Masskara Festival Schedule of Activities
MASSKARA FESTIVAL GUIDE | SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES, ATTRACTIONS, AND MUCH MORE
Contents
ABOUT MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Masskara Festival is perhaps one of the longest festivals in the country today, being held for the entire month of October.
The world-renowned Masskara Festival started during the crisis in Negros in -1980. Negros Occidental having sugar cane as its primary produce, suffered during its all-time crisis due to the introduction of sugar substitutes in the world market. During that time, M/V Don Juan, carrying many Negrenses, sank with an estimated loss of 700 lives.
Amid this difficulty, the local government and civic groups, with the active participation of Bacolod Artists, came up with the idea of putting a festival of smiles. Therefore, the first staging of the Masskara Festival was a statement that no matter how difficult the times were, Bacolod City would surely survive and rise above any crisis.
Masskara, which came from 2 words Mass (Many) and Kara ( the Spanish word for face), means many smiling faces. Masskara is a happy Festival. Manifested in the colorful costumes and smiling masks used by the dancers during the competition and in the numerous festival’s happy events. The Masskara is no doubt one of the festivals in the country which you should experience.
Bacolod City is a peaceful city with fun-loving people. Each guest is welcomed with a warm smile (Bacolod City is known as the City of Smile) and hospitality that is truly Bacolodnon.
Below are pieces of information aimed at helping you make your visit to the Masskara Festival fun and memorable.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
The official Schedule of Activities is yet to be released. So please bookmark this page as we will update this page as soon as Bacolod City releases the updates. But if you want to book your hotel now, the highlights will be held on the 4th weekend of October (official).
Meanwhile, here are the links:
Masskara Schedule of Activities
Schedule of Activities + Food Trip Guide
8 Things to Do During Masskara
MASSKARA FESTIVAL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS, WHAT TO DO
STREET DANCING AND ARENA DANCE COMPETITION
Street dancing happens during the fourth weekend of October. As the city has already declared, this will be the permanent schedule of the highlights. The street dance competition for the School Category will be held on Saturday of that fourth weekend, while the Open Category will be held on Sunday.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL COSTUME AND MASK EXHIBIT
The current Festival Costume is displayed at Robinsons Place, Bacolod City, where the Best in Costume selection is held. It would be great to visit the exhibit to see the intricacy of the costumes, the details of the masks, and the humongous headdresses of each competing group for the year.
ELECTRIC MASSKARA FESTIVAL DANCE PARADE
The Electric Masskara is a unique component of the festival. It is held during nighttime and is usually held along Lacson Street. In this event, you will see masskara dancers in their lighted Masskara Costumes and masks.
ENDLESS PARTIES
Bacolodnons love to party. During the festival, street parties are held all around the city. Just Lacson Street alone can already satisfy your party craving. Along this street, several parties sponsored by various companies are regulated.
SEARCH FOR MASSKARA FESTIVAL QUEEN
The search for the festival queen is one event you should visit while visiting the City of Smile.
POSSIBLE SIDE TRIPS | BEYOND MASSKARA FESTIVAL
I’m sure that most travelers would want to maximize their visit to the City of Smiles, especially for first-timers. Of course, with the price of your airfare, you would wish to of course to get the most out of this trip. This 2017 Negros Occidental is the 2nd most visited place by domestic tourists according to Tourism statistics. So you might also want to discover why many people visit this part of the country.
The Street Dancing and Arena Dance Competition happens during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). I suggest allotting three or more days to discover more about Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
Below are some articles which will surely help you plan your trip:
3-Day Bacolod Travel Guide, which Includes Itinerary and Budget
THINGS TO DO DURING THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL
WITHIN BACOLOD CITY
In a nutshell, here are the 12 Things to do in Bacolod City
If you want to see the festival’s highlights, you can visit between Masskara Activities some of the must-visit places and experience Bacolod City culture.
Visit the Ruins. This place is technically located in the City of Talisay. However, you can visit this place during the morning because the Street Dancing and Arena Dance Competition starts at lunchtime. Just take a taxi to bring you to the place.
Contact Details:
Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Phone: 0917 832 6003
“Paint Your Own Mask” Activity at Jojo Vito Designs Gallery. See how Bacolod Mask is being made, or paint your mask. The gallery is located at the heart of the city, and you can reach this place through jeepneys, or since your time is limited, take a taxi. You can tell the driver of the landmarks: The place is located at the back of the Metrodome and Chicken Haus (South). It is near Planta Hotel)
The place offers an array of Giant Masks displays and loads of original mask-related souvenirs ranging from magnets, wearable masks, home furnishings, and more. The place is just a walking distance from the Cyber Center (old Paglaum Sports Complex), the venue for the Arena Dance Competition.
Blog Post about the Place:
Paint Your Mask
Contact Details:
#119 Kapitana Dicang-Alunan Avenue, Bacolod City Telephone: (034) 704-2376
PLACES TO VISIT BEFORE AND AFTER THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL
If your time allows, try to visit any of the following places:
Sipalay, The Hidden Jewel of Negros. This place has beautiful beaches, fantastic dive sites, and much more.
Lakawon Island Resort. One of the places in Negros Occidental as of this writing and frequented by locals and tourists from other places.
Campuestohan Highland Resort. A mountain resort with a theme park ambiance. Kids will surely love this place.
