Panagbenga 2023; Sprouted Numerous Events Blossoms This Festival Season.

These series of articles was made by me and my groupmates during our first year of college, namely, Ian Chris Miranda and Jovan Quincy Pascua.

Attached here is the link to the original file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fWi24AWe66svnobgOjMsZyEu_PqPZAC4/view?usp=sharing

It’s A Beautiful Day for the First-Ever Pageant of Little Miss Cordillera 2023!

– MABIASEN, Donna Alyssa J.

The Opening Performance of the Young Contestants from 'Little Miss Cordillera 2023'.

CEO of Ethnic Fashion Brand ‘Julie’s Creations’, Julie Vergara organizes the first ever grand pageant for ‘Little Miss Cordillera 2023’ to search for young aspiring models who have what it takes to own the stage with its grand finals taking place on February 18 (Saturday) at the Saint Vincent Gym starting 2:15pm.

After what is presumed to be seven hours of rigorous production, Miss Axella Darcio-Lawaguey who represented Benguet and Mountain Province, wins the 1st Little Miss Cordillera contest! After competing against 10 candidates, the new young winner secured the red regal crown that ironically matched with her red puffy dress.

Session Road Flourishes with Vendors and Tourists Following Its Annual Celebration; ''Session Road In Bloom''

- MABIASEN, MIRANDA, PASCUA

Baguio tourists jaunts still as numerous local Baguio vendors and retailers opens on session road, celebrating this annual ‘’Session Road in Bloom’’ from February 27 to March 5 in the wake of the city’s Panagbenga festival, this celebration brought new events and festivities gaining tourist attractions despite the few remaining days of this festival season.

A sharing from Valerie, a nursing student from Saint Louis University, together with her friend Aaron about their new perspectives of the event compared to the last time was the first one we’ve heard during the busy hours of the bazaar.

“Marami din naman nagbago ngayon, like yung mga foods may mga bago din na wala nung mga past years,” Valerie opened up.

Because of the crowd-filled area of Session Road, Baguio residents like Valerie haven’t really experienced the whole event yet.

“Di ko pa naikot yung buo, pero meron yung mga dati, yung mga shawarma, sina MV Alabanza Longganisa, pero meron rin yung mga bago na hindi pa namin natatry,” Valerie elaborated.

Although new varieties of products might provide some challenge to the veteran participants of the event, to Aaron, who was also encouraged by Valerie to share her input, sees it in a positive light for customers like her.

“Tas marami yung variety ngayon compared sa dati,” Aaron added.

Sharing his experiences as someone who has participated alongside his wife ever since the beginning of this annual event, Dr. Jhune Galuba, who we later found out was actually an old professor of Natural Sciences at Saint Louis University. He happily indulged us about his knowledge from the bazaar. He is a representative of his wife’s business, “PDES Batong Asul House of Silver”, a jewelry shop that shows mastery in original handmade silver.

“We had always been participating ever since nag-session road in bloom kasi from our experience, it’s a very good platform for product promotion, marketing, and for one, it’s so attractive kasi lahat ng tao pumupunta dito any day because it’s strategically located so if you place this in a different area like Camp John Hay, it’s not very accessible. We had been one of the original participants ever since nagstart itong Session Road in Bloom,” Dr. Galuba exclaimed.

Compared to the last Session Road in Bloom, Dr. Galuba felt that the said bazaar which was once held at the height of the pandemic proved to be a trial-and-error for them as they encountered restrictions with the health regulations.

“The last Session Road in Bloom, we were still at the height of the pandemic, and what’s worse is the strict regulations during that particular time. Although it went through, was successful, and was productive, many participated, even from out of the town. So, eto, this is the next stage, the ‘post-pandemic’, na medyo loose na ang regulations and particularly this is organized by the Baguio Country Club and this is the only international accredited event na ganito. Hindi yung Masskara Festival, hindi yung Sinulog Festival, but Baguio Flower Festival talaga ang internationally accredited.” Dr. Galuba added.

When asked about the sales of their shop from the time the pandemic was prevalent compared to now, Dr. Galuba concluded that “It was very productive before kasi this one and last year, which is post-pandemic, its testing the waters pero prior to the pandemic, talagang very productive, kasi its attracting entrepreneurs from different places in the Philippines. So, maganda ang impact, and I think you can see it, how people cater to the different businesses. Hopefully, it will turn out to be the same this year or even more productive para naman yung mga visitors natin na entrepreneurs would not be threatened and advocacy din ‘yan if they go to different places and talk about Panagbenga”

Session Road in Bloom is a testament to the Filipino principle of having an industrious attitude. That no matter what place we are in, we are able to work hard and adapt to it. It is also an appreciation for the creativity of our crafts, that supporting local at a time where foreign export is overtaking our country is important, and that Baguio City will continue to appreciate the work of its indigenous communities