Panagbenga to showcase 24 floats on grand parade

With the comeback of the Grand Float Parade as part of the Panagbenga Festival celebrations this year, tourists and residents are flocking to the City of Pines to participate in the weekend festivities.

According to a report by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's Russel Simorio on "24 Oras," the long weekend allowed visitors to take part in Baguio's popular annual flower festival.

This year, 24 entries are part of the Grand Float Parade. One of the entries is a seven-meter long float with over 3,000 bundles of flowers.

Its phoenix-themed design reflects the city's rapid recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Phoenix ang defined ngayon kasi parang kung titignan mo ang meaning ng phoenix parang rising siya from pandemic. 'Yung literal na pagbangon ng Baguio sa pandemic,” said Zen Sanet of the Baguio City Building and Architecture Office.

Meanwhile, 30 groups are preparing to battle in the Grand Street Dance Parade on Saturday.

“Definitely tomorrow is going to be a very orderly parade. That’s what we look forward to and of course, kung ano man 'yung makita natin na flaws tomorrow pwede tayong mag-adjust for the Grand Float Parade 'yan ang kagandahan ng sistema,” Andrew Pinero, the city's head of media, said.

The monument of Attorney Damaso Bangaoet Jr., who was named the Father of the Panagbenga Festival monument,  was unveiled Friday.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated news