• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A 16 feet tall bronze statue by an international sculptor will adorn The Upper East’s skyline in celebration of the unique identity and culture of Bacolod City.
Property giant Megaworld has revealed the design of its iconic statue, the “MassKara Queen”, which will be installed atop The Kingsford once the hotel opens in 2028.
It is envisioned to become a prominent attraction in the 34-hectare township, particularly since it will be framed against The Kingsford’s all-glass facade.
The MassKara Queen is the latest masterpiece from Spanish sculptor Ginés Serrán-Pagán, one of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists. It will be made of bronze, a material that can withstand even the harshest of elements for at least 2,000 years, the company said.
At the design unveiling Oct. 14, the queen, in finery fit for royalty, is depicted wearing a smile mid-dance. She is shown with her right arm raised while holding a MassKara mask on her left hand as she twirls, showing the elaborate design of her skirt, highlighted by colorful flowers, feathers, and other decorations.
“Historically, the MassKara Queen is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival. Her graceful movement, radiant smile, and colorful costume bring life to the festivity and resemble the joy and the spirit of the people of Bacolod,” Avinash Menon, cluster general manager for Visayas of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement.
“The MassKara Queen at The Kingsford is a true masterpiece that honors the unique identity of Bacoleños in finding joy and spreading positive energy in every moment. We are delighted to share the royal beauty of this statue as we get ready to welcome tourists, travelers, and the rest of Bacolod and the world at The Kingsford in The Upper East, where the king meets the queen,” Menon added.
Harold Geronimo, vice president for Public Relations and Media Affairs at Megaworld, said they’re building a world-class township in Bacolod. “We want everyone to relate to it that’s why we’re getting an international sculptor.”
Serrán-Pagán has created more than 3,800 sculptures and other masterpieces for private collectors, institutions, and museums, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York. He recently inaugurated the sculptures of Venus, Genesis, and Vulcan at the Port of Ashland at Kentucky, USA, the tallest group of sculptures in the United States, the company said.
“What we’re building here are not just structures. (There will be) a lot of architectural marvels in The Upper East, something that we look forward to,” Geronimo said, adding this latest exciting addition to the sprawling township “will forever be etched in the memories of Bacolodnons and Negrenses.”
The statue will be seen even from Upper East Avenue as it will face the sprawling plaza in front of The Kingsford, which will be sandwiched by the first two office towers in the township – the No. 1 Upper East Avenue and No. 5 Upper East Avenue.
The 12-story The Kingsford, managed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the country’s largest hotel operator, will have 300 room keys and will feature a variety of ‘first in Bacolod’ facilities and amenities, including its own Executive Lounge, a high-ceiling, pillarless Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 700 persons, and four dining outlets.
The Kingsford will be strategically located between the four residential condominium towers from Megaworld: One Regis, Two Regis, One Manhattan, and Herald Parksuites. | CGC
