Heaven-Bridal Fair at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Baguio Country Club. On Feb. 24, other activities lined-up before and after the street parade, are, 7 AM, Mr. and Ms. Fashionista at the BCC; 6 PM, Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM, Melvin Jones Football field; San Miguel and Abanao Square Concert Street Party at Abanao street; 7 PM, K-lite in Bloom; and Spectacular Fireworks display, at SM City Central Park. Other activities after the float parade, are; First Panagbenga Cheer Dance Festival at the BCC, and International Plastic Moulders Society Exhibit at the Baguio Country Club. Session road in Bloom along Session road and the Flower Festivity Bazaar at Burnham Park, shall start on Feb. 26 after the two parades, and will last until March 4. The works of Dave Leprozo, a local multi-awarded photojournalist; and Harley Palangchao shall also be featured at the SM City Exhibit Center on Feb. 26-28. Other flower-motif activities are expected for the last week, and closing of the festival.**JGF