NIGHT MARKET and FOOD TRUCKS: MEGAWORLD The Upper East

 EXPLORING the NIGHT MARKET and FOOD TRUCKS AT MEGAWORLD THE UPPER EAST (with 3 videos below)

Outdoor night markets are fun and stress-relieving. It's a place and time that you can explore without having to worry about the heat of the sun and workloads back home. Everything seemed relaxed and you'll get to see infectious smiles while you walk along the tent after tent. You'll see people chatting over good food and bonding. That's how this event can turn a seemingly boring weekend into a happy one.  

EXPLORE THE NIGHT MATKER (NIGHT VIDEO)

Years ago, night markets aren't the in-thing in Bacolod. Usually, around 7pm, most people tend to go home already and wanted to spend their nights watching TV, spend the remaining evening with their family, or resting after a day's work. These days when Megaworld The Upper East decided to have weekend night markets on its vicinity, the lifestyle of many Bacolenos changed. 

WATCH a mobile PIZZERIA  cooks a Calzone using a Brick Oven (Video)

Many families wanted to dine out and instead going out to restaurants, they go to night market where smoke, smell and sound are welcoming them. The tasty Bacolod Chicken Inasal like that from JT Manokan is ever present among other street food like Pizzas, tanghulus, burgers, fried chicken, and more.

Not only Megaworld The Upper East started the Night Market craze. It has also introduced a place where people can walk and dine and choose from different local food trucks. One can enjoy coffee, shawarma, and other tasty food with affordable prices and can dine out under the clear night sky. The food trucks has grown that one area of The Upper East is full of people enjoying the night away, with bands playing music or foreigners busking. (WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW)

FOOD TRUCKS at Megaworld The Upper East
rotonda near Lander's Superstore

Indeed, the night market and food trucks did put a vigor in the city where there's a big gap for night time activities. Now, everyone can enjoy alone or with families and still be safe 'til almost midnight. 

MASSKARA Street Dance Highlight (with video and results of winners)

 A RESOUNDING SUCCESS?

MASSKARA FESTIVAL DANCE PARADE

Sunday was an exciting day for Bacolod. Foreign and local tourists came in droves to witness the ever-colorful and  energy-filled Bacolod MassKara Festival. The 2024 edition was almost marred by Typhoon Kristine and another Typhoon named Leo. But somehow, luck was with the organizers on this fateful day. So, even me, with camera on hand, went to witness a historic parade in the downtown area of the City of Smiles (see video below) 

Video of the Dance Parade along Araneta St. Bacolod City. 

Of course, it was crowded. Parents were happy to bring their little ones as a bonding, a scene that is symbolic and as old as MassKara Festival itself. In the 80s, when the festival was born. Many flocked to the same area and parents with their little ones were in tow. They were piggybacking so they can see clearly the parade. And those little kids in the 80s are now grandparents or parents themselves and they continue the legacy the event has brought to families who wanted to enjoy and bond.

Foreigners were also enjoying the day full of fun and sun. I saw some foreigners dancing together with the MassKara performers. It means, they feel the cultural heritage and the meaning of the event which actually was created because of the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of M/V Don Juan in the 80s. 
However, perfomers and organizers look forward to the future as they wanted Bacolod to reach the Super City status as the city. Thus, their theme and concept for their dance portray the positive side and what the government had achieved. Like right now, the city is experiencing a massive development in infrastructure and business opportunities, a reality that was impossible to think of in the past.  

As usual the performers have to compete at the street before moving to Paglaum Stadium for the Grand Arena competition. Supporters, sponsors and dancers have to walk along Araneta street through   thousands of crowds are applauding the dances. The competition, which was broadcast live in social media, ended with a spectacular drone light show and fireworks.  

Brgy Granada was declared the CHAMPION. The win marked a second three-peat for Granada after taking the titles in 2022 and 2023 as well as in 2014, 2015, and 2016

RESULTS  of the MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2024 
STREET DANCE AND ARENA COMPETITON

CHAMPION - BARANGAY Granada - 1,000,000

ADDITIONAL PRIZES sa CHAMPION BARANGAY

BINGOPLUS - 50,000

PLAYMAX- 30,000

BELLA EVE WINES SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 15,000

1st Runner-Up – Barangay Bata (P500,000)

2nd Runner-Up – Barangay 12 (P300,000)

SPECIAL AWARDS

TODO na DITO Champion - 100,000 - Barangay Granada

Pillar of MassKara Festival - 10,000 - Segundo Cabalcar Jr.

