MassKara Editorial
UNO-RIAN SENTINEL Vol. 2 No. 1
The Official Wall Newspaper of Tolentine Star
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TOLENTINESTAR THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL-RECOLETOS tolentinestar@gmail.com
SINCE 1947
Editorial Staff 2023-2024
EDITORIAL BOARD CRISTIAN JAY PLAZA Editor-in-Chief KRISHA DANIELLE RONZALES Associate Editor KASHINA ASHLEY GATILOGO Managing Editor
BEAMING SMILES. Dancers from Brgy. Granada graced the streets of Araneta bagging the Best in Street Dance and the championship title during the Masskara Festival 2023, Oct 22. ◘ photo from PALIBUT.COM
Granada hailed as two-peat champs in Masskara Festival ‘23 by KRISHA DANIELLE RONZALES
Besting nine other contenders, Barangay Granada once again secured and defended their championship title, taking home P1,000,000 as cash prize, during the Masskara Festival Streetdance and Arena Competition held from Rizal to Araneta streets and Paglaum Stadium, Oct. 22. “In our pursuit of the championship, as a choreographer, I am often confronted with numerous struggles and challenges,” Barangay Granada choreographer Mark Phillip Lamirez said. Lamirez also expressed his delight that the dancers and propsmen were able to perform what they had practiced and praised God for leading them during their performances despite the dreary weather.
Barangay Granada obtained cash prizes totaling P25,000 for Best in Music, Best in Headdress, Best in Mask and Costume designed by Joenel Buenaventura and Christopher John Puerta, Best in Theme, and Best in Music.
Multimedia Editor LANCE JOSHUA SATOJITO
Literary Folio Editor KIA MARIE COSCOLLUELA
Graphics Editor KRISTOFFER FLORES
Magazine Editor MAECEL JOY PRIOLO
Information Manager DANICA ROSE QUINDAP
The 44th MassKara Festival took place from October 7 to October 22.
Information Associate SHAIRA IWAYAN
WRITERS Arben Jeyk Da-anoy Bobby Magdaraog Jr. Jasmine Cyrile Alave Lixie Imee Soriano Myron Joseph Yunsal Nicole Bucayani Peter Bien Lumayno Reshyl Rein Colonia Rhyza Sion Sharlyn Grace Palotes Theresa Mae Dulman SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALISTS Karyl Anjao Khrystal Key Claridad Lesel Erexima LAYOUT ARTISTS Athea Grace Talanquines Dahlia Belle Flores
Maria Lester Ybaez, Catherine Vestil, Mhike Jelord Rollo, Odysso Oyales, March Mandal, and Carlou Bernaldez served as street dance competition judges. Cristalle Belo, Rhiza Pascua, Tim Yap, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Jane Basas, Carl Fider and Pat Fider, and Ann Ong served as judges in the arena competition.
TECHNICAL EDITORS
DESK EDITORS Newspaper Editor SHANNON MARIE LIBO-ON
PAWSsion Project collabs with SEDA for Masskara 2023 by SHANNON MARIE LIBO-ON
“We are always very grateful because of this long time partnership. I think this is the most sustainable and the longest partnership we have in Bacolod,” she added. Pawssion Project was founded five years ago, with more than 2,000 cats and dogs rescued and 1,000 rehomed. They now have two shelters, one in Bacolod and one in Bulacan.
Last August, organizers of the MassKara Festival launched this year’s official logo and theme song and invited supporters for a Sponsors’ Night. It was flair and festive, but one thing was noticeable: No news reporter from any of the local news outlets in Bacolod City was there to cover the event. It came to light that not a single representative from mainstream media outlets was granted entry to the unveiling event. This exclusion extended even to the dedicated journalists who regularly delve into the intricacies of City Hall and the Government Center, a beat that encompasses their responsibility for MassKara Festival reporting.
