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c h i k k a
b u z z
TEXT
TATA MAPA
PHOTOS
JAPOI CEQUINA
TOP 10 MUST-DOS FOR
MassKara
The Negrenses’ hospitality is in full force during
the Festival of Smiling Masks, when Bacolod
goes all out to throw the party of the year this
month. Here’s how you can join in the revelry
4
MARK YOUR SPOT
Saturday and Sunday afternoon
introduces you to the top draw of the
MassKara Festival: street dancing. The
route gets crowded, so stake your claim
early. Come with cold beer and drinks in
tow, and cheer on the performers.
3
VISIT THE PLAZA
From October 19 to 21, booths
selling souvenirs and yummy eats, as
well as a nearby carnival, are set up for
everyone to enjoy. Bring along some
bottled water and your camera.
2
MAKE A
CONNECTION
The Negrenses are known for being
hospitable, so touch base with a friend
or relative with homegrown roots — they
are sure to welcome you with open arms.
In case you don’t know anyone in town,
head to your hotel’s concierge. You’ll find
that Bacolod hospitality also extends to its
service industry.
7
WALK THE STRIP
As dusk settles, Lacson Street — the
city’s main thoroughfare — is closed off and
transformed into one giant street party. From
Friday to Sunday, restaurants set up tables
and chairs, bands perform, and the Electric
MassKara Parade dancers groove to the beat
of live music.
6
GO FOOD
TRIPPING
Trek to Chicken Deli and sample Bacolod’s
famous chicken
inasal
(
grilled chicken
served with special oil and rice). Eat it with
your hands for an authentic experience.
Then have Calea’s popular chocolate cake
for dessert.
5
SNAG A SOUVENIR
MASK
Your trip to the big festival won’t be complete
without taking home a unique mask. Pick up
a whimsical design by a Negros-based artist
such as Jojo Vito
(
tel: +63 (34) 433 8833)
at the ANP Negros Showroom
(
tel: +63 (34)
433 8833).
10
PARTY HOP
The MassKara Festival is all about
celebrating life. There is always something
to do, and everywhere you turn there’s a
parade or party in full swing. As the locals
say: don’t stay in the same spot — a lot of the
fun comes from hopping from one event to
another.
9
RE-ENERGIZE
Spend the day relaxing, so you’ll
have enough steam for the next round of
partying. Have lunch at the Seafood Pala-
Pala, a fish market near the lagoon. Or
go for a soothing dip in the hot springs at
the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia.
8
CHECK OUT THE
PARTY SCENE
Have a sparkly night out. Hotspots like Mu
Shu Bar (
tel: +63 (34) 435 0972, (922) 860
6952
),
Dugout Club (
tel: +63 (34) 708 0010
)
and the L’ Fisher Hotel Roof Deck (
tel: +63
(34) 433 3731
)
are where it’s at on both Friday
and Saturday nights.
1
DRESS THE PART
Don relaxed outfits in bright colors
to mirror the festive feel — and then save
your flip-flops for the beach and slip on a
comfy pair of shoes instead. Aside from this
being the proper dress code, this tip is sage
advice, as you’ll be walking a lot!
