BACOLOD City greeted so many revelers during the 36th MassKara Festival celebrations. I must congratulate the organizers, the people who worked in the front line as well as the foot soldiers, the promoters, the sponsors, most importantly the city, its officials and the coordinators and the people of Bacolod and Negros whose cooperation and collaboration made it all a success despite the unwelcome intruder to the festivities Mr. Lando, the typhoon.
Our tourist guides were busy showing guests around during the interim between activities. The porters were happy because of the influx of passengers. The food and restaurant establishments were packed. While traffic was a nightmare, for sure those engaged in the transport industry (buses, taxis, car rentals, even trisikads) were able to bring home more for the food in the table.
Monsignor Gigi once said that most big feasts have a religious significance and MassKara does not have any. Perhaps, since the MassKara came to be to drown the sadness of the ill-fated M/V Don Juan when so many precious lives were lost from Negros and Bacolod, then the MassKara can be a celebration of the lives of the people who have perished and now enjoying eternal bliss.
And for those who have survived, it is a celebration of thanksgiving. In whichever case, the MassKara is a thanksgiving. A thanksgiving for the blessings of life and the goodness of God’s bountiful graces received and to be received.
They say no one can party like MassKara. Here are some scenes which did not make the front page but proves that fact!
Special thanks to Elsie Gonzaga, Bob Lacson, Roy Sabay for the pictures they shared.