• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Out of 20 participating local designers representing their respective barangays, the denim-made entry by neophyte designer Keny Pareja, representing Barangay Singcang-Airport, was hailed as champion for the first-ever MassKara Making Competition held at the SM Northblock on Saturday.
Pareja said that his entry that cost P4,500, entitled “The Crown of Legacy,” depicts the richness of the history of the city’s biggest festival.
“As I decided to join the contest, I looked at the legacy and the history of Bacolod and the MassKara Festival. I created something out of recycled materials that was unique in the eyes of the Bacolodnons, just like these denim pants,” he said, expressing that the use of denim materials was not ordinary.
His MassKara entry highlighted the M/V Don Juan, which played a crucial part in the history of the festival, and other features that can be seen and experienced only in the city.
Pareja disclosed that the organizer of the event, the Gugma Foundation Inc., provided the participants with a P2,000 subsidy for the materials they used in expressing their artistry through their creations.
“I feel proud of myself that despite there being 20 talented designers, I won the title,” he further expressed.
Moreover, the entry of Ruben Susvilla Jr. “Yuhom Tumandok Yuhom,” representing Barangay Estefania, and Aldrin Pasuelme’s “The City, the Heart, and the Smile,” of Barangay Bata, were recognized as the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
Winners received cash prizes, with P20,000 going to the grand champion, while P15,000 was given to the 1st runner-up and P7,000 to the 2nd runner-up.
Consolation prizes were also given to Barangays 29, 11, Sum-ag, and Tangub with 2 entries. Each will receive P2,000.
Winning entries, along with other masks, will be given to the major sponsors as a token of appreciation and souvenir.*
