All Lighted Up!

When you see a bunch of Christmas lights hanging, what comes in mind?  It looks really magical, right?  Like some kind of a wonderland...

The yuletide season is the perfect opportunity to take a snapshot or two of the decors that has made the holidays into one magical glittering event.

It this the time of the season when all the Christmas decors have been displayed to the fullest.  There is nothing that compares to the spirit brought about by the season of noel.  Once again, the child in each and everyone of you out there is feeling the magic and joys of Christmas.

The Different Trees Around

888 Chinatown Square's Christmas Tree of Lights

The Christmas Tree in my Parents' House (in traditional red and gold)

The Christmas Tree in my Aunt's House (with the motif of silver, white, and crystals)

Indian Trees turned Christmas Trees -- the front of our neighbor's house

Santa Was All Over Town

Our Neighbor's Inflatable Santa Claus in their Front Yard

Santa in My Aunt's Front Door

Outside the House of my Cousin's Grandparents' House

(Santa's gotta step on the breaks!) ^_^

Santa Heads for the Tropics this Christmas

Santa Trying Out Gymnastics

The Stars Shining On Through Christmas

The Philippines' Famous Parol (modern design)

The Philippines' Famous Parol (traditional design)

[this photo was taken by my good friend, JC]

Colorful Parols in the Pocket Garden

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow--Man!

Snowmen... in my parents' living room (they remind me of my two nephews) ^_^

Sometimes He Can Look Scary... But I Guess He's Nice

A Typical Snowman Made of Styrofoam -- He's Just So Cute!

The Other Things that Bring Magic to Christmas

The Nativity Scene -- life-size statues outside Yanson Residence (Bacolod City)

Rotating Penguins in a See-through Beach Ball --

outside the De la Paz Residence (Bacolod City)

Outside Houses --  these Lights look like Studs of Diamonds

Viva La Masskara!!!

Welcome to the City of Smiles!
Bacolod City, home of the Masskara Festival, Philippines, has always opened its doors to the world, and each year plays a generous host to visiting tourists from all over the globe. A week-long celebration and partying is witnessed and enjoyed by everyone who loves fun and culture.

Click to see more pictures of the Masskara Festival by George Pontino Jr.

The annual Masskara festival events include the traditional street dancing by the different *"barangays" of the city. It is a contest whose criteria include costume, dance, and ingenuity. The dancers dance to Latin beats in colorful attires and energy-filled dance moves. Local artists also flaunt their artworks as they display it along Lacson street. Something that sets the Masskara Festival different from the usual festivals.

Local artist Charlie Co's (moving) papier-mache float, Majica.

For this special event, the main road, Lacson street, is closed for a week as it houses the many kiosks, platforms, bands, artworks, and ornaments-vendors. Although during daytime and rush hour the traffic seems spiteful, the festive spirit is everywhere that nobody really complains for longer than 10 minutes. Everyone is just all worked up for the fun parties & get-togethers!

The Bacolod Government Center, October 19, 2009, 00:00

The Masskara Festival is usually during the 3rd week of October, near the 19th of the month which is the charter day of Bacolod. This year is the 30th Masskara Festival, and the inauguration of the new Government Center (a.k.a. City Hall). On the last day of the festival, October 18, a countdown 'til midnight at the new Government center was joined by hundreds of *Bacoleños awaiting the fireworks display to celebrate the charter day. Fireworks have always had that magical feel to it -- and this moment was indeed an enchanting sight.

In the midst of the Masskara Festival, being drowned in the crowd is like being Alice, in Wonderland -- in a good way (nothing scary or confusing). While walking along (Lacson) street you will hear a band playing, and then just about 20 steps away, another one is playing, and it goes on like that for the entire street. Along the sidewalks kiosks are lined with the sizzling sound of meat being grilled and the faint smoke from the grillers seems to make things more alive -- plus the smell of the food being grilled is just irresistible! Another trademark of the Masskara Festival.

In between kiosks you may see stands selling lighted toys, headbands, and necklaces. You may also come across a vendor or two roaming around selling glowing lollipops! Imagine walking in a street and seeing people with glowing sticks in their mouths.

It might be a bit too early for Halloween, but some people go around wearing costumes. Some go as ninjas, geishas, some with those big feathery head dresses. You may stumble on a sight or two or three, okay or more than that, of people with face paints and glittery tattoos. It's simply getting lost in Wonderland!

(Top-Bottom) Youngsters in their costumes; and an artist doing some body painting

That's not all! For party animals, there are also parties going on at clubs -- they too have gimmicks on this special event, and many have gone home smiling with the stuff they've won. There are also events like the Masskara Queen beauty pageant, where you can witness the beauty of the *Bacoleños.



(Left-Right) Party at Club North ; Tourists enjoying their view of the busy and fun Lacson street ; the Masskara Queen 2009: Aika Uy

So whether you want to party, savor the food, or simply have a taste of culture, drop by Bacolod City next October and witness the Masskara festival, and bask in the excitement -- you might just wanna stay! :)