9th Majica MassKara unveiled

ILOILO CITY - The ninth installation of the Majica MassKara, dubbed, “Ang Bukid kag Baybay sa Bacolod (The Mountain and the Sea in Bacolod)” was unveiled at the Bacolod public plaza on Friday night with fireworks display.

Festival director Eli F.J. Tajanlangit, said this year’s Majica MassKara, now on its 9th year since it was started in 2004 showcasing works of outstanding Bacolod visual artists, features two lighted floats carrying figures of “sea and mountain creatures” to showcase the point that Bacolod is where the mountains and the sea meet.

He said the annual art event was conceptualized by acclaimed Negrense filmmaker Peque Gallaga, directed by established artist Charlie Co, and executed by seven Bacolod artists namely, Charlotte Rodriguez, Neil Benavente, Karina Broce, Frelan Gonzaga, Will Sarabia, Rez Galvez, and Joery Bais.

One float is carrying figures of mountain creatures like deer, wild pig, flowers and other mythical creatures while the other float is carrying figures of mountain creatures like mermaid, merman (syokoy), fishes, octopus, and crabs.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson led several city councilors and festival officials in the unveiling rites.

“The MassKara Festival has grown by leaps and bounds because of the active participation of the local artists. I’m sure it will not stop at that, as more and more attractive shows are being created by our artists,” Leonardia said in his message.

The Majica MassKara 9 installation also highlights the first day of the MassKara Art Weekend on Oct. 5 to 7.

After the unveiling, the two floats proceeded to Gaisano City and Panasiatic Solutions where they will stay there for exhibit and photo opportunity installations until Oct. 19.

On Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. the Majica MassKara 9 floats will parade on the opening night of the Electric MassKara at the Tourism Strip along Lacson St., together with the floats of schools and companies also carrying figures of the sea and mountain creatures.

“We are highlighting art works that are meant to be set up in public places as part of our commitment to infuse the MassKara Festival with works of public art meant to highlight Bacolod's rich artistic heritage,” said Tajanlangit. (PNA)