ExperienceNegros.com » MassKara Festival

MassKara Queen 2011 Winners

Glady — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:59:04 +0000

Bacolod City will wake up with a new MassKara Queen. Alexis Danica “Nikki” Drilon was crowned MassKara Queen 2011 at the pageant night held at the University of Saint La Salle (USLS) Coliseum Monday night (Oct. 17). Drilon, a Biology senior at USLS, was also a crowd favorite and corporate sponsors’ choice.

Here is the complete list of MassKara Queen 2011 winners:

MassKara Queen – Alexis Danica Drilon. She received P80,000 cash prize.
1st Runner-up - Rose Dinorog. She received P50,000 cash prize.
2nd Runner-up - Allysa Marie Villarico. She received P30,000 cash prize

Special Awards

Most Photogenic – Alexis Danica Drilon
Best in Festival Costume – Alexis Danica Drilon
Best in Fantasy Make-up - Alexis Danica Drilon
Miss Samsung – Alexis Danica Drilon
Miss Negros Navigation & SuperFerry – Alexis Danica Drilon
Lifestyles Bacolod Readers’ Choice – Alexis Danica Drilon
Best in Talent – Rose Dinorog
Best in Ramp – Allysa Marie Villarico
Miss Casino (Alcohol) Femme – Allysa Marie Villarico
Best in Long Gown – Rexie Lyn Lim
Best in Swimwear - Rose Valerie Lapuz
Miss Congeniality – Kathleen Matillano

Other candidates were Giah Elaine Sumalde, Abegail Rose Valdez, Anastacia Concepcion, and Alona Jabaybay.

Judging the pageant were Odette Velarde of Samsung, choreographer Rene Hinojales, 1998 MassKara Queen Dr. Kristine Varona-Yap, former Iloilo councilor Ramon Cua Locsin, ABS-CBN Bacolod anchor Ryan Gamboa, and 1998 Bb. Pilipinas Universe and former MassKara Queen Jewel Mae Lobaton-Pimentel.

The 2011 MassKara Queen pageant which is produced by ABS-CBN Bacolod yearly, adds glamor to the MassKara Festival and it is one of the most awaited events during the festival.

Erratum: I previously posted Giah Elaine Sumalde as the winner of Miss Congeniality award instead of Kathleen Matillano. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please be rest assured that this was not intentional.

Photo from www.themasskarafestival.com

MassKara 2011 Streetdance Competition Winners

Glady — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:47:25 +0000

Here are the official MassKara 2011 Streetdance Competition Winners for Barangay Category:

Barangay Banago was declared champion in the 32nd MassKara Festival street and arena dance competition Sunday night (Oct. 16), besting 14 other groups that competed in the barangay category.

Choreographed by William Bangcaya, Banago also won the special awards for Best in Concept and Best in Live Rhythm. The mask of Banago was designed by Ronelo Mabilog, while its costume was designed by Mabilog and Joseph Ferdinand Silva.

Barangay 17 was first runner-up, Barangay Tangub—second runner-up, Barangay 23—third runner-up, and Barangay Alijis—fourth runner-up.

Barangay 17 - 1st Runner up

Choreographed by Frederick Endrada, Barangay 17 was also adjudged Best in Choreography. It was also first runner-up and Best in Choreography last year.

Brgy Tangub - 2nd Runner up (Photo by James Toga)

Barangay 23 - 3rd Runner up (Photo by James Toga)

Barangay Alijis, whose mask and costume were designed by Emiljune Bantolo, also won the Best in Costume and Best in Mask awards.

Barangay Alijis - 4th Runner up (Photo by James Toga)

Banago will receive P100,000 as cash prize. Barangay 17 will get P75,000; Barangay Tangub—P50,000; Barangay 23—P30,000; and Barangay Alijis—P20,000.

Banago will also get the P20,000 as LBC Prize for Best in Live Rhythm, while the rest of the 14 live bands will get P2,000 each as consolation prize.

The Best in Live Rhythm is a new award since this is the first time the festival streetdancing used live music.

