Need Epic Travel Music? Recording Original Soundtracks from One's Bedroom (with 8 videos)

by George Pontino Jr.

Note: With embedded travel videos below the article

Music is a universal language as they say. It moves us emotionally and affects our inner beings. To many, music is life. There's even the so-called LSS syndrome (Last song syndrome in which you sing a line or two of a song nonstop for hours). Tralalalala. Admit it, you've done it. Read on...

Gerard Pontino uses Komplete Kontrol keyboards

 while recording in his Bedroom Studio 

_______________________
YOU CAN SHOP A
KOMPLETE KONTROL  KEYBOARD 
by NATIVE INSTRUMENTS
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_______________________

The Emotional Driving Force that is Music. So music can easily cling to our emotions. It helps us soften our hardened hearts or can make us release our inner sentiments as we relate to its lyrics or just the beats. Or most of the times, it is there just to provide us our own personal entertainment or kind of escape from reality; any moment, in our own chosen time. Meanwhile, others need music to add dramatic spices to their YouTube or Facebook videos. Without music, how can you effectively engage your audience? And this is the tender meat of my blog article. I'll share to you the story of a person close to my heart who loves to make music; original recordings that add soulful structure to videos. Let me put it this way. He's a musician/composer during his free time in his bedroom and an I.T. support on long working hours in a cold office room. Being the Server and Network Administrator facing Unix issues from time to time can be taxing. So, musicmaking frees him from the challenging realms of I.T. work. But before I'll introduce him to you, let's ask ourselves how important music or a soundtrack is, really?

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So, Why is a Soundtrack so Important? Just imagine a horror movie without a soundtrack. Even the almost silent movies The Quiet Place and Gravity, flicks that have less talking and the slightest sound effects due to the nature of its screenplay, has some music strategically recorded and placed on some parts of the film. These tracks give a push or an emotional attack to viewers. You see, sound elevates our senses  in certain ways. High screechy violins are mostly for horrors and  broken springs or funny toinks and twangs of wires add cartoonish elements to comedies. Music drives you to cry, to cower in fear, feel inspired, fall in love or simply laugh. 

Gerard gives some inputs at an Ableton Live software basic workshop 

held at ARENDO Coworking Space in La Salle Ave., Bacolod City

How Possible can a Bedroom become a Recording Studio? Nowadays, video producers who are into travel and weddings also need music to help them convey their video's visions. And that is where the work of musicians comes. Usually, the great outdoors need a cinematic kind of music to be performed by a full orchestra that needs a wide expensive recording hall, but that's not the case nowadays. Yup, a dramatic music that is equally so epic just like in the movies can be composed and recorded in one's bedroom or living room; in your own chosen time. Equipped with the right experience, equipment, and skills you can even record an epic one on your own (yup, solo) and after a mix, you can just fall straight to bed, listen and enjoy it until you to slip away in dream land.

Recording guitar rifts on his workstation

Now, finally I'm introducing my younger brother, Gerard Pontino, who records different kinds of musical style in his bedroom that doubles his studio. While in his work he troubles server problems remotely via a remote computer at his office, at home he dabbles and tweaks beats, tempos and notes that he performs and are recorded on his music software also on a computer. Recording alone during his free time, surrounded with his gears and instruments, his musical outputs finally finds a way online and have been used in many productions such as travel adverts, prenup and wedding videos. His variety of sounds from inspirational to robotic to romantic to reggae to chill and more genre have been posted in his soundcloud account for the world to listen to. And this where the magic of collaboration happens virtually. (continued below)

Making beats with a drum pad on a loop machine 

How does collaboration works when a musician and a producer are thousand of miles away from each other? Thanks to the advent of technology, video producers and musicians can collab with each other for a certain video project despite not meeting in person yet. The internet, with  social media, cloud computing and voip communication apps, opened doors for both parties to virtually meet up and work together in a very productive way. You see, my brother is currently Singapore-based and he connects video producers to his online sound portfolio to them. Indeed, distance knows to bounds to these producers who are based in the Philippines, Middle East or those who are on the move, meaning most of them have no permanent address and makes the internet their platform to connect with clients and collaborators wherever the are--this day they are cutting and pasting clips in a hotel in Thailand and next two days,  they are busy rendering their video files in a coworking space in Bali for the clients and social media world to see, for example. The world has become small, after all, with this kind of collaboration being practiced. (See the 8 produced videos below)

