The month-long staging of the Sabsabong ti Mayo 2023 strengthens Baguio City as a “city of flowers” and creativity with its various programs this May at Rose Garden, Burnham Park.
City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo said this year’s event featured the floral sculpture competition, floral gastro fiesta, live acoustic folk music, cosplay, and other live events every weekend that invites local creatives in the city.
On May 2, the floral sculpture competition jumpstarted the activity where florists showed their skills and talent in creating floral dresses made of fresh flowers and foliage for the individual mannequin category and flowers shaped into a giant butterfly for the group category, with the latter as its theme.
Mapalo said the floral sculptures are Flores de Mayo parade-inspired and butterfly-inspired because these images are associated with the summer season. The activity is somewhat an extension of the Panagbenga Festival last February.
“This is not necessarily a celebration of sorts but more of a tribute or homage to the city as a creative city. There is no specific occasion except that it’s summer and that visitors still come to the city so we feature who we are as a city of flowers,” Mapalo said.
Winners in the individual category were Fredaline Burcao as first place, Kristoffer Tabili as second place, Vinson Ramos as third place while runners-up were Jhun Francisco and Aizle Debbie Palgue.
For the group ca-tegory, the Manor and the Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay took the top spot followed by Ulnos ti Tuba in second place while Newtown Plaza Corporation placed third.
The runners-up were Wood Rock and Flowers Group and Iconix Youth Organization.
Joining the event for the floral gastro fiesta where visitors can order delicious food offerings are Kape Umali and Hungry Hungarian, Gastroempanada and Road Trip, Cabi and Dimsum House, Juice N’ Bites and La Diyang Haven, Mokuha, and Drive by Taco.
Other activities this month were with the acoustic and folk concert on the evening of May 6, Mother’s Day concert on May 14, Busker’s Day as well as the cosplay competition on May 20, and CordeMayo featuring the University of the Cordilleras on May 27 while the floral gastro fiesta is ongoing at the park.
For more information, visit the Baguio Tourism Facebook account. The closing program and awarding ceremonies will be on May 27 at Rose Garden. – Ofelia C. Empian
