A Story of a BERONDO MASSKARA Hand-painted Masks

It was in year 2009 that we went to eat at the now demolished Manokan Country. The SM mall was still in its 2nd year of existence. The going to the mall was still dark and lonely. But by the roadside, something colorful caught my attention and we went to check. And what we discovered were Bacolod MassKara masks but made of paper and hand-painted. I ended up buying two.

A NEGROS NOSTALGIA
Though my memory fails to give me every detail of that event, I vividly remember I had an instant concept that night after purchasing the two masks. I still remember I asked our bald driver to model for me. His baldness would add impact on my photography vision. I asked him we should go the San Sebastian Cathedral and make the historic church as the main backdrop and voila, my concept came to fruition. I took two versions and the one that I let him close his eyes has the most impact. 

The roadside near reclamation area and Manokan Country
where the author bought two Bert Berondo hand-painted masks

BY THE HAND OF A GENUINE ARTIST
When I checked the back of the mask, I stumbled upon the artists' signature BERT BERONDO 2009. What I like about his work is that every mask he produced is unique unlike those MassKara plastic masks that are mass produced. This one is alive with colors and it feels so genuinely human. 

Mask by the late Bert Berondo (signed 2009)
Model: Gretchen

FROZEN IN TIME
I carried the Berondo mask when we went to travel for photography sessions in Mambucal Resort. I got to invite two models who were truly professional to pose for my ideas but more than the glamor, I added the mask as focal point which greatly transformed my photos dramatically and it gave it a meaningful local vibe as the MassKara Festival heritage is highlighted in my photography concept.

Chance encounter with Bert Berondo's son Eric Berondo, who is also an artist, at the Arts Month opening in Ayala capitol Central

FAST FORWARD: A CHANCE ENCOUNTER 
The year 2025 had a pivotal surprise for me. To educate my younger son about local art, I brought him to Negros Museum and then to the Ayala Capitol Central Mall in Bacolod where the mall is hosting an event for Arts Month. There I met Eric Berondo, a Bacolodnon artist. We talked and he showed me a large acrylic work of his late father. I was deeply pondering why Eric's family name seems familiar to me so I investigated by checking one of the masks I bought in 2009 with the signature Bert Berondo. I asked him via chat if his father's name is Bert and he confirmed that he is indeed his late dad, the one we were discussing in the mall days ago. Indeed, it's a twist I didn't expect.

The late Bert Berondo, Negrense artist 

and his signature at the back 

of one of the masks I bought in 2009
(credit: Eric Berondo)

IN MEMORIAM
That chance encounter made me realize that the hand-painted mask I kept is already 15 years old. It also made me saddened that I lost the other one. Thankfully, I still have the photos I took which features the great masks made and painted by Eric's late father, Mr. Bert Berondo. If only he is still alive, I could have shared ad he could have seen my photography with his masterpieces on it. As a Negrense artist myself who wanted to promote local creatives, his works are not just a photography prop but a focal point of a Negrense heritage that I know is worth sharing to the world.

 

MASSKARA Street Dance Highlight (with video and results of winners)

 Sunday was an exciting day for Bacolod. Foreign and local tourists came in droves to witness the ever-colorful and  energy-filled Bacolod MassKara Festival. The 2024 edition was almost marred by Typhoon Kristine and another Typhoon named Leo. But somehow, luck was with the organizers on this fateful day. So, even me, with camera on hand, went to witness a historic parade in the downtown area of the City of Smiles.

Video of the Dance Parade along Araneta St. Bacolod City. 

FAMILY AFFAIR
Of course, it was crowded. Parents were happy to bring their little ones as a bonding, a scene that is symbolic and as old as MassKara Festival itself. In the 80s, when the festival was born. Many flocked to the same area and parents with their little ones were in tow. Many were piggybacking so they can see clearly the parade. For sure, little kids who witnessed the festival in the 80s are now grandparents or parents themselves and they continue the legacy by sharing the fun with their children.

SAD HISTORY-TURNED TOURIST ATTRACTION
Foreigners were also enjoying the day full of fun and sun. I saw some foreigners dancing together with the MassKara performers. It means, they feel the cultural heritage and the meaning of the event which actually was created because of the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of M/V Don Juan in the 80s. 

FUTURE OF THE SUPER CITY
However, perfumers and organizers look forward to the future as they wanted Bacolod to reach the Super City status as the city. Thus, their theme and concept for their dance portray the positive side and what the government had achieved. Like right now, the city is experiencing a massive development in infrastructure and business opportunities, a reality that was impossible to think of in the past.  

USUAL STANCE

As usual the performers have to compete along the  street before moving to Paglaum Stadium for the Grand Arena competition. Supporters, sponsors and dancers have to walk along Araneta Ave. through thousands of crowds filling up the sidewalks and cheering for their favorite entry.

DIGITAL COVERAGE

The competition, which was broadcast live via social media, ended with a spectacular drone light show and fireworks.  

Brgy. Granada was declared the CHAMPION and this year it's another glandslam for the group. The win marked a second three-peat for Granada after taking the titles in 2022 and 2023 as well as in 2014, 2015, and 2016 which is equivalent for two grandslams.

BACOLOD's ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE 2024 (with results of winners)

It was a Saturday with clear blue sky. Bacolod was still celebrating MassKara Festival and there was a stark contrast compared to the past few rainy days, when Typhoon Kristine, brought havoc in the city's merriment. There were reports that the organizers will move the parades and street competition to a later schedule because another typhoon (LPA) is at PAGASA's sight and the festivities will be marred with bad weather again.

VIDEO OF THE ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE

SUNSHINY DAY
However, that Saturday was different. It was blessed with a sunny disposition and there was excitement in the air once more. The festival's Electric MassKara Float Parade and Elelectroika Diva did continue to spread magic to street merrymakers.

People flocked to Megaworld The Upper East and Lopue's East area to witness another historic and grand parade of creativity. Parents with their little kids were already eagerly waiting at Mcdonald's East.


READY, LIGHTS ON
At exactly 6 p.m., as the sunset turns into a bluer hue, the first float arrived. People were surprise to see floats sponsors like Jollibee, Cebu Pacific, Bingo Plus and more. The second phase where the beautifully crafted Baranggay floats that are entries for the Best Float contest and atop of th em are the Eletroika Divas (dance competitors). 

However, from among the many amazing works, three stood out with the so-called a Wow Factor.