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Artemio Dumlao - Philstar.com
February 1, 2026 | 5:35pm
Rhythm, color, and heritage burst onto Baguio City’s streets as school drum and lyre corps thrilled crowds during the opening mardis gras of the of the month-long 30th Panagbenga Festival, themed “Blooming Without End” on Feb. 1, 2026.
Philstar.com / Artemio Dumlao
BAGUIO CITY — Rhythm, color, and heritage filled the streets as school drum and lyre corps thrilled crowds during the opening Mardi Gras of the month-long 30th Panagbenga Festival, themed “Blooming Without End,” on Sunday, February 1.
Through crisp choreography and vibrant music, young performers transformed the city into a moving celebration of peace, unity, and resilience, the very soul of the City of Pines.
The Tuba Central School Drum and Lyre Corps opened the festivities with a rousing performance symbolizing strength through togetherness. Synchronized stomps, raised hands, and the chant Salidumay, echoed by the joyful call “Dong-dong ay,” set an energetic tone of unity and hope despite hardship.
Pugo Central School followed with “From the Hills of Pugo to the Flowers of Baguio,” tracing a rhythmic journey from La Union’s highlands to Baguio and celebrating shared roots and the enduring highland spirit.
El Tribu d’ Lucban delivered a visual tribute to Baguio’s growth and diversity. From stillness, performers planted symbolic seeds of hope that blossomed into butterflies linking flowers across the stage—honoring Cordilleran heritage while embracing the cultures that continue to shape the city.
Baguio Central School highlighted endurance and renewal in “The Ever-Blooming Malaysian Mums,” blending traditional chants with modern music to recall Panagbenga’s pandemic pause and its vibrant revival.
Baguio lawmaker and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. Chairman Emeritus Mauricio Domogan said Panagbenga’s message continues to resonate, declaring that the festival lives on as an enduring symbol of faith, unity, and renewal for the city.
The flower-filled Mardi Gras continued with performances by Puguis and Mabini elementary schools. Puguis showcased cultural continuity through Igorot rhythms fused with modern dance, while Mabini retold the Apayao legend of Binusilan, honoring womanhood, balance, and life.
Together, the performances reaffirmed Panagbenga’s enduring promise: Baguio’s culture and spirit will continue to bloom, without end.
