Don’t Make Our Mistakes: 10 Tips On How To Survive Panagbenga

Panagbenga attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world to Baguio City. That might be great for Baguio’s economy, but it can be difficult for the tourists all competing with each other for the best spot to watch the festivities. This is a guide to make your Panagbenga experience a whole lot easier (at the expense of our suffering). You’re welcome!

1. Never Take Session Road (Unless You’re Really Early Or Willing To Sacrifice It)

Session Road is always the most crowded area during Panagbenga. You can drop a needle in the crowd and it will never touch the ground. Everyone takes Session for either good watching spots or to get to Melvin Jones and it’s just not fun. You’re face-to-face with strangers. You end up hugging them even when you don’t want to. Your shoulders get bumped. You’re so close they sweat on you (or you sweat on them) – and you leave Session Road feeling gross and icky.

To avoid the crowd, it’s better to come early. We suggest 5 AM – and for those who think this is too early, know that there are some people already there at 4 AM or decided to sleep at Session overnight. If your alarm doesn’t go off on time or you just don’t want to wake up early, then consider some alternative routes.

2. Bring Water Or Suffer Heat Stroke (Be Prepared To Walk)

You will definitely lose energy at Panagbenga. The only way to get anywhere is to walk because the roads are closed and traffic is crazy. Taxi drivers will wish doom upon you if you try to get anywhere near Melvin Jones. Stay hydrated. You really don’t want to faint in this crowded place. People won’t care about your body. They will push and shove you and step over you. Make it easier on everyone – and yourself. Bring water.

3. Don’t Die Alone – Bring A Friend

You need someone to suffer with (to make it more fun!). Panagbenga is best experienced when with a group of people who will protect you against the crowd. Honestly, it’s not a fun experience being by yourself. If you have to go into hell, wouldn’t you want your friend beside you? Also, they can hold your things while you go to the CR, save your place in line or just cheer you up when it gets overwhelming.

4. Meet Your New Best Friend: The Umbrella

Baguio weather is unpredictable. It might be sunny in the morning, then the skies turn gray in the afternoon. You never know when it might rain. Bring an umbrella, just in case. Use it to ward off the sun or protect you from getting wet. Also, it’s a great way to stand out in the crowd so your friends can always find you! If worst comes to worst, you can even use it to battle pickpockets or – even worse – tourists (we’re joking!).

5. Too Short? Bring A Selfie Stick!

Since it’s a festival, of course you have to take photos! You can’t go to hell without having some remembrance. If you’re like us and have really bad luck, you’re going to have a tough time finding a good spot to take pictures or video. Also, if you’re anything like us, your height works against you. So bring a selfie stick! Or buy one from a vendor along Session or at Melvin Jones.

Don’t have (or want) a selfie stick? We’ve compiled some great spots for catching the street dances and floats. Of course, Session is the best place – but you really need to come early. Melvin Jones is also good if you want to see all of the floats parked side by side, but you might miss some of the performances. Some people also take advantage of the overpasses to take pictures or video. Personally, we recommend climbing trees. Or roofs.

6. Stay Vigilant! Take Care Of Your Belongings

Unfortunately, some people take advantage of the festivities and the crowds by stealing money or belongings. Pickpockets abound at Panagbenga. We advise you to always place your bags in front of you. Be wary of people who seem to be following you. They might have an eye on your things.

Just bring your essentials. Don’t carry a lot of money with you – that’s just asking for trouble. Also, just use one gadget that can take photos and video. Don’t bring both a tablet and a phone, because that will attract opportunists.

7. Have Load Or Net (And A Functional Phone)

This is incredibly important. It’s really easy to get lost in the crowd, especially children or tourists. If you end up separated from your friends, at least you have a way to contact them. We recommend bringing a powerbank to keep your gadget charged so you don’t have to find a charging station.

8. Buy Food (We Recommend Manga)

This goes hand in hand with stay hydrated. The heat will press down on you. The crowds will push you around. Your feet will feel like they’re falling off. But food will keep you going. Besides, food is part of the Panagbenga experience! Session in Bloom lasts for a week after the float parade and offers tons of delicious food.

You can also check out Market Encounter for more affordable fare. During the street dances or float parade, go here for food. Don’t look for the chains on Session or Harrison – you’ll die of hunger before you get there. And even if you get there, they will probably be (very, very, very) crowded. Market Encounter has stalls from dozens of local restaurants and stores. You should definitely try the manga with alamang (for 20 PHP) or, for a less healthy alternative, the chicken skins (also for 20 PHP). Different stalls sell foot-long hotdogs, shawarma, siomai, fries and other sinful foods.

9. Wear Proper Clothing (Cotton Can Kill You)

During Panagbenga, Session feels like the lowlands – you can really feel the heat of the people scorching into you like the sun. Avoid tight clothing because you will sweat (a lot) and it will feel like the material is choking you. Wear loose clothing that you can move freely in. If you’re sensitive to the heat of the sun, wear long sleeves. Avoid material that absorbs heat like cotton, wool or leather.

Sometimes you will also need to climb over walls or exert a lot of physical activity, so consider wearing leggings or flexible jeans. Or even sweatpants – or go in your pajamas! (As long as you’re comfortable.) If you’re reluctant to bring an umbrella, just wear a cap. It can perform wonders. Also important: sunscreen! And wear rubber shoes. Panagbenga is not the time for heels. Or boots. Not only will your feet hurt, but you will hurt other people trying to move in the crowd.

10. Stay Positive. You Can Make It!

We did it. So can you. Even if it took all our determination, courage, persistence, patience, prayers – we can go on. Try and look on the brighter side. Stuck on Session? At least you won’t go hungry next to all the restaurants. Separated from your friends? At least you saw Aldub! Did your phone die? At least it wasn’t snatched! Couldn’t see the floats? No problem – there’s always next year!

The point is, if you stay positive, Panagbenga becomes a lot more enjoyable. At least it was memorable. The suffering you went through this year makes you stronger and will prepare you for next year.

Written by: Vira Guillermo and Max Villalon

Photo Credits: Mikah Cuta, Arianne Ayson, Zsandra Rosario