Mambukal Mountain Resort. Experience nature just an hour away from the city proper. The place has waterfalls, an ice-cold swimming pool, a boating lagoon, and much more.
Visit Bago City’s Tourist Attraction. Bago City has many beautiful spots you can visit and enjoy.
Sagay City. Just an hour away from Bacolod City, you will reach this quiet city with its beautiful attractions like the Carbin Reef.
Silay City. Known as the Paris of Negros Occidental, the place has beautiful heritage houses that speak about the culture and history of the place. They also have foodie destinations just within the city proper.
WHERE TO EAT WHEN ATTENDING BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Attending the Masskara Festival is also an opportunity to sample Bacolod’s cuisine. Here are the places to go to.
Bacolod loves to eat. This is manifested in the number of restaurants around the city offering various delicacies.
Here are some of our recommendations:
Bar 21. It is very easy to locate because it is situated along Lacson Street.
Rau Ram Cafe– They serve authentic Vietnamese Cuisine and their price is very budget-friendly.
Tyrol Restaurant – This place offers German and Austrian Cuisine.
Seafood. If you want to try fresh catch, you can try any of these popular Seafood Restaurants in Bacolod City: 18 St Palapala; Adings; aboy’s, Imay’s, Scarborough
Have you heard of Bacolod’s famed Kansi? Do visit any of these restaurants: Bones and Belly, Sharyn’s
Quan Delicacies. The place is serving native delicacies at its best. Try their cassava pudding, Cuchinta, sapin sapin, palitaw, and more.
Negros Occidental is the sugar bowl of the Philippines. It’s no wonder why this city has several cakes and pastry shops that tourists frequent. So, when in Bacolod City, drop by and experience the “sweetness” of a Negrense through our cakes and pastries offered by Cs by L Fisher, Felicias, and Calea.
These three are facing each other, and all are found along Lacson Street right within the L Fisher Hotel.
Bacolod does love to eat, so here’s a LIST OF RESTAURANTS IN BACOLOD CITY
WHAT TO BUY DURING THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL
If you attend the Masskara Festival, you must bring some souvenirs. Here are the places you can buy Bacolod’s bests.
Best of Negros Products at The Negros Showroom.
The Negro’s Showroom showcases the best of Negros Products. Named as the best trade house by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Their beautiful products range from Local Souvenirs, Masks, T-shirts, Housewares, Furniture and furniture, Food, Natural and organic, fashion, and much more. They have a branch at the Robinsons Place Bacolod City and SM City-Bacolod City.
Masks and Masskara Souvenirs by Jojo Vito Designs Gallery.
This Gallery offers original designs of Masskara-related souvenirs. Just make sure to bring home authentic Bacolod-made souvenirs. Other souvenirs sold in the streets are made in China or just repainted souvenirs from other festivals in the country.
Bacolod Delicacies.
Bacolod-Silay Airport Departure Area. Suppose you wish to buy some delicacies but don’t have the time to visit any establishment. You can buy Bacolod delicacies like Piaya, Barquillos, etc., at the airport departure area. Merzci Bread and Pastries usually offer a 10% discount for any guests. Just present your ticket or boarding pass. Their price? It’s just the same as with their other outlets.
HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD CITY FOR THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Interested in witnessing the Masskara Festival? Here’s how to get to Bacolod City.
By Air
Bacolod City is less than an hour’s flight from the Philippines’ capital, Metro Manila. And merely 30 minutes from Cebu City. Various airline companies are serving the Bacolod-Silay Airport. An Air-conditioned van is servicing the airport to Bacolod City. It can drop you to the nearest point of your destination in Bacolod City for only P150/person.
By Bus
Take the Ceres Bus from Dumaguete City, which will reach Bacolod for a 4-5 hour ride. Just take a taxi from Ceres Terminal in Bacolod to your hotel.
Proceed to the North Terminal from Cebu City and take a Ceres Bus bound for Bacolod City.
Here’s the schedule for these buses:
By Sea
From Manila, 2Go Travel is sailing Manila-Bacolod on the following schedule:
From Iloilo City, you can take several Fast Crafts with the following Schedule:
How to Get to Bacolod City Fast Craft Schedule
WHERE TO STAY DURING THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL
If you can, choose the hotel along Lacson Street or the nearest to this place because most nighttime activities are held there. Hotels in Lacson Street are as follows: L Fisher Hotel, Avenue Suites, Seda Hotel (soon to open, not sure if they can open during the Masskara Festival), Metro Inn, and Bacolod Executive Inn.
It is best to book your hotel early; Masskara season is fast approaching, and many travelers book their hotels as early as February.
Here’s the List of Hotels in Bacolod City.
BOOK A ROOM IN BACOLOD CITY TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Bacolod is one of my favorite places when traveling around Visayas.
The MassKara Festival was developed to improve the spirits of the inhabitants and restore their smiles. The smiling masks were a proclamation by the people of Bacolod City that they will overcome and survive the trials and tribulations that they are experiencing. With that given, it is only right that it should be celebrated by as much people possible. One way to do this is bby working with internet influencers can help you develop attention for your event, particularly if you want to attract younger audiences and demographics. If there are activities in which they can participate, more people will be interested in attending. Pageants, and talent showcases are among examples.
