MassKara afterthoughts

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

There does not seem any more question about it. After the celebration of the MassKara Festival of Bacolod last week that was highly acclaimed as the most well-attended and the most successful, it is clear that Bacoleños, and all those from other parts of the country, and even from other nations who had come to join the merrymaking, are expecting the next one to be as enjoyable, if not more, than this one.

This was been reinforced by reports that some of our visitors this time, had already placed reservations at some hotels, or have given notice to their relatives and friends here that they will be back for MassKara 34.

That is, of course very complimentary, not only to our officials and the committees handling the various aspects of the celebration so wholeheartedly and selflessly, but also to all of us residents of this city who also did our share by supporting those doing the yeoman’s work for its success.

We are naturally proud to have others know how much recognition and honors our festival performers have gained over the years, and how our barangays and schools have continually improved their offerings with each festival. As our ears are still ringing with the praises expressed by our visitors for the very unique and very artistic designs and creations our local artists and students have produced, we are also challenged by the need to conceptualize the next one.

At this point, it will be prudent to remember that not all the city administrations that had been in office in past years had been supportive of the festival. Some, for political reasons, or for other reasons of their own, had even tried to withhold support for it, making it very difficult for those who wanted to perpetuate it, to continue.

The benefits of holding the MassKara Festival, not only to our local artists and our business community and even to our schools and barangays can no longer be denied. It is therefore to be hoped and prayed for by those of us who believe in it that, no matter how the coming elections turn out, our MassKara Festival will continue and still retain the support and cooperation of us all.*