The Top 3 winners have been invited to perform in Salute to Bacolod program on Oct. 18, 7 pm. at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The awarding of streetdance winners will be on the closing rites on Oct. 19, 6 p.m. at the Bacolod Public Plaza. (PR)

Merci Lights Up Lacson Strip for Electric Masskara 2011

Glady — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:44:18 +0000

Electric Masskara 2011 will again light up the Lacson Tourism Strip on October 14 and 15. Now on its 5^th year, Electric Masskara will feature mask-wearing dancers on lit-up floats. The Performing Float Competition will include participants from different barangays on the first day while the second day will showcase electric floats from the corporate sector and barangay winners in an Electric Float Parade.

MERCI Pasalubong Treats joins Electric Masskara 2011 with not only one but two nights of stage shows at the corner of Lacson St. and 13^th St. (beside Mayfair Plaza) on October 14 and 15. A live band will provide music for the party crowd. Also entertaining the merrymakers will be Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Finalist and Bacolod’s dancesport pride Neilbeth and Semi-finalist beatboxers First Beat Effect.

The MERCI Pasalubong Treats shows will also feature onstage games and prizes. MERCI souvenirs will be given free to the merrymaking crowd.

Two FREE photo booths will also be located in front of the MERCI Mayfair Branch. The public can bring their own cameras and take pictures of themselves with Masskara dancers in full costumes 3 p.m.-12 midnight.

Meanwhile, MERCI Pasalubong Treats customers at the SM Bacolod Branch will receive FREE MERCI souvenirs from October 14-16, 2011. For a minimum purchase of P 500 worth of MERCI products, they can get a customized twistable fan. A FREE T-shirt can be availed for a minimum of P 1,500 worth of MERCI products.

The Travel Plus promo is also ongoing where customers can avail of a 10% DISCOUNT on all MERCI Products at Pasalubong Centers in Singcang, SM City, Mandalagan, Mayfair, Gaisano and 888 Chinatown Square. Customers need only to present their bus, plane or ferry ticket.

The 2-night MERCI Pasalubong Treats shows will be the launch of a surprise campaign for the premiere City of Smiles, Bacolod.

Wear Your MassKara on Facebook

Glady — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:02:15 +0000

If you are very active in Facebook, I’m sure you’ve heard of the group, You know you’re from Bacolod, Philippines if. The group’s members have grown tremendously and boasts around 9,700+ members both based in the Philippines and abroad. Posts vary from familiar places, memorable events, and comfort foods among others.

One of the admins of the group, Lloyd Tronco has started a campaign for all Balodnons and Negrenses who have a Facebook account to change their profile pic to MassKara masks on September 26, 2011 until October 19, 2011. This is to help promote the MassKara Festival and give honor to its creator, Ely Santiago.

Here’s what Lloyd posted on the group page:

In honor of a great artist, Ely Santiago – the creator of the Maskara Festival of Bacolod City, the citizens of Bacolod invite you to change your profile pic to a mask and and join them in celebrating the very first Maskara Festival on Facebook. Use your mask profile pic until October 19, 2011 which is the final day of festivities for Maskara Festival. Post this on your wall and invite friends from Bacolod, Negros, or anyone who just loves Bacolod City!

So if you have a Facebook account, wear your mask proudly on your Facebook profile and let’s spread the MassKara fever!

MassKara Festival 2011 Schedule

Glady — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:43:36 +0000

The excitement gets bigger as October approaches. The MassKara Festival 2011 schedule was already released by the Silver MassKara Foundation so those who plan on joining the most colorful festival in the country can already make early arrangements in their flight schedule and know where to stay in Bacolod during MassKara.

