The ninth installation of the Majica MassKara, dubbed, “Ang Bukid kag Baybay sa Bacolod (The Mountain and the Sea in Bacolod)” has been unveiled at the Bacolod public plaza last night (Oct. 5) with fireworks display.
Float carrying figures of sea creatures.
Now on its 9th year, this year’s Majica MassKara features two lighted floats carrying figures of “sea and mountain creatures” to showcase the point that Bacolod is where the mountains and the sea meet, festival director Eli F. J. Tajanlangit said.
This was conceptualized by acclaimed Negrense filmmaker Peque Gallaga, directed by established artist Charlie Co, and executed by seven Bacolod artists namely, Charlotte Rodriguez, Neil Benavente, Karina Broce, Frelan Gonzaga, Will Sarabia, Rez Galvez, and Joery Bais.
Float carrying figures of mountain creatures
One float is carrying figures of mountain creatures like deer, wild pig, flowers, and other mythical creatures, while the other float is carrying figures of sea creatures like mermaid, merman (syokoy), fishes, octopus, and crabs.
The unveiling was led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Councilors Caesar Distrito, Roberto Rojas, and Carlos Jose Lopez, Panasiatic Solutions site director Siony Hijara, Gaisano Grand Mall advertising officer Nomer Lobaton, Tajanlangit, streetdance committee chairman Rudy Reveche, and festival site manager Ma. Carmen Arrieta-Vasquez.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Charlie Co unveil one of the two Majica MassKara floats.*Daryl Jimenea photo
“The MassKara Festival has grown by leaps and bounds because of the active participation of the local artists. I’m sure it will not stop at that, as more and more attractive shows are being created by our artists,” Leonardia said in his message.
The Majica MassKara 9 installation also highlights the first day of the MassKara Art Weekend on Oct. 5 to 7.
After the unveiling, the two floats proceeded to Gaisano City and Panasiatic Solutions where they will stay there for exhibit and photo opportunity installations until Oct. 19.
Charlie Co with Bacolod artists Charlotte Rodriguez, Neil Benavente, Karina Broce, Frelan Gonzaga, Will Sarabia, Rez Galvez, and Joery Bais are introduced on stage before the unveiling of their works.
On Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. the Majica MassKara 9 floats will parade on the opening night of the Electric MassKara at the Tourism Strip along Lacson St., together with the floats of schools and companies also carrying figures of the sea and mountain creatures.
Started in 2004, Majica MassKara is an annual art event of the festival that showcases works of outstanding Bacolod visual artists.
“We are highlighting art works that are meant to be set up in public places as part of our commitment to infuse the MassKara Festival with works of public art, which, in turn, is meant to highlight Bacolod’s rich artistic heritage, Tajanlangit said.
