BACOLOD City – A month before MassKara turns 40, this city kicked off the countdown to the Ruby anniversary of the world-renowned festival poised to appeal to the younger generation of revelers.
“This is a MassKara like no other even if we just simply think in terms of its being 40 years. This is a milestone, no doubt about that. (We have) seen MassKara metamorphose to what it is today. We’re looking forward to a MassKara like no other,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia said.
On Sunday afternoon, festival director Eli Francis Tajanlangit announced the major events of this year’s festivities, themed “Bacolod, City of Smiles,” slated Oct. 8 to 27.
Explaining the thought behind the 40th year theme, the mayor said: “This is probably the best time to also relaunch our image as the ‘City of Smiles’”.
“Some people would tell me our smile is just different…Let’s take advantage of this,” Leonardia added.
In the Ruby MassKara logo created by digital artist Mark Lester Jarmin, that smile is emphasized through Yuhom, the MassKara icon dressed up as a festival dancer.
“Yuhom” is the Hiligaynon word for smile.
This year’s logo incorporates elements from the first festival logo designed by Ely Santiago, including the red elements and the text “MassKara.”
Also, Yuhom can be seen wearing a mask with 40 colorful feathers, symbolizing the 40 years of the festival and a crown with ruby gem, and eight diamond studs for the eight decades of Bacolod. He is shown jumping as an expression of excitement for the upcoming festival.
During the launch, Leonardia and Tajanlangit were joined by a young creative team tasked to present a different kind of MassKara in its 40th year.
“That the creative team is composed of very young people is an acknowledgement of the fact that MassKara Festival has to move on, on the blood of our new generation,” Tajanlangit said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