MINOR AWARDS

Best in Music - 25,000 - Barangay Granada

Best Theme and Concept 25,000 - Barangay Granada

Best Mask and Costume 25,000 - Barangay Granada

BYH Choice Award - 15,000 - Barangay Granada

BAMBOO ROCKS BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL DESPITE TYPHOON

 

MASSKARA FESTIVAL: RAIN OR SHINE

The MassKara week is almost over but then Typhoon Kristine started to wreak havoc and an LPA, possibly, another Typhoon (to be named Leo) threatens the rest of MassKara weekend. But despite all of these, most people didn't worry and still wanted to enjoy the festivities and one proof is Bamboo's concert at the Bacolod City Government Center last rainy Thursday (see video below)

Belting out songs from his Rivermaya years like Elesi, Mabuhay!, Hinahap-hanap Kita, Bamboo is so glad to see people braivng the rain just to see their The Voice  coach idol. 
However, rain did affect some eating stalls beside the area but still you can feel the Filipino resiliency still unstoppable. Many kiosk are ready for the rain. With smiles on their faces, they do run to protect their food as if it depends on their lives. 

Concertgoers at Bamboo Night 

The Thursday act was challenging compared to the sunny and non-rainyday concerts sponsored by PureGold and BingoPlus the next day. SB19 was the highlight artists of PureGold's MassKaravan wherein a record of 150,000 flocked to Bacolod City Government Center. Kz Tandingan and TJ Monteverde and Piolo Pascual, meanwhile, serenaded concertgoers during the Bingo Plus Night Concert. 

Kym's Grill

The typhoon maybe be harsh to revelers and the peope who do business during MassKara. But actually, through a historical flashback, the origins of the Bacolod MassKara Festival was actually sadder and harsher. It can be traced back to the 1980s when Negros Occidental, considered the sugar bowl of the Philippines, suffered a terrible crisis when its sugar was priced at an all-time low because of alternatives introduced in the market resulting in one of the infamous famines in the country’s history. 

Added to it was the sinking Negros Navigation's MV Don Juan, a tragic ferry accident carrying mostly Negrosanons including those prominent families of Bacolod and most of them are fresh graduates from Manila's universities excited to go home to celebrate. These events overshadowed the usual life of Negrosanons. Many were too s
Local artists with LGU, in the spirit of resiliency, created MassKara  Festival out of these heartbreaking origins. The idea of covering one's face with a smiling mask gave birth to an annual competition that celebrates life despite the hardships.

MassKara Festival and Moonlight

 Another sad event, Covid Pandemic, also inspired the BALIK YUHUM MassKara anthem and bigger celebrations during Mayor Albee Benitez's term. Indeed, it's nice to look at the fireworks every salubong night of the MassKara, a symbol of hope and happiness despite the odds.

Let's enjoy at the Lacson St. this Masskara! 

INSIDE Starbucks BACOLOD CIRCUMFERENTIAL during Opening

STARBUCKS opens another Branch in the EAST side of Bacolod, the City of Smiles
Just in time for the Bacolod MassKara Festival

 Bacolod coffee lovers have a new reason to celebrate - STARBUCKS Circumrenal Road has finally opened. And this time, it's in the EAST area where new developments are sprouting like mushrooms. First, there's the city resort Splash Park Bacolod near BCGC (Bacolod Government Center). 

Developments at the East
There's the Megaworld The Upper East where Herald Parksuites Condominium, new McDonald's, Landers Superstore Bacolod and other buildings. Then along the circumferential road are new establishments like the DIY/Home improvement store, Triumph Depot. There's Rockwell to the North too. 

Branches in Bacolod The new standalone branch, compared to its, predecessor, the first ever Starbucks in Lacson St., has 3 distinct new features: a Drive-Thru, a 2nd floor and a balcony area. 

Starbucks for Riders Though the parking area is limited, the Drive-Thru serves as an option for those who have cars yet they wanted to have their morning coffee, a hot Starbucks cup.

WATCH THIS VIDEO

Second Floor Area The 2nd floor is idea for those who are looking to CoWork or work away from home. Virtual assistants, those who are coders, social media managers can work on the large large table good provided by the coffee chain. 

Balcony Area The balcony is welcome idea especially those who just wanted to drink coffee or relax. This is a place that you can look at time without worrying or just watch passing cars while thinking of new ideas or a new business. Couples will find the balcony an ideal dating area too. From the balcony, one can see a vantage view of mountains of Negros Occidental.

