MassKara Festival: From a First-Timer’s Point of View

Been living here in Bacolod City for almost five years now but I haven’t watched MassKara Streetdance live on the streets, not even once. I can be a killjoy sometimes, preferring the peace and quiet of Mambukal over the revelry of MassKara Festival. This year was different, I decided to be where the action was, right there on the streets of Bacolod. A decision that made me look at MassKara from a different perspective.

It was supposed to be just a meet-up with fellow forumers of Skyscrapercity Bacolod thread. Eventually, I ended up joining our small “coverage team” of the streetdance competition. I, with my little point and shoot camera, was there on the streets, brushing elbows with professional photographers. We have IDs mind you, and even more powerful than those of the media.

The wide expanse of Araneta Street was already crowded with spectators. I was expecting a mob but it was very orderly. When told to move back to give dancers enough space, the crowd obliged.

I forgot to bring sunblock but I didn’t mind getting sunburned, it was the least of my worries. Taking pictures and enjoying the event was more important. The costumes were very colorful and although it looked as though dancing with a mask and headdress was a breeze, I’m sure it’s not. I heard that some costumes weigh as much as 4 kg.

This year’s MassKara Festival music was all instruments, which is a welcome relief. Although it was a rehash of the previous year’s music, without the vocals especially the rap, it sounded better. I agree with what most people say, a live music would bring MassKara to a higher level. This will also give MassKara a chance to participate in the Aliwan Festival.

We spent hours of under the sun and running around with the dancers, still you won’t hear us complain. How can we? We’re covering one of Philippine’s most colorful festivals, up close and personal. I’m not even intimidated that others carry powerful and expensive cameras. My photos may not be as good as theirs but the memories they conjure are as beautiful.

Aside from the streetdance along Araneta Street, another attraction was the Electric MassKara parade along Lacson Street. Here, streetdancers wore colorful costumes and masks with lights. After the parade, it’s party time! Yes, it’s true. When Bacoleños party, they party hard. I’ve never seen as many bandstands in one street as I did during MassKara.

Lacson, Araneta and the Public Plaza were all crowded yet you’ll feel safe. Good thing there’s no more videoke in kiosks at the Public Plaza, only food and drinks were allowed. There’s also a lot of policemen roving the streets so the crowd were all there to enjoy without having to worry about their safety.

It was tiring, I admit but I had so much fun that I thought I wore my smile like a mask the whole time. Where I was a TV viewer before, this year I was taking part in the festivities. Like a small piece of the puzzle, somehow I felt without me, MassKara wouldn’t have been as fabulous. I hope everybody who took part in the festivities felt the same way. May you be part of the crowd or one of the organizers, the success of MassKara Festival was not only because of the local government and the organizers.

It was the success of everybody, especially the people of Bacolod who despite all the adversities in life still find the reasons to smile. After all, the history of MassKara Festival tells us how to face challenges with dignity. Until hope remains in the hearts of the people, that is enough reason to smile and for MassKara to continue. Next year, the 30th MassKara Festival, you will still find me there on the streets of Bacolod. I hope to see you there too.