VIDEOJOURNALIST Khyle Zedrick Anasta Kent Paolo Sampiano
Amid this jubilant gathering, the media found themselves on the outside looking in. Curtains had
CARTOONIST Shoppy Lynn Condemillicor GRAPHIC ARTIST Jalyn Rose Elizan Princess Alexis Moraña Ayesha Mikyllah Mayang
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Alyssa Marie Arceño TECHNICAL ADVISER Engr. Ashraf Khater, ChE, MEnE Like us on facebook.com/tolentinestar Follow us on issuu.com/tolentinestar
For comment, suggestions, or reactions, e-mail us at tolentinestar@gmail. com or feel free to drop by our office located at the ground floor of the COED building, beside the CAS Student Council Office.
Masskara Festival: The Dance of LIfe by MAECEL JOY PRIOLO
Sweats and the rush of heat clash as everyone tries to move along with every beat of the drums, every strike of the bamboo instrument, and the thump of the racing pound of the heart. Eager to show the wildest moves, to strike the cleanest dance figure, and to exhibit the highest jump one could ever do. On an outsider’s view, these are what to be expected— the unmatched energy, the unwearied movements, and the unswerving stamina. But is this all that there is? From the City of Western Visayas located in the NorthWest of Negros Occidental presents the distinctively city known as the City of Smiles—Bacolod City. The City is also the home of one of the biggest and famous festivals in the country—MassKara Festival.
THE FIRST 16 -COUNT STEPS Along with its local parties and food, MassKara Festival also flaunts its vibrant and majestic street dance and arena competition. The highlight of the competition is the massive, striking and picturesque masks worn by the dancers as part of their costume. The competition is participated by numerous barangays and other dance groups in Bacolod. Adrian Piamonte, 24,from Barangay Estefania,and a MassKara dancer in Barangay Granada, stated that he is already part of a MassKara dance group.
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fallen on the very essence of what the MassKara Festival signifies—transparency, unity, and the shared narrative of a community. The ramifications of this media shutout extend far beyond the gates of this particular event. It is not merely a tale of journalistic exclusion; it is a stark reminder of the imperative to safeguard the role of the media in our society. In a world where information is power, where the truth is our compass, it is paramount that we recognize the value of a free press, not only as a Fourth Estate but as the guardian of our democracy. The media is not an adversary; it is an ally in our collective pursuit of truth, justice, and an inclusive society. It is the cornerstone upon which our democracy stands. The decision to exclude them from an event of such cultural significance does not merely deprive the journalists of their right to report; it deprives the masses
of their right to be informed. Let this be a resounding call to action, a wake-up call for us all. We must ensure that the media’s role is upheld, cherished, and protected, especially in events of profound importance. It is our collective duty to unmask the truth, to ensure the vibrancy of democracy, and to celebrate a free and independent press as a cornerstone of our society. The MassKara Festival, with its colorful masks and vibrant spirit, is a testament to Bacolod’s unwavering resilience. Let us honor this spirit by committing to never oppressing the media, for they are the bearers of the truth, and the protectors of democracy. Unmask the truth, let the media flourish, and let the MassKara Festival, and every event that matters to the masses, shine brighter than ever before.
Feature
Celebrated every year in the month of October, “MassKara, believe it or not, the festival has been giving local and international visitors the chance to have fun, drink, and party on the streets of Bacolod for over 30 years now!” according to the Guide to the Philippines by Gem Muzones.
“It’s a good opportunity that we are able to promote Pawssion Project even in a Festival like Masskara where everyone is just thinking about the festivity, the dancing, and the parade, but here we are giving animal welfare the platform and the chance to be seen and appreciated by the people as well,” Pawssion Project founder, Malou Perez, said.
PAWse N’ Smile. Pawssion Project concelebrated Masskara Festival 2023 with Seda Hotels through a sponsorship and merch event, Seda Capitol Central, Oct 22. ◘ photo by DIVINE DESOYO.
But, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden rays upon the festivities, a chilling shadow loomed over the proceedings—a shadow that raises pressing questions about the fundamental principles of democracy, freedom, and transparency.
Not only this is not normal, but this also goes against what press media is all about. What was the purpose of depriving the media for a launching event? Is transparency for the masses even an option in today’s time?