Here are  the 8  travel or tourism promotional projects produced by different teams which utilized 
my brother's music as its soundtracks (WATCH):

1. THAILAND Travel / Hospitality Videos by the DroneGuys
Music: Gerard Pontino
Title: You
                                                                   PHUKET

2. PHILIPPINES Travel video by Christer Isulat
Music: Gerard Pontino
Title: Fly High

TOURISMO FILIPINO

3. SIPALAY City, Philippines video by Christer Isulat
Music: Gerard Pontino
Title: Journey

SIPALAY Charter Anniversary

4. TAIWAN TRAVEL video by Vincent Hablan
Music: Gerard Pontino
Title: Alone

5. Abu Dhabi Travel Trailer video by Ashley Yee
Music: Gerard Pontino
Title: We Are Free

6. Al Ula, Saudi Arabia (Episode 2) travel documentary by this blog's author, George Pontino Jr.
Music: Gerard Pontino
Titles: Fly High, Light, and We Are Free ,

THE SAUDI COMPASS Part 2

7.  PCCP Midyear Convention Trailer in Negros 
Director: Jonathan Lindaya
Voiceover: Christer Isulat
Music: Gerard Pontino

Title: You

Philippine College of Chest Physicians

_____________________

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Islas Resto and Grill: Bringing Traditional Boodle Fight in Riyadh

By George Pontino Jr.

UPDATE: Islas Resto & Grill offers Mini-Boodle and its Round 1 (Good for 4-6 Persons), Round 2 (Good for 6-8 Persons) and Round 3 (Good 8-10 persons)

It's a popular fact that the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands. How many? You may ask. But actually it depends if it's high or low tide. That's why we have a term called island hopping which is, an adventure, in itself. This, actually, is part of the excitement of exploring the islands consisted of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which Spanish sailor Bernardo de la Torre, called Las Islas Filipinas, in honor of the then-Prince of Asturias, originally referring to the islands of Leyte and Samar.

Meanwhile, zoom in to Riyadh, where there are a lot of Filipino expats working on this side of Saudi Arabia. Most of these hardworking pack surely miss home specially the traditional cuisines of their hometowns or cities. Meanwhile, the Pinoy food in Riyadh actually varies from region to region. So, it has become a challenge for restaurants here to capture different regional palates by bringing delectable delicacies that tastes closer to home. In order to satisfy regional differences, one has to be inventive or somehow strike the middle ground. 

And in this modern capital city built on a desert land, there's an "island hopping" experience that's creating familiar scenes to Pinoys as well as an opportunity of excitement to foreigners who would try it. This tradition somehow unites both regional and international palates into one common point. Thanks to Islas Resto and Grill, a popular traditional way of eating and food preparation has been brought finally closer to Riyadh-based OFWs. Read On...   

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More than the Usual

It was actually an accident that we found ourselves in Islas Resto and Grill. After sometime scouring for a fiber optic support in a nearby telecom branch, we were so tired and hungry. I thought that we had to feed ourselves with good food. So I told my cohorts that there's a resto just near us that offers more than the usual. Even we failed to secure a technician to fix our internet  (which was already down for 15 days), it didn't stop me to still celebrate our futile efforts with a twist. Maybe, I thought, after eating, we could think better and find a solution. So, we hoped and crossed our fingers. Why am I sharing this? To note, we, most of us Pinoys are known for our resiliency and adaptability during times of crisis. Despite facing seemingly unsolvable failures or disasters in our lives, we still celebrate and smile with friends and families. 
So there, I decided to order for a boodle flight plate for the three of us that day. We were like the three musketeers who are ready for a delivery.  Indeed, to the surprise of my friends and even myself, it was, indeed, more than the usual: "It's all for one, one for all" on our table.

Island Vibes at Islas Resto and Grill 

A Cozy "Island" on a Desert Land

Just inside the vicinity of Aljazeera Shopping Center in Sulaimaniah district, you'll find Islas  Resto and Grill (Matam Islas  مطعمم اسلاس in Arabic) nearby the play areas of the establishment. (SEE LOCATION MAP BELOW) 

As Pinoy as it gets, you'll be welcomed by a sorbetero cart (a traditional Filipino ice cream cart with two handles) and a colorful background painted signage that brings an Island Souvenirs vibes to it. From a see-through glass window, you'll see the resto's cozy interiors and its relaxing lighting fixtures that make you feel a home atmosphere.There are flat TVs too in many corners for added entertainment. For us, we chose to sit and eat at the tables outside to have that "outdoor" chill since we get more freedom when we do laugh loudly from our jokes. Plus, you have that personal "observable universe", seeing activities happening in the mall in real time.

