BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries”, nineteen contingents showcased their talent in streetdancing and drum and lyre to kick off the month-long celebration of the 29th edition of the Panagbenga Festival or Baguio Flower Festival in Baguio City,on February 1.

The celebration began with interfaith opening prayers by various religious groups and Cordilleran prayer (Uggayam) by Baguio FlowerFestival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) chairman for life and former Mayor Mauricio Domogan, held at the Panagbenga Park.

Five participants for elementary streetdancing and drum-and-lyre will compete in their skills, including Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Lucban Elementary School, Tuba Elementary School and the outside contingent Rosario Integrated Elementary School, Rosario, La Union.

Pugo Central Elementary School, from Pugo town, La Union serves as the guest performer in the celebration.

In addition, 13 cultural dance groups from the Cordillera will also participate in the grand opening parade to showcase their cultural streetdancing performance, which is much-anticipated by tourists.

According to Evangeline Payno, Chief of Staff of the Panagbenga Executive Committee, 30 percent of the participating contingent’s scores will be taken from their performances in the grand opening parade and drum-and-lyre competition while the remaining 70 percent will come from their performances in the grand street dancing parade on February 22, while the grand float parade will be held the following day.

The cultural dance groups will hone their performance in preparation for the competition on February 15, which will be held at the Melvin Jones Football ground. By Zaldy Comanda