I flew to Bacolod on Friday, Oct. 21, for the first MassKara Festival in three years. Because of the COVID pandemic, it wasn’t held in 2020 and 2021. For its 2022 comeback, the organizers used the apt slogan “Balik Yuhum,” which means “It’s time to smile again.”
I was surprised to learn that the MassKara Festival owes its genesis to two events in the 1980s. The first was the ‘80s sugar crisis, which saw the price of sugar — Bacolod’s prime commodity — plunging in the world market. The second was the collision of the MV Don Juan — a luxury liner on its way back to Bacolod City from Manila — and the oil tanker MT Tacloban on April 22, 1980. It was a tragedy which resulted in the death of 176, many of them Bacolodnons. It was a very sad and dark period for the people of Bacolod, but they proved their resilience in the face of adversity by holding the first-ever MassKara, a loud, proud and colorful celebration of smiles.
Initially a three-day event, it has evolved into a month-long celebration of music, food, arts, crafts, pageantry and parades. Every October the city dons its brightest and happiest smiles for the much- celebrated occasion, hence the festival’s icon: a smiling mask painted with bursts of vibrant and vivid colors.
One of the many activities lined-up for the 2022 celebration was the MassKarade Ball, a dinner-for-a-cause for Operation Smile. This is a non-profit medical service organization whose goal is to bring smiles back on the faces of indigent children with cleft lip and palate deformities through free reconstructive surgery. It was spearheaded by the indefatigable and newly-elected Mayor of Bacolod City, Albee Benitez, with the very hardworking Jojie Dingcong as honorary chairperson. No less than First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos — a certified Bacolodnon herself — graced the event, with sons Vinnie and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro also in attendance.
The ball was held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City and was well-attended by the movers and shakers of the city and its neighboring towns and municipalities. It was also a glittering event with an impressive lineup of politicians, businessmen, showbiz personalities and celebrities. I came with some of the cast members of Tropang LOL, the show produced by Mayor Albee’s Brightlight Productions. At our table were Bayani Agbayani, KC Montero, Wacky Kiray, Jeff Tam, Laboching, Alexa Miro, director Bjoy Balagtas and creative producer Bobet Vidanes. I also spotted Pops Fernandez, Tim Yap, Derek Ramsay and wife Ellen Adarna. Special mention to Tessa Prieto, who came in a beautiful, head-turning African-inspired gown with an equally colorful headdress.
I was also able to chat with the lovely and gracious wife of Mayor Albee, Nikki Benitez, who was with her very good friend, chef Florabel Yatco. Javi Benitez, Mayor of Victorias City and son of Albee and Nikki, came with long-time girlfriend Sue Ramirez. They enjoyed the evening with fellow “youngsters” Simon Tantoco, city councilor of Pasig City, and friends Nikk Pratt, Sarina Samson and Erika Manosa.
Spotted at the presidential table was Chavit Singson, who donated millions of pesos to Kalipay, a home for abused, abandoned or traumatized children in Bacolod, which the First Lady has long been supporting.
Other VIPs in attendance were Cong. Kiko Benitez, representative of the third district of Negros Occidental, who was with Nilo Lizares, Mayor of Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Among the power couples who also graced the event were Megaworld’s Kevin Tan and wife Michelle and Hayden Kho and Dr. Vicki Belo. On the other hand, Maricris Zobel, wife of business tycoon Inigo Zobel, came with her girl friends, former super model Menchu Menchaca-Soriano and Doody Tuazon.
Korina Sanchez-Roxas hosted the program, which was highlighted by a mini-fashion show featuring local designers Migi Dujon, David Hilario, James Larnell and Jojaju. Their festival costumes were inspired by what Bacolod city is famous for and were worn by Miss Bacolod contestants.
The MassKarade Ball was a truly unforgettable evening. Not only did it raise money for a worthy cause, it also made its attendees beam with happiness and enjoyment from start to finish. Balik Yuhum, indeed!