IN EVERY sequin that glitters and every smile beneath the colorful masks of the MassKara Festival lies a story of love, resilience, and passion — values that have shaped Bacolod City’s identity for generations.
For Segundo Jesus “Panoy” Cabalcar, a veteran designer who has devoted 35 years to the festival, MassKara is more than a celebration — it is a reflection of the Bacolodnon spirit.
“The essence of the festival is the smile,” Cabalcar shared. “My inspiration is sharing love in humanity — uplifting life through love and resiliency.”
Crafting stories through masks and costumes
Over the decades, Cabalcar has poured his heart into creating masks and costumes that dazzle the crowd while embodying comfort, authenticity, and emotion.
“I used to design masks and costumes heartily,” he said. “They must be wearable and comfortable without compromising the real essence of the smile. MassKara is not just a mere design — it is made out of love and compassion.”
His works are not just creations but stories in themselves — glitters that mirror joy, neon that symbolizes hope, and smiles that radiate positivity.
“My designs usually depict happiness in life,” he added. “MassKara is part of my art and heart. Using different materials is a big challenge — the budget, time, and availability — but the outcome is always worth it.”
Each costume takes about two months to complete, requiring technical skill as well as deep passion and determination.
“One costume should be made of passion and determination. Once there is passion, there is authenticity,” he said.
This year’s masterpiece
For MassKara Festival 2025, Cabalcar’s artistry shines once again through Barangay 29’s official MassKara mask and costume, a vivid masterpiece that captures the vibrancy and creativity of Bacolod.
The costume is a two-piece ensemble with a fuchsia metallic base adorned with holographic spangles, rhinestones, and two-toned feathers in orange and green. It is further decorated with neon green leaf ornaments, beads, and electric pleats, accentuated by a striking neon green ribbon that adds movement and energy.
The mask is a stunning work of craftsmanship made from a fiberglass base, embellished with colored electric pleats, a folding hand fan, holographic sheets, gold stickers, rhinestones, sequined fabric, beads, and feathers. Every detail reflects a balance between tradition and innovation — a fusion of artistry and emotion that defines the soul of MassKara.
A message in every smile
As Bacolod celebrates MassKara Festival 2025, Cabalcar hopes his creations will speak louder than words, showcasing love, resiliency, optimism, and acceptance.
“I want to be different from the usual design,” he expressed. “This year, I want people to feel the message behind every mask — that every smile we share is a symbol of strength, of love, and of hope.”/PN