Date	Event	Venue
Friday, Sept. 2, 2011
	* Launch	* Bacolod Public Plaza
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
	* MassKara Queen Swim Wear Pre-pageant and Pictorial	* L’Fisher Chalet
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
	* Opening	* Bacolod Public Plaza
		* SM City MassKara Village [Carnival Site]
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.	* “Elderly Week”Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of BacolodCity, Inc (FSCAB) MASS	* BAYS Center
2:30 p.m.	* Motorcade	* Capitol Lagoon to FSCAB
4:00 p.m.	* Painting in Progress “Frame of Mind: A Work in Progress”	* Art Gallery A, B, C Gallery Orange
6:00 p.m.	* MassKara Queen Fashion Weekend	* SM Event Center
7:00 p.m.	* 2011 MassKara Dance Showdown (GMA) Elimination	* Bacolod Public Plaza
October 2, 2011, Sunday
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.	* ABS CBN 15th Mask Making Competition MassKara Village Submission of wearable masks	* Robinson’s Place Bacolod
6:00 p.m.	* MassKara Queen Fashion Weekend	* 888 China Town
October 3, 2011, Monday
6:15 a.m.	* The Morning Show Live at the Masskara Village	* ABS-CBN Compound
9:00 a.m.	* Formal Opening of the Masskara Village
5:15 p.m.	* TV Patrol Negros Live at the Masskara Village
October 4, 2011, Tuesday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.	* FSCAB Cultural Presentation	* BAYS Center
October 5, 2011, Wednesday
10:00 a.m.	* ABS-CBN 15th Maskmaking Competition Masskara VillageJudging of the entries	* ABS-CBN CompoundMasskara Village
	* PMHA National Mental Health Week CelebrationOpening Media Coverage
10:00 a.m.	* PMHA Poster-making Contest with NOHS Link Club	* Negros Occidental High School
October 6, 2011, Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.	* Coronation of Elderly Queen 2011	* BAYS Center
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	PMHA National Mental Health Week Bacolod Christian college of negros Seminars	* BCCN
October 7, 2011, Friday
1:00pm – 4:30pm	* PMHA National Mental Health Week Lecture-Forum	* Masskara Hall 1 & 2, Bacolod Government Center
	* Majica MassKara Opening	* Bacolod Government Center
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	* MassKara Queen Talent Night	* SRDC
October 8, 2011, Saturday
5:00 a.m.	* PMHA National Mental Health Week Fun Run(In partnership with the Bacolod City Police Office)	* Bacolod Government Center
7 a.m. – 12 n.n.	* DepEd Bacolod Division Athletic & Cultural Meet Opening Program & Parade	*Bacolod Public Plaza
2:00 – 7:00pm	* MassKara Queen Fantasy Hair & Make-up	* Robinson’s Place
October 9, 2011, Sunday
	* Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary	* San Sebastian Cathedral, Plaza
9:00 a.m.	* PMHA National Mental Week Mass Sponsorship	* San Sebastian Cathedral
4:00 p.m.	* MassKara Queen The Interview	* SM Event Center
October 14, 2011, Friday
	* 2nd MassKara Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament (NOGCC)	* Negros GOccidental Golf & Country Club, Marapara, Brgy. Bata
4:00 p.m.	ABS-CBN 15th Maskmaking CompetitionParade of Masks and Awarding Ceremonies(to be aired live over TV Patrol Negros)	* Robinson’s Fountain Area
	* Electric MassKara	* SM City, Rizal Street
		* Bacolod Public Plaza
		* Tourism Strip, Lacson Street
	* Electric MassKara Performing Float Competition
	* Concerts
October 15, 2011, Saturday
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	* Occidental Negros Bacolod Tankers Association, Inc.”Masskara Age Group Swim Meet 2011″	* Pana-ad Swimming Pool
	* 2nd MassKara Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament (NOGCC)	* Negros GOccidental Golf & Country Club, Marapara, Brgy. Bata
	* Streetdance Competition [Schools]	* Araneta Street to Plaza
	* Electric MassKara	* SM City Rizal St.
		* Bacolod Public Plaza
		* Tourism Strip, Lacson Street
October 16, 2011, Sunday
	* 2nd MassKara Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament (NOGCC)	* Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club, Marapara, Brgy. Bata
	* Streetdance Competition [Barangays]	* Araneta Street to Public Plaza
	* Concerts	* Public Plaza
		* Old City Hall
		* SM City, Rizal Street
October 17, 2011, Monday
	* MassKara Queen Pageant Night	* University of St. La Salle Coliseum
October 18, 2011, Tuesday
	* Salute to Bacolod	* Bacolod Government Center Grounds
	[Reception for Balik Bacolod]
Oct. 19, Wednesday
7:00 p.m.	* 2011 MassKara Dance Showdown (GMA) Finals	* Bacolod Public Plaza
	* Closing Program	* Bacolod Public Plaza
	* Concert/Fireworks
	* Awarding Rites

MassKara 2011 Theme

This year’s theme is “Celebrating the New Icons of Bacolod” to give emphasis on the new places and structures established in Bacolod City in recent years which changed the landscape of the city.