Masskara Festival is held as a declaration of determination to overcome adversity and tragedy. In order the city benefit from it , during masskara celebration it must have a high securities, medic station and add more portable toilet.
Hiring security personnel can mitigate potential risks during events by preventing unauthorized access, managing disturbances, and responding to emergencies or medical situations.
Providing adequate medical services at events not only reduces emergency response time, saves ambulance calls, and decreases emergency department admissions, but also enhances the success of the event.
Portable toilets demonstrates guest care, especially for elderly or children, as they can alleviate concerns about accessing restroom facilities on-site, it must be clean also.
For me, the Ist strategy that I will be implementing is Online or By the use of the technology because 80% of the people is using their smartphone and other form of technology in their everyday life. The 2nd is providing examples/ pictures of the events that you are advertising because if they find them pleasing or joyful they will definitely try the examples that you have. The last is providing information about the prices of the businesses that they can try so that they can pick what businesses they can go all throughout the event.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives:
Implement eco-friendly practices during the festival, such as waste reduction and recycling programs, to promote environmental sustainability. This will attract eco-conscious tourists and improve the city’s image.
Encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and offer eco-friendly products, creating a more environmentally responsible tourism ecosystem.
Organize community clean-up drives and tree-planting events as part of the festival, demonstrating Bacolod’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Digital Marketing Campaign: Launch an extensive digital marketing campaign to promote the MassKara Festival worldwide. Create engaging social media content, utilize influencer partnerships, and run targeted online ads to reach a global audience. Highlight the unique aspects of Bacolod, its culture, and the festival’s attractions. Encourage tourists to visit by offering special online promotions and travel packages.
Tourism Infrastructure Improvement: Invest in improving Bacolod’s tourism infrastructure. Upgrade transportation facilities, expand accommodation options, and enhance the city’s cleanliness and safety. Develop tourist-friendly information centers and mobile apps to help visitors navigate the city and access festival information easily. These improvements will encourage more tourists to visit and stay longer, benefiting the local economy.
Improve Infrastructure and Logistics- Ensure smooth operations and visitor satisfaction by improving infrastructure and logistics. Enhance transportation options, provide clear signage and directions, set up convenient parking areas, and improve crowd management systems. Additionally, ensure the availability of clean restrooms, sufficient food and beverage stalls, and first aid facilities.
Enhance Safety and Security Measures- Implement robust safety and security measures to ensure a safe environment for festival-goers. Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to deploy additional personnel, establish checkpoints, and implement crowd control measures. Communicate safety guidelines and emergency procedures effectively to attendees.
Embrace Sustainable Practices – Incorporate sustainable practices throughout the festival to minimize its environmental impact. This can include waste management initiatives, use of eco-friendly materials, promoting recycling and composting, and encouraging vendors to use sustainable products and practices.
Through blogging people from all over the Philippines or even outside the country will know how Bacolodnons celebrate Masskara festival.This blog contains all the informations that a traveler or tourist needed and it gives them an idea on what to expect during the festivities,what activities they can see and enjoy.This blog is a great reference for them and who to tap up once they need more informations about the festival,the hotels,the way of transportations,restaurants and etc.Masskara festival would be a perfect experience to travellers who likes to know history of places because Bacolod has a great history especially the Masskara festival and the story behind the smiling mask of bacolodnons. They Would be entertained and will be amaze with the colorful and beautiful mask, street dancing,the foods and delicacies,most importantly the friendly smiling faces,and hospitable people in Bacolod City. Surely is online marketing is a big help in attracting tourists,potential travellers,especially nowadays vlogging is very popular,im sure many vloggers will come and and ready to travel just to experience and witness the great Masskara Festival.Posting the masskara event in facebook is a great way too,to convince or encourage people to visit the city because Bacolod has so much to offer.And people nowadays spend more time in facebook,posting this event and will be shared by facebooks users is a good strategy in promoting the city.When all these online marketing strategies work,the city can attract more tourists,it will promote the city and to earn income during the festival.Podcast is a great way also to invite travellers and tourists.
Personally, these are my three strategies that I would implement for the Masskara Festival to benefit the city in terms of income, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion of the city.
The first one is to collaborate with local businesses and organizations: One effective strategy would be to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to maximize the impact of the Masskara Festival. Encourage partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and tourism agencies to offer special packages to attract tourists. This can include discounted rates, exclusive deals, and customized itineraries that highlight the festival’s events and attractions. By working together, there will be a collective effort to promote Bacolod as a desirable tourist destination, leading to increased visitor numbers and income for the local economy.
The second strategy would be creating an extensive marketing campaign: A strong marketing campaign is crucial to attracting tourists and promoting the Masskara Festival. Utilize various marketing channels such as social media, print advertisements, television, and radio to reach a wide audience. Develop attractive and engaging content that showcases the festival’s unique offerings, cultural diversity, and exciting activities. Target specific groups and regions known for having an interest in events and festivals, both domestically and internationally. Invest in professional photography and videography to visually capture the essence of Masskara and entice potential visitors. Also, utilize influencers and travel bloggers to amplify the festival’s reach and create buzz.