Eating with the Three Musketeers' famous motto: "One for all. All for One."

Hop on a Popular Symbolic Meal 

The term "boodle fight" has become a tradition for Filipino soldiers when eating a meal and that it calls for unity and camaraderie. Sharing a big plate on one table fosters harmony and equality..eating in kamayan style symbolizes simplicity of life, too. (Kamayan is a Tagalog word that translate "by hand".) Through the years, the boodle fight  culture found its way to many household and group parties like in reunions, during holiday celebrations and even some weddings receptions. It has become so popular that people's post having boodle fights are going viral. It reaches and influenced many Pinoys even abroad because it shows how much fun and meaningful this activity can be. Its simplistic approach and style of eating a meal brings delight to the whole company. It's not about just eating more or filling your stomach to the hilt. It's about the enjoyment in the company of friends that matters most. It's happiness of sorts that not only gratifies hunger but also educates us that it's good to share.

The proverbial flat lay image. A food preparation that fosters unity and equality.

What's on the Islas Boodle Fight Plate?

The Islas resto offers a boodle fight preparation for 3 different sizes of groups. What we chose was the 3-4 persons option and we ordered a pitcher of iced tea. What we had were a handful of roasted eggplant salad (ensaladang talong), crabs, some fried shrimps, chicken heart and liver, milk fish (daing na bangus), an array of vegetables (Pinoy chopsuey style), barbecue beef and chicken in stick, salted eggs (itlog na maalat) on a white and yellow rice laid on a banana leaf. And why there's yellow rice on it? Well, this is where the point where our foreign friends can strongly relate to our boodle fight delight because of this kind of rice.  For the condiments, you'll be given bagoong, soy sauce or vinegar that will suit one's regional and demanding taste.There are also gloves provided for those who wanted a sanitized style of the kamayan culture. Moreover, Islas Resto and Grill also serves more Asian and Filipino food from soup to pancit to seafood, etc. You may find also that some cuisines are also unique to the resto.  

Take a closer look of the boodle fight dish and Isla's cozy interior viewed from the glass

Culinary Conclusion

To conclude my blog entry, I got a tale to tell. Once everyone is satisfied and there's still  some food left in your banana leaf plate, you may ask a staff that's more than willing to wrap them for you to take home. Well, it's also truly Pinoy to not let leftovers go to waste if possible. It's a fact that Saudi Arabia has one of the highest food wastage problem according to some data published but mostly for Filipinos, food usually finds a second lease on its shelf life. Something like another chance for a meal session that could span from breakfast to lunch or even dinner. We equate leftovers as a blessing. For some a gastronomic savior. For others, it can ease financial distress on one's pocket. So, off we went home afterwards and get to bring some Islas dish with us.

And if you're curious what happened to our fiber internet connection, well, as of this writing, it is still disconnected for more than 20 days but we found a greater solution. We applied for a new fiber optic connection with the same telecom with a different subscriber name, and lo and behold, it was installed just 3 days after a simple call. It may sound crazy but it's a tech solution that works and maybe will pave for another boodle fight celebration for us, I guess. :) Tara kain na!

More about Saudi Arabia

Read our Edge of the World Adventure (EOTW) Tips 

(Click here)

Watch our Trip in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia (VIDEO) click to play 

LOCATION MAP OF ISLAS RESTO AND GRILL
(Aljazera Markets)

Boracay Island: Are You Ready to Dive in Again? (A Photo Essay)

Photographs and essay by: George Pontino Jr.

UPDATE: Boracay Reopens on October 26, 2018

See Travel Tips and Maps below. See also DOs  and DONTs 

In the News: Cebu Pacific resumes flights to Boracay on October 26 (click)

As Boracay opens its doors again to tourists, let me share to you some of my photography that portrays the island's vistas and development as well as the people's lifestyles before it was closed to recapture again its natural beauty.

This is some sort of a throwback gallery where one can ponder if the island and its beaches need more time to heal or are we, visitors,are ready again to experience Boracay's island lifestyle after months of its environmental rehabilitation.