MassKara 2011 Logo

The MassKara logo was designed by artist Bamboo Tonogbanua who is also a founding member of the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros. He is also the man behind the Christmas Village display.

The logo shows a vibrant color that is typical of the MassKara festival. The headress showcases the different icons of Bacolod such as the Pope John Paul II Tower, the Bacolod Government Center, the Bacolod Plaza Band Stand and other business structures.

MassKara Music

For the first time in 32 years, the MassKara Street Dance Barangay category will be accompanies by live music and each team will get to choose their own music. Each group will have 10 to 15 drumbeaters who will be playing rhythms that will be uniquely Bacolodnon.

Isn’t that exciting? Hope you can visit Bacolod this MassKara 2011!

MassKara 2011 Official AVP from Daryl Jimenea on Vimeo.

Reference: www.themasskarafestival.com

Top 5 Sidetrips During MassKara Festival

Glady — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:22:12 +0000

Bacolod City is famous for its MassKara Festival held every third week of October. Dancers don masks and colorful costumes and dance to lively samba beat in the streets of Bacolod. But after the revelry, what else is there to visit? A lot, actually.

If it’s your first time to visit Bacolod City, I have listed here some interesting sites you shouldn’t miss while you’re in the City of Smiles for the MassKara Festival. Some of these sites are located in nearby places which you can reach in less than an hour from Bacolod City. If you have a day to spare, you can actually visit several of these sites.

Below are our recommended Top 5 Sidetrips you can make during MassKara Festival, in no particular order.

1. Silay City Ancestral Houses – Silay City has 31 ancestral houses, three of which are museums. Silay City used to be the center of arts and culture in Negros Occidental thus it was called the Paris of Negros. It is one of the few remaining places in the country where there is a high concentration of heritage houses in a small area. Three notable ancestral houses turned into museums are the Balay Negrense (Gaston House), Pink House (Bernardo Jalandoni House) and the Hofileña Ancestral House. The various native delicacies that can be sampled in Silay City also make it a gastronomical treat for any visitor.

2. Talisay City Ancetral Houses – Talisay City may not have as many ancestral houses as Silay, but they have the ancestral houses of two of the most colorful and most influential families in Negros Occidental, the Lizares and Lacson families.

Balay ni Tana Dicang – if there is an epitome of a Negrense woman of substance, then that would be Enrica Alunan-Lizares or Capitana Dicang. When her husband Efigenio Lizares died, she raised her 17 children single-handedly while at the same time taking care of flourishing haciendas. The house located in nearby Talisay City is now a lifestyle museum and a tribute to the matriarch of the Lizares clan.

Balay Ni Tana Dicang lit up for Good Friday festivities, photo by Pons Lizares

The Ruins – It’s been called the “Taj Mahal” of Negros Occidental for a reason. Aside from its interesting structure, the story behind The Ruins is what makes it more interesting. Just like Taj Mahal, The Ruins was built by Mariano Lacson in memory of his wife Maria Braga. It may not be as grand as the Taj Mahal but the enduring structure and the stories from one of Negros’ prominent clans make it one of the top sites to visit in Negros Occidental.

3. The Negros Museum – housed in a Neo-Cassical former Agricultural Building, the museum itself is a reflection of Negros rich and colorful history. Nine large paintings of local artists depicting life in the island in pre-Spanish period adorned the lobby. Considered as a sugar museum, displays such as the replica of the Iron Dinosaur or steam locomotive, a sugar laboratory, and life sized mannequins depicting life in the haciendas show the different facets of the sugar industry.

The Negros Museum also houses a replica of a 40-foot batil which was used by Ilonggo migrants from Panay to travel and exchange goods to their second home in Negros. The Cinco de Noviembre room tells the story how Negros gained independence from the Spanish. If you only have time for one place as your sidetrip during MassKara, you should visit the Negros Museum. Visitors can sample delicious food at the Museum Cafe and buy pasalubong from the Meseum Shop.