And the third and final one would be expanding the festival’s reach through virtual experiences: To make the Masskara Festival accessible to a wider audience and increase visitor engagement, incorporate virtual experiences into the event. Utilize live streaming technology to broadcast key festival events, performances, and attractions online. This enables people who are unable to physically attend the festival to participate and experience it remotely. Also, create immersive virtual reality experiences that allow potential tourists to virtually explore Bacolod’s landmarks, attractions, and cultural sites. By embracing virtual experiences, the festival can tap into new markets, attract tech-savvy travelers, and generate additional income through virtual ticket sales or merchandise.
Althea Lyca M. Navarro BSA-2A
If I were the tourism executive of bacolod city, this are the 3 strategies that I would implement for the Maskara Festival to benefit the city in terms of income, tourism arrival and overall promotion of the city.
1. Enhance Online and Social Media Presence: In today’s world, many people use the internet and social media to plan their trips. By investing in a strong online and social media campaign, we can reach a wider audience of potential tourists. This means more people will learn about the Maskara Festival and be encouraged to visit Bacolod City, which boosts tourism arrivals and overall income for the city.
2. Promote Local Businesses and Food Stalls: When tourists come to Bacolod City for the Maskara Festival, we want them to experience not just the festival but also the local culture and flavors. Encouraging local businesses, food vendors, and artisans to participate in the festival provides an opportunity for tourists to spend money on unique products and delicious food. This not only benefits the businesses but also showcases the city’s distinct character and culinary delights.
3. Festival App: Developing a dedicated mobile app for the Maskara Festival simplifies the visitor experience. It allows festival-goers to easily access important information like event schedules, maps, and special promotions right on their smartphones. The app can also send timely notifications about upcoming events, ensuring that tourists are engaged and well-informed throughout the festival, ultimately enhancing their overall experience.
If I were one of the the tourism executive of Bacolod city, the three marketing strategy I would implement for the Masskara Festival that will give benefit to the city in terms of Income, Tourist Arrivals and Overall Promotion of the Masskara festival would be;
– Booths for different barangays that shows their culture
– Masskara Exhibit for tourists to visit. An exhibit that shows the history of Masskara and why is it celebrated every year.
– Internet Celebrities that will advertise Bacolod and the Masskara Festival.
As the tourism executive of Bacolod City, I would concentrate on implementing strategies for the Masskara Festival that not only enhance the experience for tourists but also boost income, increase tourist arrivals, and promote the city.
1. Digital Marketing and Social Media Campaigns
· In today’s generation, having a strong internet presence is essential for drawing visitors. Prior to the Masskara Festival, I would start extensive social media and digital marketing campaigns. This would require developing visually appealing content, such as movies, images, and blogs, showing the festival’s highlights, history, and unique experiences. Additionally, the campaign would feature targeted advertisements on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach both domestic and foreign travellers. The plan would also include encouraging the guests to blog about their experiences. The reach of the festival may be further expanded by working with bloggers and travel influencers to invite them to attend and write about their experiences for their followers. This strategy would increase interest in the Masskara Festival among travellers worldwide, encouraging them to visit Bacolod City. An active internet presence could also be used as a year-round marketing strategy to attract more visitors.
2. Diversification of Festival Offerings
· I would endeavour to diversify the festival’s offerings in order to boost income and attract a wider range of tourists. Along with the traditional Masskara Parade, this might involve adding components from cuisine festivals, art shows, and musical performances. Visitors would have a more engaging and instructive experience if there were themed zones or pavilions that showcased the rich culture, history, and cuisine of Bacolod City and the Negros Occidental region. The festival’s revenue may increase if it collaborates with nearby companies to set up booths and food trucks during the event, such as restaurants and artists. The event should become more diverse to appeal to a wider spectrum of visitors, such as foodies, art lovers, and music enthusiasts. This strategy would increase income from various sources, including ticket sales, merchandise, and vendor fees.
3. Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
· The Masskara Festival’s long-term success depends on the adoption of sustainable tourism practises. This includes measures to lessen the impact on the environment, preserve cultural treasures, and support the community as a whole. Promoting environmentally sustainable behaviours throughout the festival, such as waste reduction and recycling, will benefit the environment. Additionally, it is important to promote responsible tourism by teaching tourists of the value of respecting regional culture and traditions. The city’s reputation is enhanced by sustainable tourism practises, which also encourage ethical and conscientious tourists who are more likely to visit again and promote other people to Bacolod City.
If I were the tourism executive of Bacolod City:
1. I will use an online platform to promote Bacolod City and the Masskara Festival
– By promoting, a wide scope of people would be able to see the photo advertisement or a video advertisement made to promote the masskara festival. This will serve as a reason for them to come to bacolod and be with us during the festival event.
2. I will use local stores or ask for a small investment in an organisation for a temporary business
-For the generation of income, since tourists are most likely to come the masskara festival, it is best to conduct a business that is best fitted for them.
Tourists like to purchase pasalubongs and bring home some souvenirs that will serve as a gift for their loved ones. With this idea, I will conduct a small business that sells these kinds of things and has a low price, in order for them to engage more to buy. Therefore, the more souvenirs and pasalubong they buy, the higher the income that will be generated in addition to this, if people tend to think that masskara festival is an affordable event to go to, people will 100% desire to come again for another year and will bring home others as well.