Without much further ado, here's some my Boracay images captured through my crystal eyes:

Take a bite of modernity. Will we ever see again tourists in their utmost freedom without minding the Philippines' culture of modesty or let's just brush it away and consider it modernity?

The sparkling Boracay waters can make every eye glisten with glee as it is like a visual effect that provides an escape away from the city. Some of the island's inhabitants and investors, however, transformed the place into a mini city with all that high rise buildings and a mall just near the shoreline. These doesn't complement the natural surroundings at all. Thanks to bad planning, maybe?  So, are you ready to see pure nature or see visages of a busy city go away. Do you ever care or just go with the development flow?

___________________ AN UPDATE ________________________

NEW BORACAY ISLAND'S Do's and Dont's 

When Boracay opens this October, you might find yourself 

facing these new rules:

• Number of tourists/guests will be controlled (Limit is 19,000)
• Before entering the island, tourists may be asked to present their hotel                reservations as proof of entry
• Hotel rooms will be reduced from 6,000 - 9,000 from 12,000 Rooms

• Water activities like the Banana Boat Rides will be temporarily Suspended
• Diving in waters around Boracay will be temporarily suspended
• Installation of electric lights along the beachfront is a No No! 
• Fireworks display will be allowed only until 9pm
• Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed along the White Beach strip
• No More "Laboracay" or the Annual Labor Day Party 
• Dining or eating by the beach will be prohibited. 
• Sand castle building will be regulated
• No more souvenir shops and hawkers along the beachfront
• Fire dancing using kerosene lamps will be banned
• Casinos are not allowed to operate in the Island

• Boracay's water lines will be regulated by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)
• Piggeries and poultry frams are banned in the island
• Hot-coal roasting of meats will be prohibited
• Accommodations not connected to the island's sewage system  or do not have a treatment facility will not be allowed to open.

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Boracay's long white sand beach strip is strategically facing a horizon where seemingly magical sunsets happen like what I've witnessed and captured above.

Even beyond the horizon, the Boracay sunset gets too much attention. People line up along the pristine beach waiting for a "perfect" sunset spectacle. Eventually, when the beautiful sun turns to a mere spectre when clouds became atmospheric killjoys, ask yourself if: Are you ready to end your day by spending it under the stars; contemplating and relaxing so you can rejuvenate your spirit or are you ready to have post-sunset hours of binge-drinking and partying that will result to a hangover the next day? Are you ready for these options?

Now, that Boracay is rehabilitated, do we expect more positive changes and improvements to happen? It's really up to the unity and discipline of its investors and islanders plus that of the visitors' way of following rules of preserving nature and cleanliness so that good things will last. You see, it's good to relax when you know you're diving in blue untainted waters.

The mile-long white sand beach has long enamored locals and foreign tourists with its fine powdery texture. Lovers, friends and families enjoy a long walk along the pristine beach of Boracay and get to adapt with the island's freestyle lifestyle.. Somewhere in between some forget how to be a disciplined visitor, leaving trash on the shoreline and just get away with it. Are you ready to help preserve the place for others to enjoy, the way other people preserved them for you? (continued below)

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Natural and man-made vistas are spread out in the island. Just rent a boat and surprise your lenses esp when the weather is good. 

Natural scenes are abundant in many corners of the island and are just waiting for you to discover them. However, cash is needed for you to hop from the stations to port to islet and islands and it is not cheap. If you are on a budget and have less options, you need to decide if you want to see some surprises by sharing a ride with your friends and other group of people or just spend days in a static kind of lifestyle. So, are you ready to spend a part of your budget for a dynamic adventure or just spend your cash on drinks and just sit down in a bar. Your choice.

Forgot your bikini? No problem. The island has lots of stores that will answer your needs. You are always surrounded by a lot of establishment that offers souvenirs  including stuff you think you need to transform your home like a resort wannabe.

In the island, there's good food and livelihood. Do you see yourself doing business in Boracay in the near future with sincere and clean visions by becoming successful but without harming the island's resources? There are many ways to start a business in Boracay but every endeavor needs patience and a lot of sacrifices. Some start small. Tattoo shops, massage services and souvenir stores go hand in hand with island life. So, are you ready to be an investor or just a visitor?

The island attracts many talents from different performance artists. There are different factors that make them showcase their skills to tourists but one thing is common..the island creates opportunities for them to earn and the drive to survive.

