PANAGBENGA FEST AGAIN:  BLOOMS,  BARGAINS  AND  BANDS  IN  BAGUIO


MANILA, FEBRUARY 7, 2010 (MALAYA) IT’s time for the Panagbenga Festival again!

The month-long festival held in the summer capital of the Philippines was created as a tribute to the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up frm the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. It first began in 1995 with floats decorated with flowers, and street dancers inspired by Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration.

Aside from the economic boost from tourism, the festival also helps the younger generation of indigenous people rediscover their culture’s old traditions.

As the festival marks its 15th year, SM City Baguio makes the best of Baguio the focus with the launch of its My City, My SM campaign at the mall atrium. The event this Saturda, Feb. 6, will pay tribute to the city and two of its outstanding personalities who will be featured in SM’s print communications campaign.

Nature will be the focus of the Green Film Festival in Cinema 1 on February 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, SM’s Environmental Committee will treat students to a free showing of a film with an eco message.

Botanic Indulgence at the Events Center, on the other hand, will feature beautifully landscaped gardens beside which mallgoers can have their pictures taken.

Joel Ayala, chair of the National Committee for Music of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, will direct "Ani ng Sining," a musical performance on Feb. 19, 5 p.m. at the Event Center.

The Kapamilya Karavan will make a stop on February 27 at 5 p.m at the Drive with a variety show if ABS-CBN’s top artists and performers. On the following day, Kapuso artists from GMA’s top rating shows will visit the mall to greet their fans on at 5 p.m. also at The Drive.

While all this is going on, shopping will bloom in the Panagbenga specials from Feb. 26-28, where one can look forward to great finds, selections and bargains.

It’s non-stop party fun from March 1-7 at The Drive where theme parties will highlight the music and fashion of decades part. It’s "Power Flower Day" on March 1 featuring music form the late ‘60s and ‘70s, while the "’70s Disco Hustle Night" on march 2 is a great time for dancing. There’s more fun ahead in the "Fantabulous ‘80s Night" on march 3, the "Techno ‘90s Night" on March 4, and "Out and Proud" on march 5, which will feature the Retrospect band. There will be "Stiletto Ladies Night Out" on March 6 and the "Doo Wop Elvis Party" on March 7, which will feature the best bands in Baguio. All night parties are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Drive.

Capping the festivities is a grand fireworks display for the Panagbenga Closing Celebrations on March 7 at 7 p.m.