This year’s Panagbenga saw the largest number of floats that joined the Grand Floral Float parade last February 23, 2025.
Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) Chief of Staff Evangeline Payno said in a media forum last Feb. 19 that the number of float participants significantly jumped from 33 to 42 this year.
She said the biggest factor for the increase is the inclusion of small float and floral cart entries including motorized and non-motorized entries enabling small associations to join at an affordable price.
Three days after the event, BFFFI Chair former mayor Mauricio Domogan announced the winners of the float competition.
For the Small Float Category, first place was awarded to Zaparita’s Garden with a cash prize of P150,000. Coming in second place was Wood, Rock and Flowers Group which will receive P100,000 cash prize; and third place winning P50,000 is Wilcon’s Depot.
Mang Inasal conquered the medium float category winning P350,000; followed by Zaparita’s Garden which was given a cash prize of P250,000; and third place was Chowking – Fresh N’ Famous Foods Inc. with P150,000 reward.
In the Large Float Category, Jollibee triumphed with a P600,000 bounty. McDonald’s or Golden Arches Development Corporation ranked second with P400,000 ; and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) came in third with P300,000.
The participating floats included the Baguio City float and the Hall of Famers – two entries from the Baguio Country Club and one from SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
The small floral float category/small floral cart entries was made up of 11 competitive entries from: Baguio Benguet Bonsai Club & Panagbenga Landscapers, Baguio Camella Big Brother Inn, Jack’s Baguio Restaurant Inc., Kyoto Printing Services, Panagbenga Landscaping Association, Panagbenga Landscaping Association (Second Entry), Radiowealth Finance Company, Techsphere Enterprises Inc., Wilcon Depot, Wood, Rock and Flowers Group, Zaparita’s Garden; and one non-competitive entry from Tau Gamma Phi Baguio Grand Council.
The ten competing entries for the medium-sized floats: Chowking – Fresh N’ Famous Foods Inc., Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Mang Inasal, Palawan Pawnshop and Palawan Express Pera Padala – Palawan Pay, Philippine Retirement Authority, The Riles Ventures, Inc., Unilever Philippines, Inc. / Sunsilk, Vendors Group, You Glow Babe Skin Care Products Trading, and Zaparita Garden
The large-sized float category displayed 14 competitive entries from: Activations Advertising Inc. / Unilever Philippines, Surf, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Golden Arches Development Corporation/McDonald’s, Igorot Stone Kingdom, International Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Hay Management Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, KFC, Narvacan Naisangsangayan, Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc., Pepsi Cola, Republic Gas Corporation (ReGasCo), SCD – Eevor Skincare Depot, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); and two non-competitive entries from the Department of Tourism and Paragon Hotel and Suites.
The BFFFI said Panagbenga 2025’s record-breaking floral float parade highlighted the festival’s commitment to innovation and growth.
The inclusion of smaller float categories broadened participation, fostering creativity across various community segments, it said.
“With its theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” the festival not only showcased stunning floral artistry but also reinforced Baguio’s position as a cultural hub and a destination that continues to evolve and captivate visitors.”
“Panagbenga strengthens its role as a cornerstone of Baguio’s cultural identity and a major attraction for tourists seeking to experience the beauty and vibrancy of the Cordillera region. The success of this year’s parade sets the stage for future Panagbenga festivals to reach even greater heights,” the BFFFI said. – Halle Fesway/APR