Tambayan at the East Well, it's good to have an international chain opening in a once solitary place. It's a sign that Bacolod, indeed, is growing and new opportunities are coming. It's an added tambayan for Bacolod MassKara Festival revelers every October. 

BACOLOD FILM FESTIVAL (WITH WINNERS LIST)

 
Ten local shorts filmmakers compete Bacolod Film Festival Boosts Local Creative Economy (BACOLOD FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS NIGHT RESULTS BELOW)

Filmmaking

The Government of Bacolod City finally made history by finally recognizing and celebrating emerging local filmmakers through a short film festival. The success of the Bacolod Film Festival (despite the stormy weather) did prove that Bacolod has rich creative talents that fits the film industry. It's great to note that boosting the creative economy is one of the projects of Mayor Albee Benitez and this endeavor is a big welcome and change for the City of Smiles. The awards ceremony was held on September 15 at SM Cinema 1 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The jurors were Joey Javier Reyes, Joji Alonso, Philip Cheah, Law Fajardo and Wanggo Gallaga. Winners of the first ever Bacolod Film Festival are:

BEST PICTURE - Sa Pwesto ni Pistong BEST DIRECTOR - Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)

BEST ACTOR - Dante Macam - Laragway sa Karon

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Rene Hinojales - Puli na, Diche Lesly

BEST SCREENPLAY- Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Rosco Cofreros - Aninaw

BEST EDITING - Xavier Nojas and Fahleen Fang - Laragway sa Karon

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Margaret Kathryn-Baynosa Entuna - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Poli Gonzales - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST MUSICAL SCORE - Khyle Zedrick Anasta - A Flower in a Day

BEST SOUND - Rolf Baynosa - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST MAKE- UP - Alvin Belesario - Glub

JURY'S PRIZE WINNER - Milton Dionzon, Reynaldo Amagun and Louis Dormido - Aninaw

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD - Laragway sa Karon

GET TO KNOW THE 10 Entries:

1. A FLOWER A DAY

Directed by Chelsea Tasic

Produced by Dulaab Productions

🏆Award (1): BEST MUSICAL SCORE - Khyle Zedrick Anasta

A young woman finds solace amid the faded charm of a quiet, rundown café. She returns to the café routinely, drawing the attention of an intrigued barista.

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2. ANINAW

Directed by Charlene Mead Tupas

Produced by Zone Studios

🏆Awards (2): BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Rosco Cofreros JURY'S PRIZE WINNER - Milton Dionzon, Reynaldo Amagun and Louis Dormido - Aninaw

In pursuit of finding the place where their deepest desires will come true, three friends embark on a journey against the backdrop of an evolving city and their failing memory.

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3. BLIND DATE

Directed by Victor Villanueva

Produced by Juan Carlo Miguel for JCM Films

Two savvy social media stars get set up, and they struggle to meet up at all.

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As home to the authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal cuisine and its annual festival (video above), one of the entries is a story based on this tasty dish but with a futuristic twist.

4. CHICKEN INASAL (Those Little Things )

Directed by Poli Gonzales and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa

Produced by Massah Gonzales-Gamboa and Georgia Elardo for Kwentista Produksyon

🏆Awards (3):

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Margaret Kathryn-Baynosa Entuna

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Poli Gonzales BEST SOUND - Rolf Baynosa

Set in 2222 in the cyberpunk city of Bacolod, a teenager goes through her usual day with her father with no idea that the best surprise of her life was going to happen.

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5. GLUB

Directed by Zack Verzosa

Produced by Champorado Productions, Zol Films, Kantiaha Prod., Anggulo Community, and Playback Productions 🏆Award (1): BEST MAKE- UP - Alvin Belesario - Glub

An outcast who wants to have someone who understands him, meets a person who he thinks would be the one.

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6. LARAGWAY SA KARON

Directed by Pau Ortaliz Santos and Nina Aira Villanueva

Produced by Three Wheels Production in collaboration with Xouvenir Studios. 🏆Award (1):

BEST ACTOR - Dante Macam BEST EDITING -Xavier Nojas and Fahleen Fang

An old man aims to win a photography contest to solve his financial challenges. There, he meets a young and spirited photographer – unveiling an unexpected friendship full of colors.

The true story of the old Manokan Country (video above) inspired one of the entries in the Bacolod FIlm Festival

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7. MANOKAN COUNTRY

Directed by Banjo Hinolan

Produced by Banjo Hinolan Films

A determined restaurant owner in Bacolod City faces off against a ruthless real estate developer in a high-stakes Chicken Inasal cooking competition to save his family's eatery and preserve the heart of his community.