At night, the restaurants  cater to  a barrage of hungry tummies. As competition is stiff , restos have their own ways to attract potential costumers. So they sign in people to add magic in the air: acoustic musicians,performance artists doing stunts, fire dancers, DJs, or some crazy antiques. Some  restos have antics with hidden agenda though: the invite people to an event disguised as free dinner but end up to be a "seminar" for a property investment where you are forced to sign or write details on paper for future calls by annoying agents. So, are you ready to face some commercialism or just enjoy the time free from these man-made distractions. You have freedom to choose what you believe is best for your personal enjoyment.  

The island is truly a haven to many foreigners and locals who like a laid-back life in an island but with occasional wet and wild parties, live band concerts and sports activities. However, some foreigners hated a crowded beach full of festive antics that they spend less on the island. What they do next is find another place that is something peaceful where they can rest and enjoy nature more. 

The island, for years, has been turned into an international community and there's a symbiotic relationship among different nationalities. You can see Chinese and Korean signs set up in almost every nook and cranny. Some foreigners even already call Boracay their home; talking the talk and walking the walk as if they want to stay there for the rest of their lives. Other marry locals to stamp their love for the place. Usually, most of them fell in love with the island's lifestyle that they trade their former city lives and tend to exchange their country to this tiny island. With them, they bring their culture and cuisines to Boracay and with these they attract customers, their fellow men, from the country left behind.  So, are you open to foreigners doing business and competing with locals or  are you open for a fair trade for both? (continued below)

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WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY?

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Adventure takes in many forms in Boracay but it comes with a high price. The rent price for a boat for sightseeing or for an extreme activity is enough for you to say no in an instant. But the secret here is about the seasonal way they practice business in the island. During the peak season, expect the price to be pegged to a dollar.

When you are in Boracay, expect activities that cater to the adventurous. Banana boats, paragliding and scuba diving are just few of the popular activities that tourists can avail. However, the risk is higher in these kind of stuff and I heard a lot of horror stories involving foreign tourists who suffered tragic fates because of accidents that could have been prevented. So, when risk is higher, the practice of safety precautions is a must. Don't dive on a stormy weather. Use life jackets. Follow rules by scuba diving instructors. Be careful with your selfies. Some selfies are deadly. Remember there are more to check out first before you embark into a perilous journey of activities. So, Are you ready to take the risk in the name of adventure? 

Silhouettes of adventures are signals at the end of the day and when evening comes crazy lights of fun attracts all people from all walks of life for another different adventure--the island becomes a festive place where everyone seems to be merry and just wanted to enjoy the night away with food, drinks and music. 

This lifestyle becomes a loop all year long.

Can nature and development go together? Will we ever learn from the past on how to bring long-term sustainable solutions to possible environmental woes and future man-made disasters? After all has been corrected and rehabilitated, hopefully, business owners and investors have been disciplined and is prepared to take care what feeds them. The island needs a ecological and developmental balance. And as a visitor, you have also our own fair share to maintain its beauty and cleanliness. So, are you ready? FIN

How to Get to Boracay?

FROM CEBU
A total of 17 hours: 12 hours on the ferry from Cebu to Iloilo, 5 hours on the bus from Iloilo to Caticlan. A 224.8 km roadtrip but with stops.
The fastest way to go is definitely flying from Cebu directly to Caticlan Jetty Port, then taking the boat ride to Boracay. That will cut your travel time to only over an hour. 

FROM BACOLOD
A total of 7 hours: 1 hour on a Fast Craft from Bacolod to Cebu, 5 hours on the bus from Iloilo. If you ride a roro with your own car, a Roro will take up to 2 hours until you reach Iloilo port where you have to embark for a 224.8 km roadtrip to Caticlan via  via Iloilo East Coast - Capiz Roadd, PC Barracks Rd and Aklan West Road/Western Nautical Highway
You may also fly to Cebu and take a flight to Boracay there.

FROM MANILA
There are no direct flights to Boracay. All visitors must fly either to Caticlan (the closer airport) or to Kalibo (a more distant airport 60 kilometres favoured for its cheaper flights), take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty Port, and then take a boat from Caticlan Jetty Port that will take you to the island, 

BOAT TO BORACAYFROM CATICLAN JETTY PORT
It will take 10-20 minute boat ride to Boracay island

Boracay Island and Caticlan Airport MAP 

OctoberFest Bacolod Style: MassKara Festival Guide

by George Pontino Jr. 