The Negros Museum (http://negrosmuseum.blogspot.com)

4. NFEFI Biodiversity Conservation Center – at the back of the Negros Museum and just a stone’s throw away from the Provincial Capitol, the NFEFI Biodiversity Conservation Center breeds in captivity some of the rarest animals in the Philippines and endemic species of Negros. For a minimal fee, one can take a glimpse of the rich biodiversity of Negros Island and help spread the word on preserving our rainforests so that these animals can roam freely in their natural habitats.

5. Mambukal Resort – located in the town of Murcia, Mambukal Resort is less than an hour away from Bacolod City. There, you can trek up to the 7^th falls, go boating, take a dip at the hot spring pool or try the slide for life. If you are a nature lover, you should not miss Mambukal Resort.

Masskara Festival 2010 Schedule

Glady — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:57:42 +0000

The MassKara Festival 2010 celebrations will be the 31st MassKara Festival and the fun and excitement will once again invade the streets of Bacolod. MassKara Festival, dubbed as the country’s most colorful festival is also one of the most visited. Check out the 2009 MassKara Festival and you will see how colorful it is.

The MassKara Festival 2010 will not be equally exciting or it can even surpass expectations since preparations are already done this early. So book your flight and reserve your accommodation for the MassKara Festival 2010. Kari sa Bacolod!

MassKara Festival 2010 Schedule

October 1, 2010 Friday	Opening of the Festival Site * Public Plaza * SM MassKara Village5 p.m. MassKara Queen Talent Pre-Pageant (with fireworks display afterwards) Venue: Providence Negros
October 2, 2010 Saturday	7 p.m. – MassKara Queen Ramp Modeling Night Pre-Pageant Venue: 888 China Town Square Mall
October 3, 2010 Sunday	4 p.m. – “THE INTERVIEW” Pre-pageant presentation for the Q & A portion of MassKara Queen Venue: SM Bacolod Events Center
October 10, 2010 Sunday	MassKara Queen Pageant and Coronation Night Venue: University of St. La Salle Coliseum
October 15, 2010 Friday	Market Market sa Pana-ad October Bonanza Pana-ad Park Electric MassKara Venue: Tourism Strip, Lacson St.
October 16, 2010 Saturday	MassKara Street Dance Competition – School Category Venue: Araneta St. to Public Plaza Electric MassKara Venue: Tourism Strip, Lacson St.
October 17, 2010 Sunday	MassKara Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category Venue: Araneta St. to Public Plaza
October 18, 2010 Monday	Countdown to the Charter Day Giant Street Party Celebration Venue: New Government Center
October 19, 2010 Tuesday	72nd Charter Day Anniversary

Source: www.themasskarafestival.com

Where to stay in Bacolod during Masskara Festival

Glady — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:57:42 +0000

I know a lot of people at this time are looking for the 2009 Masskara Festival Schedule. A lot of people are scrambling to book for a room at any Bacolod Hotel or Bacolod Resort this early to avoid the rush. If you want to know where to stay in Bacolod during Masskara Festival, please check on our list of Bacolod Hotels and Resorts and visit the respective websites of the different hotels and resorts. The list will hopefully give you an idea of the different options you have for accommodations during MassKara Festival.

BACOLOD & NEARBY RESORTS

BACOLOD PAVILION RESORT HOTEL
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
Tel. No. 434-1824

CARIBBEAN WATERPARK AND RESOTEL
Golden Field Commercial Complex, Bacolod City,
Tel. No. 709-6059, 433-6683, 435-2643
E-mail: info@caribbean-waterpark.com
Website: http://www.caribbean-waterpark.com

NATURE’S VILLAGE RESORT
Talisay City, Negros Occidental 6115
Phone: (63) (34) 495-0808 / 4953368 to 69 / 712-1272
Fax: (63) (34) 495-3368
Mobile: (63) (922)870 2643
Email: info@naturesvillageresort.net
Website: www.naturesvillageresort.net

