Smart joins Masskara festivities

MANILA, Philippines - Bacolod City’s public plaza overflowed with smiles as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) held Masskarakrockan, an evening of songs, dancing and games. Smart brought the Viva Hot Babes, Itchyworms and stand-up comic Donita Nose for the Masskara festival.

The Masskara festival was held in 1980 to add fun to the city’s Oct. 19 Charter Day Anniversary. It was also meant to encourage Bacolodnons to keep their happy spirit despite uncertainties in the sugar industry, and MS Don Juan tragedy, where many Negrenses died after the vessel sank. Masskara, coined from English word mass and cara, Spanish word for face, means a multitude of smiling faces.

“We are glad to have expressed our appreciation to Bacolodnons by adding entertainment and fun to the festival through the concert,” said Steve Alcoseba, head of Smart’s sales and distribution team for Visayas-Mindanao.

With Donita Nose providing comic relief, Katya Santos, Sarah Lopez and Sheree entertained the crowd with songs and sexy moves. The audience sang along as Itchyworms played Akin Ka na Lang, Pinoy Ako, Kabataang Pinoy, and Beer. Everyone was given the chance to join the games on stage.

“Thanks to Smart for giving us the chance to be a star on stage,” shared Charmaine Diaz, one of the players of the Hellow game.

“The concert was fun-filled, complete with games, celebrities, stand-up comedy, and cool freebies. I’m happy to know Smart really makes an effort to reach out to us,” said Sharon Villaros, winner of the Smart Gold shopping game.

After, Smart employees served as Red Cross volunteers to help in the Masskara street dancing competition. They were deployed at the main Red Cross First Aid station at Bacolod Plaza, where they tended to ill or injured street-dancing performers.

“We are happy that Smart employees stepped up in providing voluntary service for the Masskara festival through Red Cross. Having more Red Cross volunteers allowed us to cover more ideas and have a more efficient operation to help more people,” said Josue Abonales, Red Cross team lead for Masskara 2009.