Panagbenga 2017

February 1, 2017 - Opening Day Ceremonies & Parade (Panagbenga Park)

February 1 - March 5, 2017 - Baguio Blooms Exposition & Exhibition (Lake Drive)

February 25, 2017 - Grand Street Parade

February 26, 2017 - Grand Float Parade

February 26 - March 5, 2017 - Session Road in Bloom

March 5, 2017 - Closing Ceremonies (Melvin Jones Grandstand)

March 5, 2017 - Grand Fireworks Display


* Dates posted are the Traditional Schedule of Events (to be amended)

The Valley of Colors

 Visitors of Baguio City is going crazy over the colorful village featured on the TV and print media countrywide. 

The STOBOSA Project greeted by the Department of Tourism in June 2016 is now catching the attention of everyone especially those visiting Baguio City.

The site is located in Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, a few meters away from the Bell Church and the boundary arch of Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet.

Up and Above the Clouds.. And the Falls

I woke up at 4 in the morning the following day. I am excited for the sunrise in Kiltepan. And rhis is what it looked like to be in the clouds. A shot before that magical moment.

And behold, the magic of sunrise! I am above the clouds. Staring at the sea of clouds. Everyone is at awe. Every sunrise is wonderful!

Time moves and the clouds was clearing the view, showing the vividness of what's underneath the ol buttermilk sky.

The sun is already up and spectators cannot moved on just yet. Everyone seemed to  have been looking for their moment of selfies and groupies with the dazzling spectacle of the break of day.

Before noontime, I joined another group for a trek to the Bomod-ok Falls. I strongly suggest  that this should be in everyone's list when visiting Sagada. The sight is worth the long march. Trek to the falls is more manageable than that of Tappiya waterfalls in Ifugao. 

 It's been a while since I dipped in the waterfalls. But never plunged myself to the ice cold water. I felt numbness in my feet and I can feel my right foot nearing to cramp just by standing at the shallow water. 

In general, I did enjoy the sights and the sound of the cascades of Bomod-ok waterfalls. Until the next visit.

In The Clouds..

8:00 in the morning. From Bontoc, I took the first trip to Sagada.

The town is in high spirit, it was day one of their 4-day fair.

I must've taken a good nap. It was already noontime. After meal, I walked to the bazaar and went to the Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins. 

The last time I went to see the hanging coffins, local guide is optional. This time, it is mandatory for every tourist or group, to help the locals and the community earn a living.

It rained in the late afternoon. I am in the clouds. It was frosty everywhere.

I ended the day with a cold beer in one of the artsy, rustic, must visit venue for drinking with good beats. 

To The Clouds..

It was half past 1 in the afternoon and the last bus going to Sagada had left Dangwa.

There was a non-airconditioned bus bound Bontoc, I booked a ticket and asked for a window seat at the back. 

Traveled 6 hours towards the misty Halsema Highway and arrived in Bontoc town proper at 8:00 in the evening. It's not shivery in Bontoc, but I stayed overnight.

I woke up very early the next day and walked the sleepy town to look for breakfast and locate the jeepney station going to Sagada.

I rode up on the jitney bus. Topload style! The chilly air blowing on my face while on the winding road is refreshing! The view of the mountains is magnificent! 

Took us about 35 minutes to reach Sagada, just in time for the parade. 

It was  the first day of "Etag Festival". How extraordinary! It was really a good day!