3. I will focus on the cleanliness of the surrounding (Claygo)
-Tourists will like the event once they see that the overall place is clean. Also, aside from the feedback of the tourists, the locals will also be happy to see the clean surroundings and will be proud for their own city and festival.
-Cansino, BSA 2-A
3 Strategies
1.Strengthen online presence
Social media marketing is an effective way to promote Masskara. Here are some ways to do this.
• Promotional videos showcasing the exciting events that happened last year’s Masskara (street dance, electric Masskara, sports event etc.)
• Posting travel guides with directions or maps to the festival sites and other attractive places nearby where they can visit while staying in Bacolod.
• Promote local business such as places to eat and buy souvenirs
2. Adding new activities every year
Adding a new activity will help the visitors kill boredom and it gives a new kind of excitement to those who have been attending Masskara ever since. Survey can be done to know people’s preferences regarding the activities they look for and their satisfaction level with the past ones. This can be used to evaluate what needs to be changed with new ones or improved.
4. Improve the sites image and maintain cleanliness
The overall look of the festival sites should be improved. Decorating it (like putting up photo backgrounds, big Masskaras, standee of a full attired dancer, etc.) and making sure the environment is clean will leave good impression to the visitors. As the visitors will surely take a lot of photos for them to keep or post online. This could also entice their friends online to visit in the future if they see how beautiful the place is.
3 Strategies to implement for the Masskara Festival
-Worldwide promotion
As I saw on the local news last time, our present mayor, Hon. Albee Benitez bring some of the Masskara dancers on New york to entertain foreigners by street dancing. So I think, this is one of the good start to show the talent of Bacolodnons not just in New york but also in other nations. I believe that through doing this, the City would probably get some opportunities and projects in order for Bacolod to be well known inside and outside the country.
-Building New tourist spot
When I say building a new tourist spot, what I mean is to build a mini museum that would introduce the Masskara Festival. This mini museum must contain the history of Masskara, the colorful smiles and designs of Masskara. Also, it must have a aesthetic amnesties, radiant place that would attract tourist and also Bacolodnon people.
-Online Advertisement
There are lots of social media platforms nowadays. One of the best way to gain tourist during October is through advertising Masskara Festival either online or in Televisions.
• Identify target market and consumers
Before you can implement business changes you first must identify the target market you want to enter and the ideal customers for your business.
• Find out what their needs are
Once you’ve established your target market, identified competitor pricing and the ideal customer base for that market, you can begin researching the needs of your customer base.
For example, a customer needs an internet connection because every time the MassKara Festival starts there’s no connection in some areas here in Bacolod.
• Discuss how to cater to their needs
Now that you know which materials and furniture items are in high demand among your target customers, coordinate with other company executives to find vendors, discuss shipping options and choose an appropriate price point for your items that will set you apart from competitors.
As Bacolod City’s tourism executive, I would focus on developing Masskara Festival initiatives that not only enhance the festival experience but also promote the city as a whole. Here are three strategies:
1. Campaign for Digital Marketing and Promotion
• An effective web presence is critical for attracting travelers in today’s digital age. To promote the Masskara Festival and Bacolod City, I would launch a thorough digital marketing strategy.
• Use social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to create interesting content, share stories, and run targeted advertisements to attract a larger audience.
• Work with travel influencers and bloggers to promote buzz and excitement about the festival.
2. Enhanced Cultural Experiences:
• To increase tourist arrivals and encourage longer stays, I would expand the festival’s cultural offerings beyond the parade and street parties.
• Organize cultural workshops and seminars that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local arts and crafts, such as mask-making and traditional dance classes.
• Collaborate with local artists and performers to host exhibitions and live demonstrations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bacolod City.
• Introduce guided tours that take visitors to historical sites, museums, and local markets, offering a more holistic experience of the city’s culture and history.
3. Tourism Packages and Partnerships:
• Collaborate closely with local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to provide appealing Masskara Festival packages that include discounts and unique experiences.
• Collaborate with airlines and travel companies to promote Bacolod City as a festival destination and to offer special travel bargains during the event.
• Form alliances with other cities and areas to develop regional tourism circuits that encourage guests to see more of Negros Island while attending the Masskara Festival.
• Provide incentives for group bookings and travel companies that bring in more tourists, increasing revenue for local businesses.
These tactics seek to improve not only tourist arrivals and revenue during the Masskara Festival, but also to promote Bacolod City as a year-round destination by highlighting its cultural richness and tradition. Bacolod City can become a more prominent and sustainable tourism hub in the Philippines by combining effective digital marketing, engaging cultural experiences, and strategic partnerships.
– I’ll do continuous improvement because I don’t want the masskara festival to repeat its own strategy, and I want to improve it more. They need to constantly improve their strategies based on the population of Bacolodnon.
– Adapting to change, particularly in the case of a pandemic like this, it will be beneficial for our environment.
– Enhancing decision-making as such increases clarity and can contribute to improving the festival.
I would put into practice the following common pitfalls, since doing so would allow me to improve my methods and provide a clear assessment of which ones actually worked in the past. Additionally, I would practice continuous improvement, which is essential because it adapts to any situation, particularly at this time when viruses are prevalent. The final step is strategy implementation. Once you have a clear understanding of how and what you intend to do, you must move immediately to get results.
