The puppet-pair entry of Christopher John Puerta of Barangay Villamonte, which depicted Bacolod’s dazzling neon-lit street parties and modern festival vibe that continues to evolve each year, was the grand champion in the 1st MassKara Mask-Higantes competition Oct. 15 at the Government Center.
Besting five other pair-entries from barangays 2, 11, Tangub, Bata, and Sum-ag, and two entries from the Bacolod City College, Villamonte bagged P50,000 in cash prize, a certificate, and trophy.
Josh Descatamiento’s pair-entry from Barangay 11 was first runner-up, and won P30,000, certificate, and trophy. It brought to life festivalgoers and tourists, and was a vibrant tribute to the people, who fill Bacolod’s streets with energy and smiles during the MassKara season.
Winning P20,000 as second runner-up was the puppet pair of artist Stephen Efundo of Barangay Tangub, which showed the creativity and craftsmanship of Bacolod’s local mask-makers, who breathe life into the city’s most iconic festival symbol.
Each puppet pair represented “Toto and Inday”, two symbolic Bacolodnons reflecting the city’s everyday slices of life during the MassKara Festival – from the cheerful manug-inasal vendors and tireless manuglibods to the Masskara dancers, artists, and photographers, who bring color and joy to the streets, the organizer said in a press release.
Other entries included that of Alpha Grace Samillano of BCC, which showcased photographers and honored the storytellers behind the lens, who capture Bacolod’s beauty, spirit, and color through their art; Marven Galea, Barangay 3, featuring the Manug-Inasal, and celebrating Bacolod’s world-famous chicken inasal vendors, whose food and warmth are part of every MassKara memory;
Aldrin Pasuelme, Barangay Bata, which portrayed the MassKara dancers, the festival’s heartbeat, symbolizing the rhythm, movement, and unity that make Bacolod’s celebration world-renowned; Zeus Birondo, Barangay Sum-ag, which highlighted Mga Manuglibods, representing the hardworking vendors and street peddlers, who bring life and hustle to every corner of the city; and Roderick Dela Rosa, also of BCC, presented Sinadya sa Peryahan, a nostalgic glimpse of local fairs and carnival fun that capture the essence of Filipino celebration and joy.
Each pair of Toto and Inday puppets stood tall and proud, telling a story of everyday Bacolod life during MassKara. Their vibrant costumes, intricate masks, and expressive designs amazed spectators and reflected the city’s creativity, resilience, and community spirit, the organizer said. ||