PALMAS DEL MAR
JR Torres Ave., Bacolod City
Tel No. 435-3527/ 434-7971-72
Email: palmasdelmar_bcd07@yahoo.com
Website: http://palmasdelmarresort.net/

STA. FE RESORT
Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-1073
Email: staferesort@gmail.com
Website: http://staferesort.com

FIRST CLASS BACOLOD HOTELS

L’FISHER HOTEL
14th Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel Nos. 63 34 433-3731 to 39; Fax 63 34 433-0951
E-mail: lfisher@globelines.com.ph
Website: http://lfisherhotelbacolod.com

LUXUR PLACE (Formerly Convention Plaza Hotel)
Magsaysay Avenue, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 63 34 434-4551 to 55, 63 34 707-1919
Fax:63 34 433-3757
Email: sales@luxurplace.com
Website: www.luxurplacehotel.com

PAGCOR HOTEL & CASINO (Formerly Casino Filipino)
Goldenfield Commercial Complex
Singcang, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: 63 34 434-8901 to 10
Fax: 63 34 434-4433
E-mail: info.bacolod@pagcor.ph
Website: www.pagcor.ph/bacolod

PLANTA CENTRO BACOLOD HOTEL & RESIDENCES
Corner Araneta- Rojas Sts., Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel No. 63 34 468-0400, 63 34 468-0408
E-mail: info@bacolodplantahotel.com, banquetsales@bacolodplantahotel.com
Website: www.bacolodplantahotel.com

ECONOMY BACOLOD HOTELS

BASCON HOTEL
Gonzaga Locsin Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.435-4071-72

CHECK INN PENSION
Ponce Building, Luzuriaga St, Bacolod City
Tel. No. (034)432-3755

O HOTEL (Formerly Bacolod Executive Inn)
San Sebastian-Locsin Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No.433-7401 to 04
E-mail: info@ohotel.com.ph
Website: www.ohotel.com.ph

PROMINENCE INN
Araneta Street, Singcang, Bacolod City
Tel No.435-0021
E-mail: prominence@mozcom.com

SEA BREEZE HOTEL
San Juan Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.(034) 433-7370/ Fax: 4337994
Email: seabreeze_ph@yahoo.com

TAMERA PLAZA INN
#79 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-1708; Fax: 709-0886

STANDARD BACOLOD HOTELS

BUSINESS INN HOTEL
#28 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-8877; Fax: (034) 434-2114
E-mail: info@businessin.net
Website: www.bacolodbusinessinn.com

CIRCLE INN
Lopez Jaena – Malaspina Streets, Capitol Shopping Center
Bacolod City 6100 Philippines
Telephone: +63-34-709-9111
Telefax: +63-34-433-2538
Mobile/Text Messaging: +63-917-445-9972
E-Mail: info@circleinnph.com
Website: www.circleinnph.com

EAST VIEW HOTEL
Carlos Hilado Circumferential Road corner Esperanza Diola Street
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
6100 Philippines
Telephone No: (034) 7072222; (034) 4330596Email
Address:contact@eastviewhotel.com
Website:http://www.eastviewhotel.com

GRAND REGAL HOTEL
Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City
Tel No. 708-5888 / 708-5588

GOLDENFIELDS KUNDUTEL
Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-7211 to 16
Fax: (034) 433-7202
E-mail: kundutel@bcd.wbw.ph

MO2 DAYS INN
Goldenfields Commercial Complex
Tel. No. 432-2317; Fax: 709-4368

MO2 WESTOWN HOTEL
Lacson Street, Mandalagan, B.C.
Tel No. 441-1481/ Fax: 709-6500
E-mail: mo2westown_bcd@yahoo.com

NORTHWEST INN
JB Corner, Rizal-Mabino Sts
Tel No. 434-4077

ROYAL AM REI
13th Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-8881; Fax: 4330222

SUGARLAND HOTEL
Araneta-Singcang Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No.435-2690
Fax: (034) 433-2645 ; Fax: 435-2645
E-mail: sugarland@mozom.com

SYLVIA MANOR HOTEL
San Juan St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-9801 / 709-0927; Fax: 434-9833
E-mail: stay@sylviamanor.com/
Website: http://www.sylviamanor.com

