The 32nd Masskara Festival is here.
I am a year older than Masskara so literally, i grew up with the event, so i am writing my own 10 Must-Do for a resident of Bacolod to enjoy and survive Masskara Festival. To be honest, a lot of families i know just stays at home and enjoy the television coverage rather than hit the streets, stucked in traffic, and get caught in the middle of the crowded streets of the city. So here are simple suggestions from a resident who experienced the good and the bad sides of the festival:
1. Know the new traffic routes. From October 1-19, the whole downtown area and all access roads from the intersection of Gonzaga-Araneta to Galo-Gatuslao are closed. Jeepneys re-routes and passes at the back of SM going to i don't know anymore (sometimes as far as Magsungay area). We all need to walk, so if you have errands and other things to do, i suggest to you do it in the morning to avoid the re-routing/traffic. It will save you from cursing the traffic enforcer, the city officials, the event organizers, etc. believe me.
2. Know the schedule of Dance Parades. When i was in college (in LCC), our final exams always coincides with the Masskara highlights, so you have to be really sneaky in finding your way out of the crowded Rizal - Gatuslao Sts., and out of the street dancers way. If you want to watch with your little kids, I suggest Araneta-Hernaez intersection (Servando's) or NOHS Araneta gate area. The crowds in Araneta-San Sebastian going to the Public Plaza is way thicker than the crowds going south. For people holding office in Plaza Mart building and nearby offices, well, goodluck, be on holiday as well :)
3. Share to your kids the Masskara Festival you experienced from your childhood. Kids love stories like that. Try it and you will be surprised how Masskara in the late 80's sounds to your kids. If you ask me personally, i love Masskara from the late 80's to early 90's, maybe because it brings back good and happy memories from childhood.
4. (For families with small children and teenagers) Avoid the heart of Masskara Festival: The Public Plaza. I know some people might hate me for saying this, but I am just being true and factual. Every year somebody ends up dead in that area. Merrymaking is good, but I care more for safety. I suggest that Families, Kids, Teenagers try going to the 'stomach' not the heart, of Masskara Festival: Lacson (Tourism) Strip for merrymaking and Food! It's a lot more safer than the public plaza.
5. Experience Electric Masskara. Since i mentioned Lacson (Tourism) Strip for a safer celebration, Electric Masskara takes place in that area. Bring the kids, grab some glow in the dark sticks, stroll going north (21st Lacson) and have some ice cream and streetfoods. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes to avoid the killer blisters.
6. Buy a colorful mask as souvenir and home decor. Sometimes we just take for granted the intricate designs of masks during Masskara Festival, we don't ever bother to buy one and put it in our homes. Tourists are all buying masks whenever they visit Bacolod, so why not get one too.
7. Know where to park safely and traffic free. If you want to witness Electric Masskara, as i have observed, at the back of 6th Lacson St. traffic and parking is tolerable and for those coming from the north, you only have the Ramos intersection area. I will not suggest anything from those going to the Public Plaza, because finding parking there even without any event is already a pain.
8. Eat Chicken Inasal in Lacson (Tourism) Strip. With the smell of fresh chicken inasal coming from the food stalls along Lacson St., ahhhh you'll ask for a cup of rice and a sawsawan right on. The festive mood will urge you to eat more, really.
9. Visit the Malls and the New Government Center. Robinson's Place and SM displays and exhibit masks for competition. You will never regret dropping by and see the unique talents of Negrenses.
10. Take a lot of pictures. Post them in Facebook or Twit what's happening. Relatives abroad and friends in other cities would love to browse it. Consider it your contribution to attract more tourist in Bacolod to witness Masskara Festival next year.
there you go, enjoy Masskara Festival.
to know more about the schedule of the festival, click here.
be safe everyone!
4 comments:
1) know the new traffic routes: i hope that this year the dissemination of info on traffic routes is in place. 2 years ago, they would just close down streets without warning. i experienced leaving the office noontime just to go to lacson street and i ended up in magsungay. being bacolod born and bred, that was the first time i passed that area!
2) park safely: if you have a sticker for riverside, take advantage and park there! parking at 6th st is also a hassle as you can get stuck there when going out.
and - when are we going around!!!!! let's do the electric masskara!!!
yes i remember your magsungay experience, that's why i have to include it...and parking in 6th st., oh well, park at the end part of the lane..hahaha and - electric masskara, let's gow!!
haha I like this one Cat! you're there na.. :D
@jing: thank you!!! ever supportive ka gid ya jing! salamat :))
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