Baguio-Quezon

While we stayed home last Saturday and instead watched from the comfort of our own home the street dancing parade, we dared go to town with Jo-Lo the following day after the Float parade in the morning despite warnings from the neighbor that we might have to walk back. Undaunted, we flagged a taxi at Kennon Road and dropped off at Harrison Road.

We made a beeline for the landscaping contest, which showcases local talent for, um..., landscaping. We have also seen rather unique flora in the past through this event, and so we had our eyes peeled once again for something unique.

But with all the beautiful orchids and ornamental plants in the area, guess what took
our attention. Gumamelas! Otherwise known as Hibiscus. The plant which has a variety that grows wild and we, as kids, pound the petals to a pulp, add water and some detergent, and produce bubbles out of looped wire.

But these were not ordinary gumamelas. The flowers were huge! My wife and son Jo-Lo had their photo taken beside the shrubbery.


The photo below is from the landscaping contest. More photos can be found at the Kaleidoscope photo blog.

The following day (Monday) is a holiday, and so I had the great opportunity to see the first day of the Trade Fair along Session Road, which is closed to vehicular traffic for an entire week and booths are set-up offering various goods.

Ornamental plants take center stage.

There are a couple of pocket gardens as well. Tourists and locals alike love having their photos taken in these areas.
This is Narda's store. Ms. Narda Capuyan is quite a popular name in Baguio City, as she is a rags-to-riches success story by enriching her cultural heritage and showcasing their native wares.

Handicrafts are in abundance here...
... as well as some truly interesting finds.



A small group of stalls branched out along the former SkyWorld Condominium Building. We were delighted to see store upon store of shoes, sandals, and all sorts of footwear from Marikina! The slippers below were so colorful that we couldn't resist buying a pair each. At the upper section, the sound of local gongs and musical instruments attracted us and a sea of onlookers. Young people in the native outfit were dancing. It is heartening to see that the next generation is keeping tradition and custom alive.

That night, musical entertainment was the main fare as popular band Six Cycle Mind entertained the crowd. A quartet likewise serenaded the group a couple of blocks away.

I would like to plug my good friend Leo's shop, Kurio, whose booth is at the upper section of Session Road. He's got really nice stuff. If you're visiting the trade fair, do drop by his store!
My wife bought this nice sunflower wall decor as a gift for a good friend.
All this walking can definitely work up an appetite! Not to worry, there's lots of foodies to choose from!

What fun! I will be going up to Baguio this weekend once more to witness the final couple of days of the Panagbenga 2008!

Update, March 06:
Lino of Linophotography witnessed the Parade of Flowers and is more than happy to share with us his collection of wonderful photos thru Flickr!

Posted in: Panagbenga on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at at 11:27 PM