Note: With Updated MassKara Schedule of Events

October is here and it spells M-A-S-S-KA-R-A!

Well, when September ends Bacolod seems to wake up from a slumber called tiempos muertos (sugarcane industry term for dead season) and the city begins to widen its smile as it welcomes its most colorful month: October. 

The fun fever of MassKara Festival rises up when you start to see colorful flaglets along Tourism strip (Lacson st.), red kiosks at the plaza and Bacolod Government Center, exhibits in malls and banners around the city...of smiles. Read on..

MassKara Festival is an annual celebration of the capital city of Negros Occidental with the main highlight of street dancing tilt among groups or barangays. Though every year there are different kind of surprises, usually, it depends on the creativity of the people (and budget) behind the event. For two weeks since the opening, MassKara will be a scene filled with happiness along the street. So, if you're planning to experience MassKara Festival yourself, you have to book early on (see my hotel guide below) Fact: As early as late September, most of the hotels are SOLD OUT. My tip for you is to book the earlier the better.

If you are a first time visitor in the island, expect fun-filled activities like star-studded mall events, local art showcase, trades and exhibits in venues like SMX at SM, street party, merry making and fireworks contest, street food fest (yup, lots of chicken inasal) and not to mention OctoBEERfest (yup, lots of beer), DJ and bands and more events scattered in some venues like the Bacolod Public Plaza, the malls, Bacolod Government Center (formerly called New Negros Government Center or NGC), Villa Angela Marketplace and even at the Bay's area. 

On Oct 10,  Bacolod Government Center turns 10 this year

and will celebrate its anniversary on the 10th of the month. 

That's 10/10/2108 on your calendar. 

On Oct 26, it's a TGIF-kind of festivity as the 6100 Music Fest, featuring IV of Spades and array of DJs, will rock and move you at the Market Place Festival Grounds (see map below). If you're new in the city, the site is just at the back of the Bacolod City Hall which is popularly called Bacolod Government Center (BGC) or its old name NGC, in abbreviation form of New Government Center. Grab your tickets now.

Oh, by the way, folks, in case you wonder, 6100 is based on Bacolod's zip code.

On the other hand, mask-making contests, body painting and MassKara costume competitions are usually held in various venues and you will usually see creative students of LCC vie for the top spots. Bringing cuteness to the festivities are the manga fans or Anime groups of Bacolod who get to strut their favorite cosplay costumes in malls and along Tourism strip (Lacson St - See map below at the end of this blog). These cosplayers are brave enough to don costumes from silly suits to awesome characters in the name of pure fun and love of Anime. 

A trip to the malls will yield some exhibits, events and surprises.

(Above, Robinsons Mall MassKara exhibits and 

Below, Cosplayers at 888 Chinatown Square)

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MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

October 8 Festival Opening
October 10 Celebrating the 10th year of the BGC on the 10th year on the 10th month
October 13 MassKara Red Party at Bacolod Government Center
October 19 Search for MassKara Queen 2018 at SMX Convention Center

October 26 Electric MassKara Performing / Electric Zumba sa MassKara / Floats Competition /Street Party, 5pm Tourism Strip  Lacson 
October 27 Street Dance and Arena Competitions – School Category
                    2pm, Araneta Street and Bacolod Public Plaza
                    Electric Masskara Performing Floats Competition
                    5pm Tourism Strip  Lacson 
October 28 Street Dance and Arena Competitions – Barangay Category 
                    2pm, Araneta Street and Bacolod Public Plaza
                    Electric MassKara
                    5pm Tourism Strip  Lacson 
           
Source: Masskara Festival Official Website: https://masskarafestival.ph/

Beauty and the beats. Cosplayers and drumbeaters at Lacson Strip.

Note that the pictures shown here were from my past MassKara Festival photography files and  I guess it's nice to share them once again since every year tells a different story. But what makes the festival memorable from year to year is meeting strangers, locals and foreigners alike, and relatives who become your instant friends when all you have is one common ground and that is having fun. See my tips of what to do in Bacolod during MassKara below.

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HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD?

