The weekend drama was not exclusive to Metro Manila. As the nation was gripped by news of an impending coup, rallies, the controversial “state of emergency” and Marines standoff amidst the 20th Anniversary Celebration of EDSA People Power, Baguio City’s Flower Festival 2006 which is also known as Panagbenga was rocked by controversy and division.

Baguio City, touted as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, apparently had two versions of the Pangbenga. The two organizers: The Baguio Flower Festival Association (BFFA), led by businesswoman Nelia Cid, which handled last year's flower fest and supported by Mayor Braulio Yaranon and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) backed by the city councilors and Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan. The BFFFI is headed by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet Jr., the acknowledged founder of Panagbenga, who was reportedly eased out of the 2005 flower festival.

The result of the impasse- a compromise agreement between the Baguio Flower Festival Association (BFFA) and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFF) for a “one-parade-for-one-day rule”, with the former having its street dancing cavalcade, band exhibition and floral float parade at 8AM on Saturday, February 25, and the latter’s parade on Sunday, February 26.

I got hold of the issue only today when I asked a friend how the Panagbenga was (as I wasn’t able to go this year). He replied, “Pangit boss, makapoy natan. Apaldwa’y too” (It wasn’t good, this year’s celebration was not that nice. The people were divided).

Politics. What’s new?

Now its official. BlogMedia, Inc., a US based corporation, has announced that it acquired The Blog Herald from Duncan Riley.

A month ago, Off-the-Air interviewed Mr. Riley regarding the sale but at that time the buyer/s wanted to be anonymous.

You could read the transcribed interview here. Or listen to the audio (part 1 and part 2).  The interview was set-up by Techie using Bitstop's VOIP facilities and recorded at eradioportal's audio and video streaming site.
You could also visit The BlogHerald for the official announcement. Problogging also posted something about the sale. And of course, so did Duncan Riley.