February doesn’t just mean Valentine’s season, but also the time of the annual Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City! The festivities started on February 1, 2019 will run until March 10, 2019.

If you’re still pondering on whether to file that work leave and take the long drive with your travel buddies, we’ll help you decide!

Here are five reasons why Panagbenga festival is one event you shouldn’t miss:

#1 Extravagant parades that only happen once a year

Have you ever experienced the famous Disneyland parades? Panagbenga’s grand parades basically give off the same exciting feeling, and are considered the main events of the whole festival.

Instead of cartoon characters, you’ll get to see extravagant floats covered in fresh flowers as they parade along Baguio’s main streets during the Grand Float Parade.

Also, if you’re into the street party scene, don’t miss out on the Grand Street Dance Parade where several dance groups in their thematic costumes dance their way to huge cash prizes!

Pro Tip: Make sure to come to the parade grounds early to secure the best spot among the crowd.

#2 Colorful flower exhibits for your travel photos

A field of sun flowers in the backyard

If you’re a flower enthusiast or just someone who loves “Instagrammable” places, Baguio during Panagbenga season is something you need to experience!

The streets of Juan Luna and Burnham Park Drive will be adorned with various bloom exhibitions and displays where you can take #OOTD photos for the ‘Gram!

#3 Al Fresco Style Dining along Session Road

For a week during Panagbenga season, the famous Session Road is closed to vehicles and converted into a local merchants’ hub.

Aside from stalls offering local delicacies and souvenirs, you can try out an al fresco style dining experience in the area which you probably won’t experience any other time of the year.

To top up the experience, they have different bands playing every night!

#4 Grand Fireworks to wrap up Panagbenga festivities

Another event that both locals and tourists look forward to seeing is the Grand Fireworks display during the closing ceremony of the Panagbenga celebration.

Fireworks are set to lighten the skies from different areas in Baguio, so you won’t have to go down to the crowded Burnham Park in order to celebrate the end of the festival.

#5 Cashless Panagbenga experience with Maya QR

Make sure to keep your Panagbenga experience hassle and worry-free by adding money to your Maya account!

Just look for the Maya QR sign at different stalls and merchants at the Panagbenga celebration then scan to pay using your Maya app when you dine out or shop for souvenirs!

Visit maya.ph/deals for the latest promos and tips on how to make the most of your Maya!