Masskara Wall | Mr. Kevin Tan, Megaworld’s CEO, First Lady Liza Marcos, and son, Vinny

Discover the Vibrant Masskara Wall at Megaworld’s The Upper East: A Symbol of Hope and Unity

Welcome to Megaworld’s The Upper East, home to one of the most captivating and awe-inspiring structures in Negros Occidental today. Nestled within this beautiful enclave is the iconic McDonald’s, adorned with the largest Masskara wall installation in the country. Standing tall at 5 X 4.75 meters, this iconic artwork has become a beloved tourism landmark and a must-visit destination in Bacolod City.

Join us as we explore the significance and charm of this vibrant Masskara wall.

Note: The artist shared the symbolism and meaning behind the mask wall through an insightful interview.

First Lady Liza Marcos and Vinny

The Creation of the Masskara Wall:

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Masskara wall is made of durable fiberglass and took an impressive 95 days to complete. Its unveiling coincided with the opening of McDonald’s The Upper East, just in time for the renowned Masskara Festival in 2022. This masterpiece symbolizes the remarkable unity between Megaworld, the province of Negros Occidental, and the city of Bacolod.

The Negrense Blogging Society

Symbolism Behind the Masskara Wall: A Garden of Unity and Resilience

Stepping closer to the Masskara wall, you’ll be enchanted by its garden-themed design, which reflects The Upper East as a vibrant gathering place for people. It serves as a poignant reminder of the role played by the plant community during the challenging times of the pandemic, where many individuals turned to online businesses, including the sale of ornamental plants through live selling. The fruits adorning the wall represent a bountiful harvest and a hopeful future for every Negrense, signifying their resilience and determination to rise above adversity.

The central focus of the Masskara wall is the three giant masks adorned with colorful flowers. This symbolism emphasizes the happy disposition and hopeful spirit of the Bacolodnons. It conveys the message that the masks worn during the Masskara Festival do not conceal anything negative but rather represent the local community’s faith, goodness, and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow. As you gaze through the eye and mouth openings of the largest mask, you’ll be captivated by the floral motifs that embody the essence of Bacolod’s vibrant culture.

The graceful butterflies fluttering around the masks serve as a metaphor for the influx of tourists drawn to The Upper East and the Masskara wall. As one of the most pleasant places to visit in Bacolod, families can be seen enjoying the enchanting surroundings of McDonald’s, The Upper East, even during the night, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of the artwork.

The sun takes center stage at the uppermost part of the Masskara wall, symbolizing the abundant blessings from above. This radiant symbol represents the remarkable development and progress that Megaworld has brought to Bacolod City. Numerous job opportunities have been generated with the creation of The Upper East, contributing to the area’s economic growth. As the sun graces the wall, it serves as a reminder of the promise of a bright future for the city and its residents.

L-R: Jojo Vito; Mr. Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s VP For Public Relations and Communications, Negros Bloggers Glady Reyes and Eduardo Joven

A Grand Launch and Notable Visitors:

The unveiling of McDonald’s The Upper East and the magnificent Giant Mask Wall was a momentous event led by Megaworld’s top executives. This significant occasion was graced by esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, Mrs. Liza Araneta, and her sons. The presence of these prominent individuals reflects the significance of the Masskara wall and its profound impact on Bacolod City.

Jojo Vito

The Artist Behind the Masterpiece:

The Masskara wall was brought to life by the homegrown artist Jojo Vito of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery and Garden. Handpicked by Megaworld, Jojo Vito embarked on this project without any preconceived designs or discussions about the budgetary requirements. With over 25 years of experience in the mask-making, home furnishing, and decor industry, Jojo Vito’s artworks and creations have reached various corners of the world. His outstanding designs have garnered numerous awards, and he was honored as the DTI’s SME of the Year.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Jojo Vito actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and provides management consultancy services to companies nationwide. He is also a passionate travel blogger, finding inspiration in his journeys.

Dr. Leane Linaugo, a faculty of USLS Bacolod and Her Children

In addition to his remarkable achievements, Jojo Vito is a part-time faculty member of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod under the Marketing and Entrepreneurship programs. He is also involved with  La Consolacion College Bacolod and STI West Negros University, teaching in the masters and doctoral programs.

The artist expresses deep gratitude to Megaworld for the opportunity to showcase his work. Whenever invited to speak to a large audience, he is often called the artist behind Megaworld’s Giant Mask, a recognition he cherishes greatly.

In conclusion:, the Masskara wall at Megaworld’s The Upper East is a testament to artistic brilliance and a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. It represents the indomitable spirit of the Bacolodnons, their unwavering faith, and their aspirations for a brighter future. Discover the beauty and charm of this captivating masterpiece, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Bacolod City. Visit The Upper East and experience the magic of the Masskara wall today.

More Stories