Are you ready to enjoy survive Panagbenga 2019? That’s about the right question to ask now. Panagbenga is still as glorious as it once was, probably even more today. However, as fun as it is to join and watch the parades, the concerts, and the fireworks displays, locals and tourists alike have to face the consequences of a festival as big as this: heat, too many people, traffic and a plethora of other headaches. Some people would probably be groaning in frustration right about now especially that the main events of the festival are just a few days away. But don’t worry. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to survive AND hopefully enjoy Panagbenga 2019.
10 Tips and Tricks To Survive Panagbenga 2019
1. Be Early
No one is safe from the famed Panagbenga traffic. But, you can be saved from being late or missing anything important by being a lot earlier, probably around 30 minutes to one hour, from the usual time you leave your house. It’s a hassle and hard to do especially on cold mornings but, it does help you survive one of the most infuriating side effects of Panagbenga.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
Know the particularly bad traffic hours and know the people rush hours. Stay tuned to your friends, your family, and people around you to get those small details you don’t want to experience. Then, you can plan your schedule around them and hopefully avoid the heat, the stampede, and the standstills (we’re kind of exaggerating but, you get the point).
3. Get Comfy
Wear something you can breathe in, sweat in and move freely around in (and also maybe cry in too). Because even just walking down Session Road in the midst of Session in Bloom will feel like a sport. Plus, you’ll either have to walk a lot or stand around in line a lot for a ride so better get comfy while you can ladies and gentlemen.
4. Walk
If you’re interested in a peaceful trip without wanting to punch somebody or getting your nerves all twisted up in panic, walk. And even though it’ll feel more like a hike with the heat, the people, and the general distance you might have to walk, well, it’s the best way to beat the traffic. So, get those legs moving, get some exercise in, and hopefully, you’ll get where you need to be in time. Happy Panagbenga walking!
5. Protect Your Valuables
Crowds are golden opportunities for thieves. So, guard your valuables with your life. Stick them in places with hard access for other people but yourself. Or use thief-proof bags, pants, or jackets. Keep guard from those ill-minded people and also from yourself. Now, you don’t want to be spending all your money in one stall all at once right?
6. Know Alternative Routes
Scout alternative routes to your place so that whether you’re walking or in a cab, you’ll be able to avoid the clogged main roads. You’ll avoid traffic. You’ll avoid having to pay too much because of getting stuck in traffic. Plus, you’ll be helping decongest the city center. If you’re new to town, just kindly ask the cab driver to take you through an alternate route or ask people on the streets. A lot of locals would be glad to get rid of even the slightest of traffic.
7. Pack Essentials
When it comes to Panagbenga, essentials include water, umbrella, tissue or wipes, and a buttload of patience. With these, you can spare yourself from the heat overhead and avoid getting dehydrated in the middle of a crowd or a long line of passengers. Be a scout for once and take care of yourself too while enjoying the festival.
8. Pack Light
The last thing you want to be doing is dragging around heavy luggage in a street full of people who can shoulder, elbow, kick, shove, or push you or your luggage. So, take only what’s necessary on your day out and let no heavy burden drag your day down.
9. Eat
The best way to enjoy the festival and survive at the same time is to keep your eyes on the food. Trust me, with no good food in your stomach, it’ll be easier to get cranky. So put your money to good use and try out new foodies from other parts of the country. Be warned though, almost everything in the city center district would be at tourist prices so choose wisely.
10. Drag A Friend with you
There’s nothing more fun than going through the festival with a trusted friend who can make any situation less irritating or join you in your fuming anger. So drag that special friend with you. Get through the less glamorous side of the festivities and enjoy Panagbenga.
We hope these tips and tricks could help you not only survive but, also make the best of Panagbenga 2019 and the next Panagbengas to come. Hopefully this time around, you won’t be suffering from anger induced headaches and going home with a mouthful of rants. Happy Panagbenga!