Pawssion Project, a non-profit animal welfare organization, celebrated Masskara 2023 with a bang through a collaboration with Seda Hotels for their sponsorship and merch event at Seda Capitol Central, Oct. 21.
Moreover, the collaboration with Pawssion Project and Seda Hotels started after the Zobel de Ayalas came to Bacolod and joined them for the blessing of Balay Pawssion two years ago. After the groundbreaking, Seda then coordinated with them for a partnership.
In the vibrant heart of Bacolod City, where joy knows no bounds and celebration is a way of life, the MassKara Festival should have been a joyous crescendo of color, culture, and unity. This festival is meant to reflect the people’s resilience and the city’s undeniable charm.
PHOTOJOURNALISTS Ma. Katreena Bernal Jan Daniel Biñas Jennyfer Briones DIvine Desoyo Janzten Lumanog
HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT Kaye Eunice Lamera, RSW
BE IN THE KNOW
Unmasked
“I start dancing MassKara [street dance and arena competition] when I was around 11 years old when our school was looking for dancers from grade 6 students and I decided to join and I became part of a team because my sisters was also a MassKara dancer,” Piamonte stated as he remembers his very first MassKara street dance and arena competition. Miko Arroz, 22, from Barangay Estefania, a MassKara dancer in Barangay Singcang-Airport shared how he only remembers that he started dancing from as early as pre-school through photos kept by his family. “My love for dancing was like a love and hate relationship. (When] I started joining Masskara Dance Competition way back 2019, I solely joined just for the experience but somehow I managed to enjoy the dance
and the friendship I gained with my fellow dancers,” Arroz said. These dancers, like many others have started from an early age or per se started somewhere. It may be an influence from a fellow dancer, passion for dancing, or just pure curiosity; but as they start, they continue the journey knowing that the journey is yet to be discovered. THE SET UP AND THE SETBACKS For the most part, people only see the scintillating masks worn by the dancers, how they are able to carry the massive and heavy masks while dancing under the blazing heat of the sun. Twirling with their big smiles behind their masks, their cheerful chants, and their never weary hearts for dancing. Joedem Casabuena, 35, from Barangay Granada, a trainer from the same Barangay from 2014-2016 and 2022-2023, shared how difficult it is for him as a trainer during the peak of COVID-19. “I had to improvise and start a small tiangge to support myself because festivities such as MassKara Festival were cancelled because of the pandemic,” Casabunena shared as the challenges he had to face during the peak of the pandemic as a dance trainer. Behind their masks, there are stories we never heard of. Behind a group, there is an individual who grapples with life’s challenges just to make sure they get to the arena and declare that they made it from the fiery heat of the street. THE CROWD FAVORITE It is not easy to get to where you are headed without stumbling once or twice, but it is the setbacks that make most of the dancers try even harder to deliver their finest dance performance they have ever done in their whole MassKara street dance and arena competition journey. Jeffrey Peagrez, 23, a dancer from Barangay Granada shares that it is not always cupcakes and rainbows when you are part of a MassKara Dance Group. “All my sacrifices made me realize [that I need] to pursue and continue my journey in joining MassKara street dance because at the end of the day I know that all my sacrifices are worth it,” Peagrez shared knowing that not quitting was a good choice he made. Rommel Regole, 24, from Barangay Estefania, and a dancer from Barangay Granada also shares that their exhaustion from all the practices are overshadowed by their passion and love for dancing.
“It’s the dedication of everyone. Some of us are students in the morning and dancers at night so balancing both is hard, but we have this burning passion in our hearts that give us the courage,” Regole shared proudly. MassKara, as many knew, is a festivity to celebrate Bacolodnons’ happy façade despite the challenges they encounter. Bacolodnons never fail to show how they are able to celebrate their roots and show their passion for the city and as well as for dancing. We have yet to experience better and grander MassKara Festival for the coming years. We also have yet to hear more stories of Bacolodnons and their journey as MassKara dancers. These stories are only a few of the dancers’ shared and most common experiences. There are many more stories to tell—many more truths to ascertain. But for now, let us start from here; their humble stories of where they started, their defiance to quit, and their stories of triumph.