One of the awaited events of the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, is the flower festival or the well-known “Panagbenga”. Floral floats, colorful parades, talented street dancers, variety of bazaars, landscape exhibits, food stands, fireworks at night, other activities and programs are just some of the features of the festivity. Panagbenga is annually celebrated in the month of February. People from other places come to Baguio City, not only to experience the cool weather and beautiful scenes of the city but also to enjoy and witness the “Panagbenga” festival. The recent pandemic, however, halted the annual celebration.
The people of Baguio are not ready yet to let go of the celebration. They still hope to bring back the festive spirit of “Panagbenga” soon when things begin to ease up for the new normal. This year, the City Government of Baguio through the Baguio City Public Library (BCPL) conducted an online “Panagbenga Digital Poster Contest” with the theme “The Birth of a Tradition” to bring back the joy and celebration of the “Panagbenga.” The objectives of this contest include: rekindling the fire of the festival; promoting knowledge about “Panagbenga Festival” through reading/researching of articles/news; and to strengthen community involvement through digital celebration and participation.
The contest was open to all residents of Baguio City and BLISTT area, ages 12 and above. Thirty-three (33) participated in the contest. Each of them showcased their talents in digital arts. Their artworks were posted in the Facebook page of BCPL last February 21-24, 2022, where people reacted and gave their comments. The digital posters were judged according to the following criteria: 10% from the reactions of Facebook users and 90% from the judges with the following criteria: 25% creativity and presentation, 50% originality, and 25% relevance to the theme.
The given specifications were as follows: the size of the poster is in an A4 size (8.27” x 11.69”) 300 DPI, Portrait format using either of the two following text elements: (title) Panagbenga 2022, Baguio City Panagbenga 2022, and (theme) The Birth of a Tradition. All entries must be original artwork. Thus, each contestant was required to submit an Artist Statement of Originality (ASO).
There were four judges, namely: Daniel S. Balbin, Grettalou A. Apolinar, Ronillo P. Pawi, and Easter W. Pablo who scrutinized the posters in search for the winning artworks.
Eleven (11) out of thirty-three (33) digital poster entries have been selected as the winners. The 1st place was Camille Erin V. Machis and with PhP 5,000.00 cash prize. The 2nd place, Allysa Caryll O. Pablo’s with PhP 4,000.00 cash prize. And 3rd place goes to Sheryl M. Benito’s entry with PhP 3,000.00 cash prize.
The following garnered Consolation Prize of PhP1,000.00 each for their entries: John Dee V. Cayso, Precious A. Langcawan, Lexin Aira Mae P. Blas, Kryztal Jade B. Peckeng, Yasmien Jen C. Gayao, Dianne M. Macaso, Marie Frauline A. Dela Cruz, and Clarisse Lorenz D. Hornalez.
All winners will receive Certificate of Recognition and a medal. Other contestants will receive Certificate of Participation and a medal. The announcement of winners was held via online program thru the Facebook page of BCPL last February 28, 2022, 5:17 p.m. with Easter Wahayna-Pablo, City Librarian, as the host.
The Panagbenga digital poster contest was successfully done and kudos to the assistance of the BCPL librarians and administrative staffs who devote their time for this activity. They all help in the promotion of the contest not only to library users but also to remote areas who are willing to participate in the said contest. BCPL does not only offer books but also activities and programs for the community to promote different fields of knowledge and culture. This is as well in support to the advocacies of the administration of the City Government of Baguio. **by Sharon V. Hallig
