Electric Masskara Night

The electric Masskara Night is on its 5th year now.  Lacson St, from the South Capitol Road to B.S. Aquino Drive, has been converted into what is now called the Tourism Strip.  

Restaurants and other business establishments along the main Lacson St. would put out tables and chairs at the sidewalk and it is transformed into a big street party by 6pm of the 3rd Friday & Saturday of October.  

Everyone would be walking around.  A number of platforms or stages were put up in strategic locations along the strip for bands and event sponsors.

Even Manong is ready to party!

Just wondering how many head of chicken were sacrificed to feed  the street partygoers?

This was how Chicken Deli looked like.  At about 8pm, the queue to their 'Pay as you Order' counter has lengthened.

Electric masskara dancers atop their float.

Dancers fully lighted up

Friends get to pose at Merci's photo booth.  They also handed out freebies to partygoers like us.

Masskara Costumes 2011

Masskara Festival is held every 3rd weekend of October in Bacolod City. This started in 1980. This was the time when the sugar industry was at its low and tragedy happened in April 1980 when M/V Don Juan sunk where an estimated 700 passengers perished. This also included the incumbent mayor's wife and daughter too. How tragic it could be for all Negrenses.

Bacolod City was already known as the City of Smiles back then. It was then decided by the local artists and local government to hold a festival of smiles. It would also be a good opportunity for the people to rise from their grief and come out as strong and triumphant people inspite of adversities.

Thus, the smiling faces in the masks was used to hide the grief of the people.

The word Masskara was coined from two words. "Mass" meaning a multitude and "kara" a Spanish word for face. Thus, Masskara is a multitude of smiling faces.

Bacolod City's Charter was signed on June 18, 1933 and was inaugurated as a city on October 19, 1938 by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon. Hence, Masskara Festival is celebrated every Charter Day.

Photos shown here were the costumes worn during the streetdance competition held every 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday for the School and Barangay Categories, respectively. These photos were on display at Robinsons Place, Bacolod City for judging.

For more details about the Masskara Festival, pls click on this link. http://www.themasskarafestival.com/about-masskara/why-masskara/

To learn more about Bacolod City, pls click on this link: http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/

For details or inquiries regarding tours for Bacolod and Negros, pls email viajenegrense@gmail.com

An Experience at the Grand Royal Spa

One fine Saturday afternoon, we were invited to visit and experience the service of the Grand Royal Spa at the East Block, Bacolod City. I live nearby but haven't had the chance to experience their services. So I accepted the invite and we were graciously received by Ms. Vicky Que, the franchisee and a good friend to mine too.

My friend here is selecting what type of massage she would have.

I was given the hour-long Swedish massage in one of these beds. It was very relaxing, indeed. Having a body massage is always good for our body. It helps in our blood circulation. It is advisable to have a massage every two weeks. So, when you need one, think of Grand Royal Spa. Main branch is located at San Isidro Bldg., 6th St. and the other branch is at 2/F of Villa Angela Arcade, The East Block, Burgos Ext., Bacolod City.