Masskara Festival 2011 - Makes me want more!

Masskara Festival is one of the most popular festivities in the Philippines that attracts tourists round the world. It began in the year 1980, when people of Bacolod City suffered from economic crisis due to the low price of sugar. 

This is during the Dance Showdown

The place relied much on their primary product - sugar cane. During that same year, a tragedy happened. A vessel M/V Don Juan boarded with Negrenses (people of Bacolod city) collided with an oil tanker M/T Tacloban City, and sank. Many lives were lost in this tragic accident. CLICK here for the entire story.

^{The local artists, local governments, and civic groups made an effort to launch the Festival of Smile to enlighten the mood of the people. Masskara Festival is named after these events. It means Mass as Multitude, and Kara as Face. Masskara is a portmanteau coined by the late artist Ely Santiago.} 

sorry for the haggard faces. I look tired. No sleep from a 6-hour bus ride.

I joined Masskara Festival last year, but that was not a total blast. Let me share to you some of the photos of last year's Masskara Festival. I'm planning to make this post a series (bear with me!)

Since, it's my second time in Bacolod City, I urged my friends to stroll in SM City mall. We went malling and bought some stuffs.

Obviously, Masskara Festival is the theme.

And, guess who I bumped with? My Aunt with his boyfriend. lol We went to Bacolod City with our own set of friends and companies. My cousin went too, and we crossed our ways in one of the bars in the city.

We're going to see the Dance Showdown, and forgot to buy pasalubong. Bummer!

This is Max, staring at me. He didn't want me to take candid photos.

This is what he wanted. His undying PEACE hand-sign post.

We made it. We're able to watch the Dance Showndown despite the scorching heat of the sun.

We got home right after. The weather is not that good, but it cooperated anyway. Thanks to those cloud-breakers.

This is Max, Mark, and Kirby. Please notice the PEACE hand-sign, AGAIN! They're setting up the tables.These three are working in a bar in Bacolod City. Kirby's the owner, and Lacson St. is where the street party situated.

This is Paul. The PEACE hand-sign AGAIN! Honestly, I just noticed it now when uploading the photos here on blog.

I am waiting for the Electrical Parade to start. It's coming on my way.

Finally! I got a closer look.

Rides are decorated with different lights and shining decors. Lacson street is illuminated with glittering parade.

Sponsors also have their own float. This one is from an oil company.

This one is from a liniment maker. I took a shot, because it's a big float.

I love the fancy decors.

Max (with his PEACE hand-sign), Paul, and forgot the name. lol

Paul with the street party peeps.

Krishna and Kirby. They're actually exhausted. WE are all exhausted.

Me and Tita Josephine (kirby's mother).

This is iBar, where my friend worked, and where we stay. lol

I stayed three days in Bacolod City for Masskara Festival 2011, but I didn't really get the chance to roam around the city. I didn't even visit any clubs or bars, because my friends are ever loyal to their own.They didn't want to spend a penny to buy a beer in other bars. 

I'd like to tell you more about my stay in Bacolod City last year. I'd like to tell you how I almost fainted riding Galeon the first time, but I don't want to bore you with photos and long post. Till then readers and bloggers. Thank you so much for your visit. Please leave your marks. I will be posting Masskara Festival 2012 after this one.

Just me, 

Phioxee