BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – One of the most anticipated events in Baguio’s annual Panagbenga Festival is the grand float parade showcasing creativity, culture, and craftsmanship using vibrant flowers.
Set on Sunday, Feb. 23, this year’s theme, “Blossom Beyond Boundaries”, symbolizes the socio-economic partnership of the city with its international sister cities.
The contributions of these sister cities in the development of Baguio City inspired the concept of the float of the city government.
“Our blossoms, or reach as a city, is beyond the city. The designs are actually a tribute to the contributions of our sister cities. The corresponding different programs and activities of these sister cities actually creates a lot of avenues for community involvement,” Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Engr. Aloysius Mapalo explained in an interview.
The cities that were chosen were based activeness in collaborating with Baguio City in terms of missions, cultural exchange, student exchange programs, among others .
Flower Symbolisms and their relevance to their cities and/or country
Architect Elaine Ganga of the City Building and Architecture’s Office(CBAO) designed the concept with each sister city being represented by a flower.
The Everlasting and Sunflower represent Baguio City, BlueBonnet for San Antonio Texas, California Poppy and Rose for Vallejo, California, and Yellow Hibiscus for Honolulu, Hawaii, all in USA; Mugunghwa for Taebaek and Gongju Cities, Korea, Cherry Blossoms for Hanyu City, Japan, Plum Blossom and Peony for Hangzhou, China and Bunchberry for Vaughan City, Ontario, Canada.
The sunflower is one of Baguio’s native symbols whose blooming season aligns with Baguio’s cold season. It is also a staple of the city’s annual Panagbenga which symbolizes the resilience of the people of Baguio.
The 27th Legislature of Texas designated the Bluebonnet as its official flower in 1901, a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
California chose the California Poppy as its state official emblem on March 2, 1903, a representation of resilience and adaptability. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Rose as the National Floral Emblem of the USA.
When Hawaii declared its statehood in 1959, they chose the Yellow Hibiscus as its symbol. This flower symbolizes fortune, good luck, and happiness.
Rose of Sharon, also known as Mugunghwa, is an important symbol for South Korea. The South Korean government declared it as its national flower in 1968. Mugunghwa was also called the “blossom from heaven” in earlier records.
Japan never declared the Cherry Blossoms as its national flower; however, the strong symbolism of the flower to the country and its significant cultural impact made it the country’s unofficial national flower. To the Japanese, the Cherry Blossoms, more commonly known as Sakura, symbolize beauty and mortality.
China declared the Plum Blossoms as its national flower in 1964. This plant represents resilience and perseverance.
Canada also has no declared national flower, but the Bunchberry is the unofficial national flower since it won a poll made by the Masters Gardeners of Ontario.
Making of the float
Architect Rad Dokipen of CBAO said the float is made up of wood and metal materials recycled materials from the previous floats. Its construction started as early as the third week of January. It started with welding works and culminates with decorating with fresh flowers. The flowers are attached by batches. Everlastings were attached earlier as they need to dry while the rest of the flowers are attached the day before the parade.
The city government’s float is one of the 42 captivating floral floats that will be parading from Session Road to Lower Session Road, Harrison Road, and Melvin Jones Football Grounds on Sunday. (JDP/CVBT-with Janine Laureta & Trishabel Cabico-PIA-SLU Interns]
