At least 12,000 strawberry cupcakes from local bakers in La Trinidad gave visitors a taste of Benguet during the 42nd Strawberry Festival. 

The bakers used an estimated 500 kilos of fresh strawberries for the cupcakes served at the municipal gymnasium in La Trinidad. The first 100 guests were treated to free cupcakes while the rest had the chance to purchase the goods.

The festival gave La Trinidad, the ‘Valley of Colors,’ another opportunity to showcase its vibrant culture and highlight strawberry, yet again, as its main product.

The festival also featured traditional Cordilleran attire with locals dancing in front of the municipal hall for a ritual of thanksgiving.

Drum and lyre bands added to the festive atmosphere.

The highlight of the event was the float parade that featured displays made mostly of flowers and indigenous materials.

One float featured a giant strawberry, symbolizing La Trinidad as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines.

Another float displayed a large bottle of strawberry wine.

Attendees were captivated by the creativity of the participants.

"Napakaganda at very innovative ang mga gumawa," Olga Diplat, a tourist, said.

"Well and good, nagbigay ng kakaibang talento ang ating mga contestant; at sa experience ko talagang maganda," Irene Balanoy, another tourist, added.

The La Trinidad Tourism Office said the festival was both a community and tourism event.

"Ang ating aktibidad ay isang community at tourism event. Gusto nating ipakilala ang ating bayan at ang ating one-town-one product na strawberry," Valred Olsim, from the tourism office, said.