MassKara Festival's Street Dance Competition

As early as February of this year, I already booked Kat and myself tickets to Bacolod. I promised to myself Im going to experience one of the most raved festivals in the country today.

Tale of the Masskara

There was a time when Bacolod was badly hit by different crisis and economic problems. Everyone was feeling down. So to hide the despair, the people thought of wearing colorful and lively masks and costumes. They danced in the streets with happy smiles and high spirits. And so MassKara Festival is born.


Last October 15, Kat and I flew to Bacolod to witness MassKara festival. Since we arrived late in the downtown plaza on day 1, we weren't able to find a good spot to watch the most awaited MassKara Street Dance competition. Good thing the following day, there was another one. Much more exciting, the barangay competition.

As I said in my last post, we arrived in the plaza as early as 1pm. The sun was striking hot but all spectators endured the almost-heat-stroke temperature and waited patiently for the show. At 4pm, the show finally started.

the jampacked plaza 2 hours before the competition
see, lahat kami may payong na dala..

the best seat in the house

After 3 hours of sun bathing, the show finally started. The crowd became alive as these large MassKara puppets entered and danced all the way inside the floor. Sulit ang paghihintay.

it was so fun to watch how graceful these MassKara puppets danced. aliw!

All of a sudden, two people asked our group if there's still a sitting space. We moved a little of course and made a seat for them. Few seconds later, I noticed everyone was smiling and handshaking the man. We found out in a little while that he is the congressman. Malay ko ba, sa Manila kasi ang congressman merong mga bodyguards na naka-barong! Hehe

front row seats with congressman!
thanks Peng for this shot

Not very long when the Street Dance Competition finally began. There are 15 participating barangays this year. There's only 1 song to use, but the rhythm depends on the barangay's preference. This comes the creativity part. And btw, the music is live. Each team brought their own set of drummers. Spell effort!

oohhhlala

participants come in all sizes ^_^

Taking photos of these wild dancers is very challenging. The absence of the sun made it harder.

the show must go on
at least 3 participants fell on the ground (nahilo sa pagod or sa init ng costumes maybe) but no worries because the medic is on stand by

i like the costume, simple yet attractive

this is my top pick. the costume is un-kabog-able! they wowed the audience with their stunts and props. and they even had a singer, birit kung birit si ate!

outshine them all!

they danced crazily in their roller blades and on top of those giant sticks. kayo na talaga!

peek a boo - but again, the show must go on..

mr.Byahilo doing the front act for his barangay

winner!

pang-showtime!

Aside from the glam and shiny costumes, the very inviting music, and the lively dance - I also see the dedication of each and every participant. From the dancers to the choreographers to the props carriers to the drummers, all of them gave their best performances. I felt they're competing for the pride, and not for any prize at stake. Saludo ako!


Overall, it was very fulfilling to feel the vibes, cheer with the locals, and watch the street dance up close. The sun and the rain that we endured just to have a front seat was paid off. And yes, flying all the way to Bacolod to experience this world class festival is just priceless.

Next on my To-Do-List: watch Dinagyang and Sinulog! =)