When I was a small boy, I remembered my Auntie bringing me to some parcel of muddy land near the sea. I really have no idea during those times that I was actually stepping on the land where SM City Bacolod stands. I have been a witness of the change that the Reclamation Area have undergone. 10 years ago, the Reclamation Area had a negative context. I could still remember my folks saying “To halong gd kamo dira sa may Reclamation nayon kay damu dira addict“.But that was years ago. The negative cloud that hangs over the area have long dissipated.It has been replaced by a bright sunny light that heralds Bacolod City into a bright future.

In just a few years, I would’nt be surprised if our own Reclamation Area will rival that of Cebu’s. The future is bright…

Last October 1 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally opened the 29th Masskara Festival.The celebration will last until October 19 in which the city will celebrate its charter anniversary. These past days, I was able to roam around the city and from what I’ve seen I can really say that the festive mood is all over Bacolod! Colorful trimmings (Banderitas) flutter joyfully along Araneta and Lacson Streets as well as around the Bacolod Public Plaza. Kiosks were also placed around the plaza wherein tourists and locals alike can enjoy and unwind after a day’s activity. But it is not only in the public plaza that the festivity can be felt, malls and other commercial establishments all over the city are also decorated by masks of various sizes that features the Bacolod smile that has become an international icon.Despite the tough times, Bacolodnons still find a reason to smile and celebrate .This is the true essence of the Masskara Festival.

I will be posting more updates regarding the Masskara Festival. Stay tuned for more!