The Three Strategies
E-Jeep – If possible, it can be used as a pickup vehicle for tourists that are visiting Bacolod City. Especially on occasions like Masskara. In this way, we could offer them a memorable experience. While you are doing a tour, you have the opportunity to encourage them to have a tour package.
Exhibit of Delicacies – The exhibit of delicacies showcases the sweet and flavorful delicacies that represent Bacolod. Especially in Bongbongs, most tourists buy this product, and when they go back to their places, they will take it home.
Night Market – During the festival where local businesses can sell their products, creating additional revenue streams.
Monillo, Jezza Mae G.
Student from BSA-2A
If I we’re the tourism executive of Bacolod City, here are the three strategies which I have come to a thought that I really consider for I believe that if it would given a chance to be implemented accordingly, this would be a lot of benefit to the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City in terms of income generation, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion of the city itself.
First Strategy, “Foster Community Involvement and Sustainability”. In order to maintain the long-term success of the Masskara Festival, it’s relevant to involve the local community and so prioritize the sustainability efforts. Example of it are:1.(Community Engagement), this is to encourage active participation from the local community in the planning and organization of the festival. Must involve and highlights the local artists, cultural groups and residents in the creation of costumes and planning of performances. It is to preserve the authenticity of the festival and foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community. 2.(Environmental Responsibility), Implementation of sustainable practices during and after the festival, such as waste management, recycling initiatives, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It is to promote responsible tourism practices and educate visitors to preserve environment and local culture.
Second Strategy, “Enhance International Outreach”. Consider actively participation in international travel trade shows and exhibitions to showcase the Masskara Festival and bringing them the Bacolod Cit’s tourism offerings. Also the major engagements with foreign tour operators, media, and those potential foreign visitors to generate interest and to be awared about the festival is an example.
Third Strategy, “Digital Innovation and Immersive Experiences” Here’s to enhance the Masskara Festival experience into the higher level and also to attract the tech-savvy tourists, to reach wider audience, generate buzz around the festival and to attract the tech-oriented travelers. Example is the Implementation of Augmented Reality(AR) and Virtual Reality(VR) experiences that allow visitors to virtually participate and in the festival’s performances and parades. Along with it is to develop a dedicated festival application that provides information and about the event schedule, interactive maps, and real-time updates, and that app itself also virtual tours of Bacolod City’s landmarks, historical sites and new tourist attractions. For social medias, is to organize online contests related to the festival incorporated with the hashtags.
Overall, considering these three(3) strategies which is the attracting of both domestic and international visitors, would bring a lot of impact in maximizing the multinational potential of the event.
The Masskara Festival in Bacolod City is a significant event that attracts tourists year-round. To boost the city’s income and promote its cultural heritage, as a tourism executive I suggests organizing smaller-scale events throughout the year, such as cultural exhibitions, food festivals, and art displays. Investing in digital marketing and social media campaigns can also help attract visitors. Additionally, establishing cultural exchange programs with other cities and countries can attract a global audience and support local artisans. These strategies can lead to increased income, tourist arrivals, and enhanced promotion of the city’s cultural heritage.
Bacolod City is a huge city and it consist a lot of businesses to help boost the sales of these businesses during Masskara Festival I as a tourism executive of Bacolod City should add more activities in different parts of Bacolod that will be conducted simultaneously. So that tourist can visit the different events and also visit the businesses around it. To attract more tourist I must also use social media, celebrities and influencer as the promoter of our city. I must also invite these celebrities and influencer to perform in some of the events so many people would come. My last strategy is to give people an amazing, peaceful event that will showcase the culture of the people of Bacolod, showcase the talents, arts, and products of Bacolodnons. Because after all Masskara Festival is about the people of Bacolod and how beautiful these people smile despite of difficulties.
Earl John Lawog Lawog BSA 2A
MASSKARA FESTIVAL is a traditional festival here in bacolod city it makes people to uplift the spirits of locals. The smiling masks used in festival were a declaration of resilience in the face if challenges in life of the people in bacolod and the trademark for this city we called “The city of Smile”. We also need Environmental Analysis to know if what supposed to be used some techniques to help or identify the internal and external factors to be make this event succesful. We need also a strategy formulation it is the way or process to make this event to allocate the actionable steps or to reach the goals to be successful. And the last one is strategy evaluation it also needed to this event they can think how can be this made to be successful
REXSIL MONTEPIO BSA 2-A
Masskara Festival is truly one of the wonderful festival that the Philippines could offer worldwide, from the colorful costumes, artistic “masskara”, lively music, inclusive event and many more. If I were an tourism executive I would like to promote and explore further about the history of the Bacolod, I would like the tourist to know how joyful, strong, resilient and brave my fellow Bacolodnon is. Also, I would like to prepare a whole itinerary so everyone will be able to enjoy and will not miss out not only the event which is the Masskara Festival but also the wonderful places that the Bacolod has been proud of. I also want the tourist to know how great of a cook the Bacolodnons are, by showcasing a cook-off where the audiences will be the judge so they got to treat their taste buds with the delicious Bacolod’s cuisine. Starting an art exhibit will be also one great way of promoting the excellent talents of the local and one way to gain profit from their arts.
I’m Janmarie B. Flojo from BSA-2A
If I were the tourism executive of Bacolod City, the three strategies that I would implement for the Masskara festival are; TikTok marketing strategy, Exhibit or merchandise for a cause, and collaboration With Sponsors.
