Looking for what to do in Baguio on October 25?

Its all treat on Session Road, the only trick is to decide what character to dress up as for the Baguio Halloween Parade.

After beginning as Zombie Walk Baguio in 2011, The Baguio Halloween Parade is in it’s 10th year, and despite a 6 year slumber it keeps coming back (brains!) stronger than ever. The name change allowed the event to be more inclusive of all characters, scary or not. This year the overall Halloween Parade theme is Pop Culture,  if I was better at cosplay, I’d absolutely attend as Derpy Tiger from K-Pop Demon Hunters. 

I asked the organisers

what inspired the first Zombie Walk?

“The Zombie Walk in Baguio began when the organizers were inspired by similar events held in other countries. They started with what were then called “flash mobs,”… Through dance and performance, they conveyed a powerful message: that young people can create events that celebrate imagination, unity, and artistic expression.”

They went on to tell me that even though zombies are a horror staple, the event

“Transforms that fear into fun.”

As they are every year, Baguio Horror Festival are the main organisers of the parade. This year they are ably supported by Vortex International, Xenspaze Gaming, Kisad Peak Residences and Abanao Square. As an unabashed horror movie fan, I was dying (brains!) to support Baguio Halloween Parade in 2025 as one of their media partners. Check out the full list of sponsors on their website https://baguiohorrorfestival.com/

Despite last being held in 2019, the hype is very much alive. Friends of mine in QC are already talking about making a day trip to Baguio, leading me to ask what makes the Baguio Halloween Parade unique 

“ Baguio Zombie Walk is one of a kind! Baguio’s version feels like a living, breathing storybook and that Taraki sense of community makes it all the more better.

Participants go beyond basic zombie makeup. Local artists and students craft elaborate looks inspired by folklore, pop culture, and even Cordilleran myths.

The event fosters collaboration across generations, with older locals cheering on the youth and vendors joining the fun with themed stalls and treats.”

Frightfully fun, it truly is a festival with spirit, despite the undead overtones, the Baguio Halloween Festival is full of heart (brains)

“This year, we want every zombie, every spectator, and every soul in the crowd to walk away with more than just photos and memories. We want you to feel the pulse of community, the thrill of creativity, and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself.

This event is about showing that even in a world full of differences, we can move together. It’s proof that fear can be fun, fiction can unite us, and imagination can spark real connection.”

You want all the gory details?

The parade itself kicks off at 5PM from Post Office Park, down the Iconic Session Road, and like every good Halloween story, it gets back up (brains!) for a second loop before the parade officially ends at the Post Office Park.  From there, participants are invited to return to Abanao Square for the Finale and awarding of prizes.

This year there will be awarding prizes for Best Zombie, Best Halloween Costume and Best Float 

Wanna take part in the parade but have nobody to go with? (Hala! Mumu!)

Have no fear, in 2019, there were 3000 participants, so you wont be alone.

Looking too alive?

Head to Abanao Square early – Baguio Horror Festival have arranged make up booths where makeup and costume is free for the first 50 participants! 

Are you among the restless (brains!) and want to register early?

 Xenspaze Gaming in Tuding has you covered until October 18 – if you’re one of the first 50 participants to register, you get 15 minutes of free VR gaming!

October 19 to 24 registration is through the booth at Abanao Square and on the Baguio Horror Festival Website https://baguiohorrorfestival.com/

Put our tags on your tombstones… I mean photos

#ZombieWalkBaguio

#BaguioHorrorFestival

#ZwalkBaguio

Presenters:

Kisad Peak Residences

Xenspaze Gaming

Vortex Models International

Abanao Square

Baguio Horror Festival

Special Thanks 

The City Government of Baguio

Department of Health

Hosted by

Papa Rods

Featured Performers:

Daryl Jackson

The 2600 Moonwalkers

Vortex Music / MAG Records

author: Josh was once a corporate zombie, but lives on in Baguio, making bad puns and dead jokes