Star-studded festival

Bacolod, the City of Smiles, had the biggest and most colorful MassKara Festival celebration ever this year.

For the first time, representatives of diplomatic communities, particularly the embassies of South Africa, France and Laos attended the merry-making.

With the growing number of expats in Negros Occidental, the 2006 MassKara Festival was indeed a huge success.

It was a star-studded event as well because the different occasions were attended by various celebrities.

"Super Inggo" headed by Makisig Morales; the MassKara Queen Pageant hosted by the handsome Derek Ramsey and our very own beauty queen Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa, with lady anchor Mel Yanson, and singer Christian Bautista; and Queen of Drama Judy Ann Santos, among others, made the festivities even more special.

ABS-CBN also held a contest, showcasing the giant as well as wearable masks.

It was a big attraction at the station as young and old alike stopped by to admire the entries. Kudos to ABS-CBN's Leilani Salem Alba, Barney Molina, Yasmin Dormido, Bamboo Tonogbanua and Rene Hinojales for a wonderful production.

It was indeed a celebration of Negrense talents and creativity, not to forget the fantasy exhibit "Majica MassKara" spearheaded by Charlie Co and Dennis Ascalon of Gallery Orange. Above all, was a three-day jovial street dancing participated in by various baranggays and have been the staple and highlight of every MassKara celebration.

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Tomorrow is All Saints Day. The whole nation will honor their dear departed loved ones and relatives. As usual we can expect heavy traffic on all Bacolod roads leading to various cemeteries. Just a reminder. Watch carefully for your candles, and personal belongings, because, as we all know, bad elements are always on the lookout for their victims.

Going to a friend's house in one of the subdivisions, I happened to pass by several homes with various decorations. At the Tanjanco residence, was a witch on a broom, while at Ricky Yanson's, a coffin with a headless corpse.

At the La-o residence, one will find Casper, the friendly ghost flying and a human skeleton hanging. It would be fun to see all the small children in their ghoulish costumes, doing the "Trick or Treat" going from house to house and asking for sweets and candies.

Remember:

"Make sure the things you're living for are worth dying for. *