At MassKarade Ball at Sugarland Hotel, from left, Glenna Guidicelli, the author, Tina Cuevas, Steven Tan, Chole Cuenca-Chua, Fe Rodriguez, Julie Boschi
It was my first time in Masskara, the famous festival of Bacolod; indeed it was my first time in Bacolod, like many others in our group who flew to Bacolod the week of October 20, for the Masskara parade and the MassKarade Ball—the highlights of the annual event, along with the Miss MassKara pageant, which had been diligently organized by the office of Mayor Albee Benitez and talent manager/event organizer Jojie Dingcong.
First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos with Manila guests: from left, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Tina Cuevas, the author, Fe Rodriguez, Chole Cuenca Chua
The author and Fe Rodriguez with the First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos
Alliance Global CEO Kevin Tan and wife Michelle
Aberré Gozon, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Marga Nograles; behind, Patrick Rosas, Jojie Dingcong at the Bacolod Electric Masskara Evening Parade at Bacolod Government Center
Authentic inasal dinner hosted by Chole Cuenca Chua (seated, far left) for Manila guests: seated, from left, Iris Fernan-Arcenas, Margie Moran-Floirendo; standing, from left, Keren Pascual, Tina Cuevas, author Mia Borromeo, Patrick Rosas, Fe Rodriguez, Julie Boschi, Glenna Guidicelli, Jojie Dingcong
Tina Cuevas in the ball
Our experiences went beyond the parade and the ball. We visited the heritage sites of this province that has been noted for sugar plantations for generations. We stepped into the old homes, were served the province’s traditional delicacies, and enjoyed Bacolod hospitality.
The Ruins, a favorite destination in Bacolod
The author and her group at The Ruins
Balay Puti
For a few days in October 2023, Bacolod gave us a trove of memories. Before you resume seeing the world, Filipinos can check out the beautiful, laid-back Bacolod.
