“Bisita, Be My Guest” and “Garden of Fairies” take home top prizes in Grand Float Competition
BISITA, BE MY GUEST. (Left photo) The float of the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) clinches the CHAMPION spot in the Big Float category of the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Competition held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in Baguio City. The float highlighted TIEZA’s nationwide tourist facilities, from hotels and resorts to specialized sports, and wowed the audience with its exceptional design and execution. Photo by Ompong Tan
GARDEN OF FAIRIES. Zaparita’s Garden wins the top prize in the Small Float Category at the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Competition, held on February 26, 2023, in Baguio City. The enchanting float features a captivating display of fairies and elves around a wishing well and in giant umbrellas, giant flowers, and more, showcasing the Zaparitas’ remarkable creativity and imagination. Photo by Ompong Tan
BAGUIO CITY – The 2023 Baguio Flower Festival Grand Floral Float Competition ended with a bang as Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Zaparita’s Garden emerged victorious, beating seven and eight other competitors, in the Big and Small Float category respectively.
Last Sunday, February 26, 2023, the highly anticipated event kicked off as crowds gathered along the streets at the central business district to witness the spectacular floats adorned with colorful flowers and intricate designs.
Each float was adorned with colorful flowers and ornate designs, meticulously crafted, and showcased the creativity and talent of the participants, capturing the essence of the Baguio Flower Festival.
The results of the competition were announced by Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) chairman for life Mauricio Domogan this morning, adding to the excitement of the already festive atmosphere in the city.
TIEZA’s float, “Bisita, Be My Guest” showcased the warm and inviting culture of the Philippines and highlighted the Tourism Department’s campaign to encourage Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), former Filipinos, and foreigners to visit the country and experience its breathtaking beauty and hospitable people.
As the infrastructure arm of the department, the float also prominently featured the San Juanico Bridge, an iconic landmark that spans 2.16 kilometers and connects the Leyte and Samar islands.
The bridge boasts of its special Aesthetics Lights and Sound Project, which illuminates the two-lane bridge with a stunning array of colored lights and is the newest and only attraction of its kind in the country.
Meanwhile, the float of Zaparita’s Garden, “Garden of Fairies,” captured the imagination with its enchanting depiction of a whimsical garden inhabited by fairies and elves, giant flowers, butterflies, mushrooms, flamingos, a lovely bunny, and more.
Beyond its creative appeal, the float embodies the Zaparita family’s enduring legacy of joy and love for family which, they believe embodies the true spirit of any festival.
The Grand Floral Float Competition’s Big Float category saw Avilon Zoo and Sitel Philippines clinching the second and third spots, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the Small Float category, Mang Inasal secured the second position, while the Province of Benguet earned the third spot.
According to BFFFI chief of staff Evangeline Payno, winners in the Big Float category will receive a Cash Prize of P500k, P300k, and P200k each for the First, Second, and Third Place, respectively.
In the Small Float category, winners will receive P250k, P150k, and P100k each for the First, Second, and Third Place, respectively.
The Baguio Flower Festival Grand Floral Float Parade and Competition has consistently been a highly anticipated highlight of the festival, attracting the largest crowd of spectators and participants from various regions across the country.
According to the Baguio City Police Office deputy director for Operations Domingo Gambican, the Float Parade managed to attract an estimated crowd of 48 to 55 thousand spectators.
BFFFI Executive Committee chairperson Anthony de Leon added that the number of participants this year greatly exceeded their expectations, especially after the festival’s three-year dormancy.
Meanwhile, the BFFFI chairman for life also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, visitors, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to the peaceful and successful execution of the festival.
The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Melvin Jones Football Field. (Merriam del Rosario, FNS)
The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the Melvin Jones Football Field. Merriam del Rosario //FNS
