Bacolod: The “City of Smiles” and Merriment

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Masskara, one of the most colorful and upbeat festival in the Philippines. Celebrated on October 19, during the charter day of Bacolod City . “Mass” meaning crowd and “cara” for face, originally coined by painter Ely Santiago. Masskara Festival was initially created to uplift the spirit of the people during the tragic times in the 1980’s.

Since then it becomes one of the most highly anticipated festival of the year because it is a month long celebration. The highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition and parade. Each team that represents a dance group wears a mask and costume originally designed for their specific dance moves.

A beaming face with a smile and laughing gesture is a must in every mask worn by performers as well as colorful and exquisite costume.

I was lucky enough to be invited to witness the festival up close. Armed with our cameras and gears, we followed, danced and took photos of the happiest festival.

Juan Big Idea: Taking Marketing Thoughts into Flight (South Luzon Edition)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Junior marketers, your next destination in this amazing marketing journey is finally revealed!

Next stop, NAGA CITY!

The Philippine Junior Marketing Association is officially inviting you to the first of four Chapter events this academic year...

Juan Big Idea: Taking Marketing Thoughts into Flight(South Luzon Edition) on August 16, 2014 at the Ateneo de Naga University Gymnasium.

Meet and learn from three notable speakers who will talk about the three stages of Content Marketing, be involved in different fun-filled undertakings and revel in what we have in-store just for you!

Through Faded Walls and Silent Distant Calls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ever since we were kids we would know Manila as two things, the Capital City and the location of the historic Intramuros. When I started College, I saw more of Manila in my everyday journeys to and from my house to my school. From the train you can see the old glorious architectures and its faded beauty. One would marvel at the intricate and detailed designs seen in almost every house, building, and store that lined the streets of Doroteo Jose to Vito Cruz, where my stop was. There was this one particular building that caught my eye. It was “The Pink” building, as I used to refer to it. Every time I would see its majestic façade and unique architecture, I would always hope for a chance to get a glimpse of its interior, and how it would feel like to be part of the MET experience.

It was during my senior year in College when I found out about a tour inside the MET and its surrounding historic buildings. I jumped on the opportunity for 2 reasons, one because (honestly) it was free and two because I rarely back out on an adventure. During that time (Around 2012), I was becoming quite emotional about Taft and the views I saw on my everyday commute. I would surely miss its vintage appeal and its quaint – hispanic feel.

I got in touch with the tour guide, Mr. Rence Chan who was a contact of my old highschool classmate. He is part of the Royal Heritage group. When I arrived at Liwasang Bonifacio (our assembly area), I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the tour, I was repeatedly thinking that this might have no difference from those old fieldtrips I saw as a kid. I was alone, so obviously I didn’t know anybody from the number of people who were starting to gather in front of the Post office. When the tour began, it was Sir Rence Chan who stood as host, detailing to us all the “fun-facts” of each building we passed by or we went into. As I moved with the crowd from building to building, I was intrigued by how so little of our history is taught in schools. What we read as kids is just a gist of what really happened from a perspective of a number of scholars. I would say I was listening, but I shall admit, that I was listening half-focused because the other half of my mind was anticipating the final stop, which was the Metropolitan Theatre.