Banago MassKara champ
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Barangay Banago dominated 14 other contestants in the MassKara Festival street and arena dance competition, barangay category, yesterday in Bacolod City.

The Banago number, choreographed by William Bangcaya, also won the special awards for best in live rhythm and best in concept.

Their mask designer was Ronelo Mabilog, and costume designers were Mabilog and Joseph Ferdinand Silva.

A crowd of about 100,000 packed the streets and the Bacolod City public plaza Saturday to witness the 32nd MassKara Festival schools category performances.

Crowds cheered as seven elementary schools and four secondary schools performed.

After a four-hour presentation, Luisa Medel National High School and Sum-ag Elementary School were declared champions in the secondary and elementary levels, respectively, winning P50,000 each.

Taiwan Ambassador Donald Lee yesterday lauded the MassKara Festival and said it is also popular in Taiwan, and added that he was impressed with the Electric MassKara parade.

He said this is his second visit to Bacolod to witness the MassKara Festival.

Lee, who is the representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, also admired the Bacolod City Government Center and called it the most beautiful city hall in the country.