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8. PULI NA, DICHE LESLY

Directed by Willbryan Garcia

Produced by Salekula Dahlia Studios

🏆Award (1):

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Rene Hinojales

A bittersweet story of family ties and the things we do for love. A successful Filipino-Chinese artist drives home to her hometown of Bacolod for her father's heart surgery.

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9. SA PWESTO NI PISTONG (The Barber's Chair)

Directed by VinJo Entuna

Produced by Maragtas Film Productions 🏆Awards (3): BEST PICTURE BEST DIRECTOR - Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna

BEST SCREENPLAY- Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna

A humble barber navigates a tumultuous era while serving a diverse array of customers including a prominent haciendero and an idealistic nephew.

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10. THE MANSION

Directed by Alvin "Swoop" Diaz and Oscar Villanueva

Produced by T3 Studios

A videographer accidentally meets someone while doing his job, leading him to a rude awakening.

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From out of 33 entries screened for the Bacolod Film Festival, ten finalist made it. These entries are visions of Bacolod residents Chelsea Taisc, Charlene Mae Tupas, Juan Carlo Miguel Araullo, Georgia Mari Elardo, reginald Amador Zack Versoza, Mary Pauline Santos, Rodolfo "Banjo" Hinolan Jr. Willbryan Garcia, Vicent Hoset Entuna, and Oscar Villanueva. Filmmaking is a dynamic and intricate art form that demands creativity, resilience, and collaboration at every stage.

The grantees received 300,000 pesos each to fund and finish their films.

Trailers of their films were launched via the Bacolod Film Festival Facebook page on September 1. All 10 short films were screened on September 12-15, 2024 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod Cinemas.

Meanwhile, the official poster for the Bacolod Film Festival captured the essence of the festival's spirit. The iconic smiling eyes from the logo seamlessly morph into ten dynamic waves, each symbolizing the fresh and powerful visions of Bacolodnon filmmakers. These waves serve as a striking metaphor for the boundless creativity and visionary storytelling that these filmmakers will bring to Philippine cinema. Their collective energy, symbolized by these fluid forms, reflects an unstoppable force of artistic expression.

TANDUAY RUM FESTIVAL (FOOD PARK WALKING TOUR and MORE)

TANDUAY RUM FESTIVAL
FOOD TRIP AT THE PARK

   EVENT | 9 DAY CITY FESTIVAL 

Go eat! Go drink! Go Drunk! Go Enjoy! But don't sin! 
The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival is a merriment that targets not only rum aficionados but also the entire family who want to take a respite and break from life's monotony away from home. 

Despite the event's title, the Rum Festival actually is a merriment that also targets everyone. The food park Bacolod City Government Center is the hub of the festivity.
During this time, different street food kiosks are lined up to tame everyone's gastronomic demands. 

Name it and you have the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal leading the array of grilled cuisines. With hotdogs to isaw to pork bbq and more, unli rice is up for grabs as well as free soup to complement them. While  those who love talaba (oysters) so much , won't be disappointed as kiosks have those fresh ones, too. Right there and then, after you choose what you desire, it's up for waiting and grilling time before the eating begiins. Well, as the song goes, smoke gets in your eyes, literally.

Two giant balloon replicas of Tanduay bottles were installed and  lighted up at the BCGC park grounds while barrels of the famous rum maker adorned the Bacolod letters icon. At the entrance of the food park, there's an Instagrammable wall that greets everyone. The wall is painted with a visual story about Filipino and Bacolod culture, focusing on bayanihan, blue collar job employees seemingly preparing and sharing food and, well, drinking a beverage (which we assume is Tanduay).

Meanwhile, walking around the food park, you get to meet some pretty Tanduay promo models in their red and white dress, duo musicians who plays pop and classic music, friendly security people, and ukay ukay sellers. Of course, as the name suggests, you get to see bartenders inviting you to taste their mixes of alcohol drinks (not for free).

The Bacolod Rum Festival started in 2019 and returned after the pandemic in 2022. Usual activities include, Rum Barrel Painting contest, Flairtending & Mixology Competition, Rum Education Day (Field Trips to Tanduay plant in bacolod), Culinaria Competition, Parade and Street Dance Competition, Motorcade of Tanduay's Ambassadors and Special Guests, Food Park, Music Festival and it usually culminates with a free concert at the BCGC grounds like Ely Buendia of Eraserheads who performed on August 19, 2023. For year 2023, Juan Karlos and Allmost Music will sing their hearts out LIVE at the BCGC where the Rum Festival food park is located.