BACOLOD TOURIST INNS

7R RESIDENCE INN
#56 Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5674

BACOLOD KING’S HOTEL
San Sebastian-Gatuslao Street
Tel No.434-4500, 434-4600; Fax: 433-0576

BACOLOD PENSION PLAZA
Cuadra St., Bacolod City
Tel No.433-4547/ (034) 433-2203

BALDEVIA PENSION HOUSE
San Juan-san Sebastian Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-8107-09

BELLE’S PENSION HOUSE
17th Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5575

CASA AMPARO
Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-3592

G & J HORIZON PENSION
Locsin-Libertad, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-3098

G & V PENSIONNE ROYALE
Burgos North Drive., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5234

KIMAS PENSION HOUSE
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
Tel No. 435-4293 / 709-8529; Fax:709-8527

MERCENARY INN (Formerly Bacolod Legacy Inn)
Liroville Subd., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-6181

OMAR PENSION
Narra Avenue, Bacolod City
Tel No. 709-0062

PEARL MANOR
North Drive – Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5091 / 433-5092

PENSION BACOLOD
11th St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-7065

REGENCY PLAZA
Lacson Extension, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-1458

SALTIMBOCA PENSION
17th Lacson, Bacolod City
Tel No.432-3617, 432-1145, 432-3179

STAR PLUS
Lacson-Rosario St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-2949

TINDALO PENSION
Tindalo St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 709-0006

TRAVELLER’S INN
BS Aquino Drive- Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-2966

BACOLOD PENSION HOUSES

11TH BED AND BREAKFAST
11th Street, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-9191

BALAY PUEBLO ROSARIO
No 15 Sta Filomena St., Eroreco, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-4243, 434-0424

ESTER PENSION
Araneta-Libertad St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-4879

HIRO PENSION
Alijis Road
Tel No. 434-7313

ISADORA’S PLACE
Magsaysay Ave, Singcang
Tel No. 707-8993

JACQUELINE’S PENSION
13th Gatuslao St.
Tel No. 709-8580

KARMEN PENSION I
Cor. Lopez Jaena-Sta Ana Sts
Tel No. 431-9001

LAS ROCAS PENSION/ BACOLOD INN
Gatuslao St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 431-7288

LD PENSION
San Juan-Luzuriaga Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-6920, 434-4979

MAINSTREET PENSION
Lacson South Extension
Tel No. 435-3675

MONIC PENSION (Pension Phoenix)
Rosario St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-0397

POLOYs PENSION
Bonifacio St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-6817

RAINBOW PENSION
Mabini St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 707-7931

ROSITA’S HOMETEL
Mabini St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5136

SWEET CITY CAPTEL (Formerly NOBC Hostel)
Kadiwa Center, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5391

For MassKara Festival first timers, please read our feature on the history of MassKara Festival and here are photos from last year’s MassKara Festial.

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2009 Masskara Festival Schedule

Glady — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:38:12 +0000

Those who are aware of the history of Masskara Festival can say that it is as colorful as the masks and costume of the dancers. With the support of everybody, the festival has come a long way and this year will be the 30th Masskara Festival.

Every Masskara Festival is better than the last and this year, people are expecting no less. Bacolod City has more reasons to celebrate this year since the city has been blessed with various awards and investments especially in the BPO sector. The people of Bacolod are cordially inviting everyone to celebrate with us in this year’s Masskara Festival.

Below is the 2009 Masskara Festival Schedule of Activities. I have also attached here a downloadable copy of the MassKara 2009 Schedule.

DATE

EVENT

VENUE

September 12

MassKara sa Makati

Makati, Metro Manila

October 1

· Opening Program

· Senior Citizen Day

· Dep. Ed Opening Day

· Festival Sites Opening (Open until October 19)

· Bacolod Public Plaza

· BAYS Center

· Bacolod Public Plaza

October 3

Dept. of Education Cultural Presentation

BAYS Center

October 4

Senior Citizen Cultural Presentation

BAYS Center

October 5

Parade and Coronation Night of the Elderly

BAYS Center

October 7

Just Dance… G Force Live in Concert

West Negros University

October 9

MassKara 2009 Arnis Open Competition

BAYS Center

October 10

· Night of the Press Club Stars

· Ms. Gay MassKara Talent Night

· Karera sa MassKara ’09 – Motorcycle Drag Race (on going until October 11)

