Hidlaw sang mga Yuhom ( Longing of the Smile)

After 2 years of hiatus, Bacolod finally boomed again and regained its smiles as Masskara Festival was celebrated with its theme, “Balik Yuhom.”

The new seating administration of the Bacolod City Government along with the Bacolod Yuhom Foundation has prepared almost month-long events and celebrations for the 43rd Masskara Festival to cure the longing of the Bacolodnons.

With the leadership of the newly-elected mayor Albie Benitez and his correspondents, Masskara Festival was celebrated for 3-week long. This is the first time the Masskara Festival was celebrated this way.

During this festival, there were different events for 3-weeks that everyone can enjoy. From sports, KPop culture, business, hobbies, and entertainment. It was indeed a celebration of Bacolodnons for Bacolodnons.

According to media reports, this festival was the most successful event in Bacolod City.

Masskara Amidst Exams

Truly, Bacolodnons testified how they experienced “Balik Yuhom” as the most awaited celebration and festivity came into existence again.

However, for us students, it wasn’t “Balik Yuhom” but “Balik Yambi” (a satire term) as we were bombarded with lots of exams and submissions.

Lo and behold, the highlights and festivities are dated during our preparation and midterm exams, which made us feel sad.

The duality of being a citizen and a student

As for Bacolodnons, Masskara Festival is the most awaited and exciting part. To us students as well, Masskara is awaited and anticipated for its events that capture our attention as teenagers, millenials and Gen Zs. Events such as KPop culture, bands, jamming, sports activities and even food trips.

However, we were really chosen to become multitaskers as exam week and project week happened. This is where “studyante sa umaga, lagawander sa gabi” happened. During vacant schedules, we tried to squeeze in joining an event, seeing our idols, meeting with friends or dinner with families.

At some point in time, we are even answering some exams during an event. No, we're not tactless but it is who we are as" multitaskers". One of the girls is part of a production and coordination team in one event which led her to forget her exams. Luckily, she was able to do it on her phone!

Thanks for technology!