First, the TikTok ikTok marketing strategy. TikTok reached 1.7 billion users as of 2023. I want to use this platform to implement a dance challenge not only for Bacolodnons but also for all TikTok users around the world. We will post the said challenge on the Masskara Bacolod official account using also the official theme song of Masskara 2023. We will announce the most viewed video as a winner, will receive a prize, and have the chance to perform on stage. The official account can also post contents about tourist attractions and happenings during masskara events. Through this strategy, it will generate buzz and significantly increase engagement.
Next, exhibit or merchandise for a cause that will promote through social media and will probably give a chance who purchases Masskara products to meet and greet the artists who will come during the Masskara festival events. This can make customers or the festival goers more likely to keep shopping since they already know that what they spent has something to do with, strongly associated with a cause. This strategy not only raises awareness of a cause and for business, but also increases profit/ income.
Lastly, collaborating with sponsors. Through working with sponsors and vendors of the said event, providing treats for festival-goers to encourage them not to miss the Masskara festival. Especially now that wherever people go, they’re looking for a cup of coffee. So, as an executive, I also want to collaborate with local coffee businesses like the famous Don Macchiatos. They offer delicious and budget-friendly cups of coffee. A good marketing strategy makes the city of Smiles more visible to potential customers and Masskara festival goers.
I am Zyrine C. Miramende BSA 2A . As the tourism executive of Bacolod City, I would implement the following strategies for the Masskara Festival to benefit the city in terms of income, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion of the city . First the Online Presence – strong online presence to attract tourists. I would invest in a well-designed and user-friendly website dedicated to the Masskara Festival.
Second The Tour Packages – To increase tourist arrivals, I would work closely with travel agencies to create attractive and affordable tour packages specifically designed for the Masskara Festival. Lastly the Cultural Experiences – The Masskara Festival is an opportunity to showcase Bacolod City’s rich cultural heritage. To promote the city as a cultural destination, the tourism executive would organize various activities and programs that allow tourists to immerse themselves in the festival and engage with the local community. By implementing these three strategies, Bacolod City can make the Masskara Festival attract more tourists, boost income for local businesses, and enhance the city’s overall promotion as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.
This article provides comprehensive information on the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, catering to both new and experienced attendees. It covers event schedules, side trips, food options, souvenir shopping, and festival history. The article also includes contact details and suggested locations to visit. Overall, it is an excellent resource for those interested in the vibrant culture and celebrations of the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.
We all know that MassKara Festival is already a well-known and prosperous event, here in Bacolod but for me there are still a lot of strategies that might help the city to in order for them to increase their revenue, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion. The first strategy that I want to implement first on their income, they will increase sponsorship opportunities since this event is a well-known festival and reaches different places some there might be a lot of businesses or big people that can help them in their finances as well as they can invite more people to witness the said event. The next one is, a lot of us know that The MassKara Festival has the ability to draw visitors from all around the world because it is an entertaining event. Through travel companies, online booking sites, the city could promote the festival to visitors from abroad and when it comes to their tourist arrival offer the tourists a vacation package that include lodging and tickets to the MassKara Festival. Travelers could organize their vacation to Bacolod for the festival more easily as a result. It is more convenient for them because it’s not hustle to the tourists. To conclude, since this a lot of us now using devices and we are spending most of our time in social media like this blog the city might use all online Plataforma’s for us to know more about this event they can use the TikTok and the well-known now a days the reels on Facebook it can see faster by those people who wants and interested to join masskara festival.
As I read the article, I feel so proud and amaze by the information that wrote by the author, no other than, Sir JOJO VITO. The content of the website is very informative and creative that helps the reader understand what is all about and also it attracts the interest of the readers. I only suggest that it would be a great idea if more different photos and videos of beautiful tourist spots here in Bacolod that will be added to the article to attract more tourist. Since Masskara Festival is very well known and a lot of tourist people that come to visit, I hope that City Officials will ensure the safeness of everyone to avoid any untoward incidents so that tourists wouldn’t hesitate to come back …
Here are some strategies I would like to implement if I were a tourism executive in Bacolod City; (1) Provide a short video that shows the beauty of Bacolod aside from having a Masskara Festival. Aside from that, it would also help if we were be able to show the places or sites through taking videos and photos, that mentioned in this blog and post it to any social media sites to encourage all tourist to visit and learn to love Negros. (2) A mass media such as live broadcasting in Television or any social media sites showing the recent event of Festival can also help to introduced to all tourist that there is also a lively Masskara festival going on in Negros Occidental and it is not the only festival known to most people in Cebu that if they know through wide range of mass media they were curios what kind of Festival that the city of smile would offer to the public. Lastly, (3) I would like to suggest to have a pageant entry that would be held in one most known beautiful places here in Negros Occidental introducing the natural places that Negros had, then again post it to social media sites since all of us use technology as a platform of communication might as well use it also to introduce the tourist spot here in Bacolod and overall in the island of Negros Occidental.
As the tourism executive of Bacolod City, there are several strategies I would implement for the Masskara festival to benefit the city in terms of income, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion.
