“Megaworld Smiles”: Megaworld’s theme for this year’s Masskara Festival celebration

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival reached a crescendo of excitement as property giant Megaworld proudly kicks off “Megaworld Smiles“. This is Megaworld’s theme for this year’s grand Masskara celebration at their 34-hectare masterpiece, The Upper East. This year’s festivities are a spectacle like no other, with the unveiling of the biggest Masskara banner in the city. …

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Festive Faces by Jojo Vito

Experience the Magic and Colors of MassKara Festival at ‘Festive Faces’ by Jojo Vito at Art Cove

by Claire Algarmeevents, products and promo, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

In a room charged with anticipation, art lovers, culture enthusiasts, media, and guests converged at the Art Cove of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. That is to say, they gathered for the grand unveiling of ‘Festive Faces,’ Jojo Vito’s latest masterpiece. Furthermore, this event marked a significant shift from his previous installation, ‘Gilded Expressions,’ and …

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MassKara Festival Bacolod City

The Masskara Festival 2023: Schedule of Activities this Year

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival is a world-renowned celebration that has captivated the hearts of both locals and tourists for decades. This festival has become an iconic symbol of Bacolod’s resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit. Its colorful masks, lively street parades, and infectious energy are the stamp of the Masskara Festival. The Masskara Festival 2023 is …

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Iconic Masskara-themed McDonald’s store opens in Bacolod

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, events, products and promo, food, Philippines, Visayas, World travelPosted on No Comments

Driving along Galo St. in The Upper East, property giant Megaworld’s 34-hectare township, in what used to be the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company (BMMC) complex brings a sense of nostalgia to me. My paternal grandfather had worked in BMMC, and later on my father as well. He and his siblings lived in the BMMC compound before …

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5 MassKara Festival activities you shouldn’t miss this weekend

by Claire Algarmeevents, products and promoPosted on No Comments

Every year, tens of thousands flock to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental for MassKara Festival, one of the most colorful and fun festivals in the Philippines. Started as a way to uplift the spirits of Negrenses in the midst of a sugar crisis and a devastating tragedy, the MassKara Festival celebrates the unbreakable spirit of …

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PAL opens MassKara Festival 2018 with a free concert

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, events, products and promo, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

As Bacolod City celebrates its 39th MassKara Festival on 8th to 28th October 2018, Philippine Airlines, the country’s first and only 4-Star global airline, will kick-off the festivities on the eve of the opening through a free concert, featuring Sponge Cola. This is the first time that PAL is participating in MassKara in full-scale. They …

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MassKara Festival

MassKara Festival 2017 and its ASEAN theme

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Indonesia, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

The MassKara Festival of Bacolod: City of Southeast Asia The MassKara Festival 2017 theme focuses on “Bacolod: City of Southeast Asia,” which highlights the local culture as part of the larger ASEAN heritage as well as a look to the future towards a stronger ASEAN integration. It is understandable why this is the theme for …

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Chino's Deli in Bacolod

Chino’s Deli at MassKara Festival

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, food, Philippines, Visayas, with localsPosted on No Comments

Since this is the longest celebration of MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Public Plaza is now teeming with food stalls since it started in October 1 and they are there to stay until October 23. It remind me of years past, during my student days when I had experienced the night revelry at the plaza. …

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Masskara Festival

MassKara Festival 2018 Schedule of Events

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, heritage, Philippines, Visayas, with locals, World travelPosted on 10 Comments

It’s this time of the year once again when my city is alive with colors, songs, and other attractions. Yes, October is MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. But what is it all about and how did it all start? Read my post Behind MassKara’s Smile for …

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The colors of Masskara Festival 2014

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, VisayasPosted on 3 Comments

“I’ll take you back to the old days and I’ll sing the songs once you’ll all remember so come and sing along (come on everybody)” This was the Latin beat of medley songs of Trini Lopez that has always embedded in my memory of the Masskara Festival I knew. I was a small child and …

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Masskara Festival

Behind Masskara’s Smile: The beginnings of MassKara Festival

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, Visayas, World travelPosted on 3 Comments

I was eight years old and I was standing in front of my mother’s office right across the city plaza watching with awe the crowd gathered along the side walk. I squeezed my tiny head in between two adults so I could get a glimpse of the MassKara Festival parade and street dancing. Men and …

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Siquijor, Philippines

Discover the Best Times to Visit the Philippines

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, PhilippinesPosted on No Comments

The Philippines, a tropical archipelago known for its stunning beaches, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for travelers seeking a slice of paradise. With its diverse and awe-inspiring natural beauty, the country offers something for everyone, whether you’re a scuba diver, beach lover, hiker, backpacker, festival goer, or foodie. To make the …

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The Upper East House

The Upper East House: A Modern Tribute to Negrense Heritage

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, events, products and promo, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the captivating tour of The Upper East House, a testament to the seamless blend of Negrense heritage and modernity in Bacolod City. Developed by the property giant Megaworld Corporation, this iconic three-story township information center The Upper East House pays homage to the illustrious icon that …

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Living La Dolce Vita in Negros Occidental

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

A trip to Negros Occidental can be summed up in one word: Manamit! It means yummy, flavorful, appetizing, good taste, delicious and so much more. But it does not only refer to its food. It is how life in this part of the country is all about. La Dolce Vita or the sweet life is …

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AirAsia’s new route: Manila-Bacolod

by Claire AlgarmeAsia, events, products and promo, Philippines, VisayasPosted on No Comments

There are more reasons to fly and visit Bacolod City and the various towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental as AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, launched its daily flights between Manila and Bacolod. The maiden flight was held during the highlight of the 40th MassKara Festival of the City of Smiles. …

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