BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
FOR MOST people, Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival is a celebration of infectious smiles, dazzling costumes, and lively street dancing. But for Dr. Ronnie Baldonado, or simply Doc Ronnie, it’s a canvas waiting to be captured, a chance to immortalize the essence of his beloved home city through his lens.
Known as one of the most respected photographers in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, Doc Ronnie’s name has become synonymous with passion and dedication in photography. What sets him apart is that photography wasn’t his first profession.
A dentist by training, Doc Ronnie made the remarkable switch from dental tools to camera equipment — trading toothy grins for the perfect shot. Over time, his love for capturing moments evolved into a full-blown career, and today, he is just as likely to be seen with a high-end smartphone or professional camera as he is to be remembered for his work in dentistry.
For 38 years, Doc Ronnie has honed his craft, covering everything from local festivities and political events to celebrity sightings and grand celebrations across the Philippines. Yet, the MassKara Festival remains one of his favorite assignments. Each year, as the “City of Smiles” comes alive, so does Doc Ronnie’s camera, ready to capture the pulsating energy of the festival.
“MassKara is one of the most exciting events I get to cover,” says Doc Ronnie. “It’s a chance for me to really unleash my artistic side, to find that perfect angle that tells a story.”
But as thrilling as it is, the job isn’t always easy. The MassKara Festival stretches over several weeks, filled with countless events. Still, for Doc Ronnie, the hard work is worth it. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing his photographs gracing the pages of magazines, newspapers, and even online platforms.
He admits that seeing his work published, whether it’s on a billboard or part of a video presentation, is a feeling he can’t fully describe.
“It’s beyond quantification,” he says with a smile.
One event in particular that stands out for Doc Ronnie is the annual Search for MassKara Queen. Year after year, he gets to showcase his mastery of angles and lighting while photographing some of Bacolod’s most beautiful ladies.
“It’s a great opportunity to highlight the elegance and poise of these women,” he shares.
At 65, many would think of slowing down, but not Doc Ronnie. Even in retirement, his camera remains by his side, ever ready to capture the next iconic moment.
“I owe it to my fellow Bacolodnons,” he says with a sense of pride.
For him, photography is more than just a job — it’s a calling, one that allows him to give back to the city that has shaped him.
The MassKara Festival holds a special place in his heart, not just for the artistic opportunities it offers, but for how it has indirectly honed his skills. Over the years, the festival’s kaleidoscope of colors, joyous smiles, and energetic performances have pushed Doc Ronnie to elevate his craft to new heights. His photos, which have appeared in countless print publications and visual media, are more than just images — they’re a part of his legacy.
As the festival’s colors fill the streets of Bacolod, you can be sure that somewhere in the crowd, Doc Ronnie is at work — passionately, quietly, capturing the heart and soul of MassKara, one shot at a time./PN