• By Plane - Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pac (lands in Silay city) - approx. 45 minutes from Manila and 25 minutes from Cebu.. Mactan Airport.  From the Silay-Bacolod International Airport, you will traverse either the main old road or the airport road (Circumferential Road) to reach Lacson st. Taxicabs and vans for groups are available at the airport.
• By Ceres Bus or private car - travel time depends on the route and vehicle's speed -- via San Carlos and Don Salvador Benedicto (Nautical Highway)  and Mabinay (South) via Sagay (North).
• By RORO vessels  - approx. two-hour ride from Iloilo Port terminal to BREDCO pier depending on the weather and speed of the vessel.
• By Fast Ferry - approx. 1 hour ride from Iloilo Port to BREDCO pier, depends on the weather and speed of the craft.

WHERE TO STAY DURING MASSKARA Month

HIGH END hotels 
SEDA Capitol Central
This  Ayala-brand hotel, built just beside the Capitol Lagoon, stands firm with its modern design.  It is in a prime location where MassKara night events are also held and attended by a flood of local and foreign merrymakers .

 

L'Fisher Hotel, Bacolod

This luxurius hotel is located at the heart of the MassKara Festival party strip where food stalls and bands along Lacson St. give the colorful vibes for weeks of exciting Mid-October night life.

The SugarLand Hotel

Located near the old airport, The Sugarland Hotel is one of Bacolod's heritage hotels where luxury and comfort is at its best, too. The place is an escape from the sounds and vibrations of Masskara festivities happening at the Lacson st. MassKara strip where beer and bands go together.

(for MID-SIZE HOTELS and Inns see below)

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WHAT TO DO IN BACOLOD DURING THE FESTIVAL WEEKS

1. Visit neighboring Negros' heritage sites like The Ruins in Talisay City and Balay Negrense and other old houses in Silay City, the Paris of Negros.

2. Watch and photograph the MassKara Dance  highlights - dance parade and dance competition at a given venue but usually it's alway the Bacolod Public Plaza.

3. Bring your selfie stick, DSLR or GoPro cameras with you and go to the so-called Lacson Strip where the main night life of Masskara Festival happens. Eat, drink, take photos, have a face paint, smile, dance at the street with friends and even strangers. Of course, be careful with your stuff and self, too since you are amidst a flood of happy people enjoying the night away as much as you do. 

4. Eat out Bacolod cuisines specially the Bacolod Chicken Inasal in local restaurants (Read here for my Resto tips)
5. During the day, rent a van and escape from the city for a while and breathe fresh air by going to Mambukal Resort,  Campuestohan Highlands Resort or to the tourist spots of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) where nature and adventure are one. (click here for DSB travel tips)
6. Go to local art galleries and appreciate or purchase Negrense art. 
7. Buy some tasty piaya at Pasalubong centers like Merzci Pasalubong, Bong Bong's, and more to bring back home.
8. To rest from street merrymaking, eat cake and buy some sweet pasalubongs at Calea's, Felicia's Pastry Shops or hang out and have some coffee talk with friends at Starbucks or Cafe Bob's. All shops mentioned here are located along Lacson strip. Note: If you are on a vacation but you need to finish an emergency work and needs privacy like in a Coworking Space with fast net and bottomless coffee, you may check ARENDO CoWorking along La salle Ave. with a 24 hour schedule from Mondays to Saturdays and til 7pm every Sunday. (Click here to visit Arendo's Facebook page for more info.) Arendo has bottomless local-made coffee, Mangkas Roast. 

9. If you love animals, see the Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty pig and more endemic animals at Negros Forest Ecological Foundation. You can donate also for the foundation to help protect these endangered species only found in Negros.  See Map.

10. Visit the Bacolod Government Center, the city hall of Bacolod, and its fountain area to have some photo sessions with friends or family. See Map.

11. Watch the MassKara Queen Beauty 2018 Pageant Live.

12. Go to carnivals, concerts and trade shows usually held at SMX

13. Malling (You can see Bacolod malls organizing their own MassKara Festival events, contests and mask exhibits where you can take your souvenir photos with. The malls usually  invite popular actors and love teams from GMA and ABS-CBN to grace the highlights of some product launching or promotional events during the MassKara Festival week.) 

