Philippine folklore-themed boats parade at Baguio’s blue lake

Baguio City, Philippines – Some 12 Philippine folklore–themed boats paraded at the newly- upgraded Burnham Lake this Sunday, February 19 to mark the fourth week of Baguio City’s “Panagbenga” or Flower Festival.

The fluvial parade is among the highlight of the festivities aimed ‘to promote domestic tourism by presenting the different facets of innovation, capacity building for tourism entrepreneurs, improved operations and productivity, as well as promote the use of ingenious earth-friendly materials, introducing quality tourism products.’

In said event led by the Department of Tourism – Cordillera, in partnership with the Baguio city government, Baguio Flower Festival Inc. (BFFI), and the Boatmen Association of Burnham Park, operators designed their boats to interpret Philippine folklores as this year’s theme.

All entries were rated based on the criteria, as follows: creative design (20%), floral craftsmanship (20%), artistic merit (15%), floral and color presentation (20%), and impact (25%).

Among the 12 creative boats, the “Idianale” entry caught the attention of judges and was proclaimed as the winner, thus pocketing P20,000 cash prize.

Idianale is a Tagalog Goddess of good labor and good deeds. The rainbow placed at the center of the boat is a symbol of beauty after the storm. The pot of gold and good fortune at the rainbow’s end represents inclusivity and diversity. The tree on the side is a symbol of protection, learning, sacrifice, wisdom, magic, and immortality.

Settling as the second placer was “The Masquerade” entry with P15,000 cash incentive, while “Ibong Adarna” entry received P10,000 for landing third.

Other entries were “Maria Makiling”, “The Vinta”, Female Swan, Mermaid Boat, “Alamat ng Pinya”, “Kayak”, “Bugan”, “Mayon”, and the Male Swan.

The swan boat dubbed as the “Queen of the Lake” was also featured in the event. The boat was used in the rescue efforts in Barangay Aguray and Apulo in Cagayan due to the flooding caused by Typhoon Ulysses in 2020.

Gracing the colorful activity were Regional Director of DOT-Cordillera, Jovi Ganongan; City Mayor Benjamin Magalong; BFFFI Chairman, Atty. Mauricio G. Domogan; City Tourism Officer, Engr. Alec Mapalo, among other officials and regional line agencies.

The public is encouraged to witness the Grand Street Parade slated for February 25 and the most-awaited Grand Float Parade next Sunday, February 26.

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