· BAYS Center

· Old Bacolod Airport

October 11

Ms. Gay MassKara Pageant Night

BAYS Center

October 15

· Search for MassKara Queen ‘09

· IPAO Mid Year Convention sa MassKara (Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrist)

-on going until October 18

- USLS Coliseum

· L’Fisher Hotel

October 16

· MassKara Drag Race Competition (on going until October 17)

· Street Dancing School Category

· Opening Electric MassKara (on going until October 18)

· Old Bacolod Airport

· Araneta St. – Plaza

· Tourism Strip, Lacson Streets

October 17

Barangay Category Street Dance Competition

Araneta St. to Plaza

October 18

· Street Dancing Open Category

· Countdown to Charter Day with Satellite Stages in Lacson St. and Araneta St.

· Araneta St. to Plaza

· New Government Center (main stage)

October 19

Bacolod City 71^st Charter Day

MassKara Festival: From a First-Timer’s Point of View

Glady — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:53:56 +0000

Been living here in Bacolod City for almost five years now but I haven’t watched MassKara Streetdance live on the streets, not even once. I can be a killjoy sometimes, preferring the peace and quiet of Mambukal over the revelry of MassKara Festival. This year was different, I decided to be where the action was, right there on the streets of Bacolod. A decision that made me look at MassKara from a different perspective.

It was supposed to be just a meet-up with fellow forumers of Skyscrapercity Bacolod thread. Eventually, I ended up joining our small “coverage team” of the streetdance competition. I, with my little point and shoot camera, was there on the streets, brushing elbows with professional photographers. We have IDs mind you, and even more powerful than those of the media.

The wide expanse of Araneta Street was already crowded with spectators. I was expecting a mob but it was very orderly. When told to move back to give dancers enough space, the crowd obliged.

I forgot to bring sunblock but I didn’t mind getting sunburned, it was the least of my worries. Taking pictures and enjoying the event was more important. The costumes were very colorful and although it looked as though dancing with a mask and headdress was a breeze, I’m sure it’s not. I heard that some costumes weigh as much as 4 kg.

This year’s MassKara Festival music was all instruments, which is a welcome relief. Although it was a rehash of the previous year’s music, without the vocals especially the rap, it sounded better. I agree with what most people say, a live music would bring MassKara to a higher level. This will also give MassKara a chance to participate in the Aliwan Festival.

We spent hours of under the sun and running around with the dancers, still you won’t hear us complain. How can we? We’re covering one of Philippine’s most colorful festivals, up close and personal. I’m not even intimidated that others carry powerful and expensive cameras. My photos may not be as good as theirs but the memories they conjure are as beautiful.

Aside from the streetdance along Araneta Street, another attraction was the Electric MassKara parade along Lacson Street. Here, streetdancers wore colorful costumes and masks with lights. After the parade, it’s party time! Yes, it’s true. When Bacoleños party, they party hard. I’ve never seen as many bandstands in one street as I did during MassKara.

Lacson, Araneta and the Public Plaza were all crowded yet you’ll feel safe. Good thing there’s no more videoke in kiosks at the Public Plaza, only food and drinks were allowed. There’s also a lot of policemen roving the streets so the crowd were all there to enjoy without having to worry about their safety.

It was tiring, I admit but I had so much fun that I thought I wore my smile like a mask the whole time. Where I was a TV viewer before, this year I was taking part in the festivities. Like a small piece of the puzzle, somehow I felt without me, MassKara wouldn’t have been as fabulous. I hope everybody who took part in the festivities felt the same way. May you be part of the crowd or one of the organizers, the success of MassKara Festival was not only because of the local government and the organizers.

It was the success of everybody, especially the people of Bacolod who despite all the adversities in life still find the reasons to smile. That is how MassKara Festival started. Until hope remains in the hearts of the people, that is enough reason to smile and for MassKara to continue. Next year, the 30th MassKara Festival, you will still find me there on the streets of Bacolod. I hope to see you there too.