Cheers for
MassKara mardi gras

Amid the increasingly strident vitriol of the political season, somehow a sense of entertainment had invaded in Bacolod with the MassKara Night Mardi Gras.

In a way, the beautiful costumes and the impressive, artistic creations of local couturiers changed the mood in the city.

And that includes some of the country’s key judges who were in a convention in Bacolod with Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno as the guest speaker.

Even the sedate and mostly well-behaved judges repeatedly applauded the mardi gras dancers as the 20 finalists romped around the Bacolod public plaza in their fantasy costumes to the beat of drums. They also elicited the applause of the crowd with their creative masks and face paintings.

No doubt, MassKara had brought out the best that Bacolod’s artists could think of and showcase.

For that matter, MassKara, if we have to be honest about it, has spurred the flowering of the artistic creations of Bacolodnons: a tribute rite to the city’s leading artists including Peque Gallaga, and Rudy Reveche.

***

What seems significant was that yesterday marked the opening of the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI.

This is a universal acknowledgement of the importance of faith in Christ by the Catholic faithful all over the world.

And Bacolod’s faithful joined Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra march in solemn procession after hearing mass at the public plaza attesting to their acknowledgement of the importance of faith in our lives.

And the gaiety and joyful celebration by MassKara enthusiasts, somehow one cannot but be touched by the appeal by the father of fruit vendor Julius Sayson asking his son to come home. He said he was worried about the safety of his son.

Erwin, the father, said Julius filed his certificate of candidacy Friday but only returned to get some of the things and never returned home after that. He also expressed fear that Julius may have been kidnapped.

Julius is running for mayor of Bacolod against Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

He is also running against former Rep. Monico Puentevella of the Magbinuligay Kita sa Kauswagan.

Vice Mayor Sayson had asked the Commission on Elections to declare Julius a nuisance candidate since has does not have anything to prove that he really can mount a campaign for the mayoralty race.

Erwin, said his son is living with him in Purok 7, of Barangay 1 Granada. He reportedly has no house of his own and no property to his name. Neither has he reportedly filed an income tax return.

Julius, though, seems to be determined to run for the mayorship of Bacolod.

That was the principal topic he discussed with DYRL, a local radio station, when he pointed out that although he is not rich, he has a lot of friends and many supporters.

***

Somehow, death intruded and devastated what could have been a celebratory atmosphere.

For Fabricanains, I wish to remind them that Lita Aledron, wife of Mariano Aledron has died and her remains are at the Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels.

But the most devastating piece of news was the demise of Fe Dumancas – Roxas, wife of Wilton Roxas.

She was a dear friend. Wilton, actually, was a childhood playmate with whom I had spent happy memories.

But we have not been in contact with each other. Wilton had virtually been lying down for years since he first suffered a stroke.

And the irony of it all, was that Fe, who looked hale and hearty a month ago, seemed okay until I heard that she died two days ago.

To all Fabricanians, I hope and pray that you offer prayers and condolences to the children of Fe and Wilton.

And, of course, for Lita and Maranianing.*

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