14. For local souvenirs  and pasalubongs from shirts to keychains to handmade masks to delicacies, check out Association of Negros Producers' NEGROS SHOWROOM along Lacson st. in front of SEDA hotel. You may visit ANP's branches in Robinson's Place Bacolod and in SM Bacolod malls, too. Click here to Check out its Facebook here 

15. Fact: There's San Miguel Brewery in Bacolod to answer the demands of MassKara drinking binge. The downtown area, specifically the vicinity of Public Plaza, is Bacolod's answer to OctoberFest where beer flows nightly during the Festival. There's Bbq, lechon and other local cuisines in most of the kiosks, too. Drink and be Merry but Don't Drink and Drive... Pls. go home safe.

WHERE TO STAY DURING MASSKARA Month

MID Size hotels

Business Inn, Bacolod

Business Inn is a few meters away from the main hub of MassKara nightlife but its location is prime spot if you want drive down quickly to visit the Bacolod Public Plaza and San Sebastian Cathedral or eat at the Manokan Country or buy some pasalubongs at the SM Bacolod Mall.

L'Fisher Chalet

Just behind L'Fisher hotel and Lacson St., L'Fisher Chalet offers a wide bird's eye view of the city and the you'll get to witness a crowded fun-filled Lacson St. dring the Electric MassKara parade It has a gorgeous rooftop pool with a restaurant and massage. 

GT Hotel

If you wanted to be near Bacolod's landmarks, heritage and tourism sites and malls, GT Hotel is located near the Bacolod Cathedral, Bacolod Public Plaza, SM Mall, 888 Chinatown Square, Negros Museum, Capitol Lagoon and Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc.

Royal Am Rei Hotel

Royal Am Rei is just a stone's throw away from the L'Fisher hotel where the usual Masskara night crowd converged along this area. So, if you're already tired after some dancing and gulping heavy drinks, a 5 minute walk to this hotel which is just along 13th St. near MayFair Plaza,  is possible.

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PENSION type Inn

Saltimboca Tourist Inn

A popular place for travelers who are in a budget, Saltimboca, located at 15th st. is also near to the MassKara night hub plus some signature cafes like Starbucks, Cafe Bob's and cake shops like Calea and Cs. The festive interiors of Saltimboca at the reception area is even already enough to tell you that going in Bacolod means you have to fun too even you're in a work/vacation mode.

Bacolod Pension Plaza

Bacolod Pension Plaza is modest pension hotel that is literally a minute-walk to the Bacolod Public Plaza's landmark, the bandstand. From this venue also, you can easily go to SM Bacolod mall, Bacolod public market where you can buy some dried fish and other stuff like souvenirs made by hand, and also to 888 Chinatown Mall. You will also find yourself in Manokan Country, LCC Campus and San Sebastian Cathedral within a mere 12 mins walk or less than that depending on your pace, of course.

MASSKARA: WHAT IT MEANS and its HISTORY

The word MassKara is a portmanteau: a combination of the word Mass (People) and Kara (face) but as a whole it means mask, the typical object used for disguise, protection or for entertainment. It was coined by the late Ely Santiago, a popular Negrense artist, based from the Spanish version máscara.

Surprisingly, the history of MassKara is actually a bleak one. The sinking of M/V San Juan, a Negros Navigation luxury vessel where many Negrense passengers died, and the sugar crisis in the 80s put a gloomy atmosphere over the province of Negros specially its capital, Bacolod. Behind these dark cloud of infamous events, the birth of the festival was like a fresh ray of the sun and became an inspiration for Negrenses to be hopeful and be happy again. (continued below)

But for some, the creation of MassKara might sound a little controversial as it seems to be concealing one's sadness by masking it with a happy image: it's like a form of escapism of sorts. But despite this controversy or maybe irony, the initial reason of how it came to be is a blessing. The festival, indeed, is a proof of Negrenses' creativity and resiliency. Despite the sadness brought forth by tragedies, there's still room to smile and let heal wounds in the process. Through the years, with the continuous blessing and support of the people and the local government, the festival continues to live up to its legacy--by bringing smiles and hope to the people when challenges come.

The festival, inspired by the  combination of Germany's Octoberfest and Brazil's Mardi Graz, evolved into one of the major tourist attractions of the country for four decades. In the mid 2000s, Electric MassKara street dance event was added by the organizers and soon most people equate the Tourism strip as a hub for night life for the festivity, attracting many people from all walks of life as it added contemporary improvements to the usual activities that turned monotonous and brought the festival closer to hotels where most tourists stay. Then, at the east side, at the grounds and fountain area of the Bacolod Government Center, one can also find band stages, activities and roadside eateries.  

MAP OF TOURISM STRIP along Lacson St.