1. Environment Analysis: The first step would be to conduct a thorough analysis of the current environment, including the local economy, tourism trends, competitor cities, and target markets. This analysis will help identify the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
2. Strategy Formulation: Based on the analysis, the next step would be to develop strategies that align with the city’s goals and objectives. These strategies should address the identified opportunities and threats. For example:
– Promoting Bacolod City as a cultural hub: Highlighting the unique cultural heritage of the city and positioning Masskara festival as a must-visit event for tourists interested in experiencing local traditions.
– Enhancing marketing efforts: Developing targeted marketing campaigns through various channels such as social media, travel websites, and partnerships with travel agencies to attract tourists from both domestic and international markets.
– Collaborating with local businesses: Forming partnerships with local businesses, hotels, and restaurants to offer special packages, discounts, and promotions during the festival period. This will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more in the city.
3. Strategy Implementation: Once the strategies are developed, it is crucial to ensure their successful implementation. This involves effective communication, coordination, and collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, event organizers, and tourism industry professionals. It is important to allocate resources efficiently, monitor progress regularly, and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.
By implementing these strategies, Bacolod City can enhance its income generation through increased tourist arrivals and create a positive image of the city as a vibrant cultural destination.
I am Justine Edgeline C. Montejo BSA 2A. So, as the tourism executive of Bacolod City the 3 strategies that I would implement for the Masskara Festival are first, I will enhance the promotion or the skills that may tourism must acquired because it can attract the heart of the people if it is attractive. Also, through this you can enhance the marketing through digital efforts like social media platforms, online travel agencies, and travel websites to promote the Masskara Festival globally. You can also use your skills and talents like captivating visuals, videos, and engaging content to attract the tourist. And second, I have to plan for improving the infrastructure and the facilities through this we can enhance the overall experience for festival attendees and encourage positive word of mouth promotion. And, lastly I would implement the venues or the activities that may happen in that Festival through that they may feel the excitement in that Festival and by adding more activities to the festival, it becomes more diverse and appealing to tourists. This can attract a larger number of visitors from different parts of the country and even from abroad. Also through this we can enhanced the cultural experience that visitors can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and traditions. This helps in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Bacolod City. In conclusion, by implementing these strategies, we can maximize the income generated from the Masskara Festival, increase tourist arrivals, and promote Bacolod City as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.
The article was very informative. I’ve been staying in Bacolod City in my entire life yet I’m not participating in events like Masskara Festival: I prefer to stay home. The last time I joined in this festival was a year before the pandemic. As what I’ve noticed, in order to gain income, they must put stall of foods and merchandise around Bacolod Plaza, NGC, and in a place where the festival will be held. Tourist are well known to taste the delicacies of a place they visit so it is a opportunity for us to sell our very own native foods to them and it can help small businesses to prosper and be known. I love watching masskara festival dances and pageant yet I can’t clearly watch them because it’s too crowded and no available seats, the program head must strategies and find a place where many people can have a seat and enjoy the events. Most importantly, crowd control is very necessary to avoid incidents like stealing, injuries, and etc. A good feedback can help our beloved Bacolod City bloom and be known to others countries. It is our pride to serve.
If I would be a tourism executive here in Bacolod city I would implement these three (3) strategies for masskara festival to benefit this city in terms of income, tourist arrival and overall promotion of the city. The first strategy I do is collaborating with local businesses, by collaborating it can create a strong business community that can help us to support & benefits each other businesses. This could help to attract more visitors in our area and it can help to increase income for businesses. Second strategy is to promote the masskara festival in social media platform this can help to engage visitors it can also help to promote our city. By posting pictures and videos and putting hashtags (#masskarafestival) can attract more tourist to come here in bacolod. And lastly, prioritize the visitors experience their experience must be satisfying and memorable so that they can’t forget how perfect and wonderful the masskara in Bacolod city. Overall, implementing these strategies can help to increase income, tourist arrivals, and city promotion during a masskara festival. By promoting the masskara festival and our City, partnering with local businesses, and posting in social media and prioritizing visitors experience, as a tourism executive I hope it help to create a successful and engaging festival experience that benefits the city and the local community.
Three strategies that would Implement masskara festival
1. Promotion of masskara globally through the internet.
*Invest in digital campaigns to promote the festival globally. Engaging in user friendly festival page or website, and utilize social media influencers to promote the Masskara Festival to a larger audience on social media.
2.) Expand the ideas of events.
*Improve and expand the festival’s offerings beyond traditional events like arena dance and mask making competitions . Introduce new attractions and also activities such as food festivals, art exhibitions and also concerts that attract more tourist.
3.Work or collaborate with local business
*Conduct workshops around negros and taught the residents on how to make masks using coconut husk and paper and to created original masks to be sold the tourist and to generate income and to creat colorful mask so the local resident were supposedly a a signature soveiner of the province and to get the attention of foriegn visitors.
If I were to add up some strategies to benefit the city’s economy during the festival I would suggest these strategies that are mostly within the trend of the society.
1. Cultural Workshops and Tours: Offer paid workshops or guided tours that provide attendees with a deeper cultural experience, such as dance lessons or historical city tours. This would engage tourist who wanted to be more familiarized with our culture. This event will also help us remember the true essence of our festival.
2. VIP Experiences: Sell VIP packages that offer premium seating, access to exclusive events, and perks like meet-and-greets with performers. Along with the celebration of the festival, the government always invite popular artists and influencers. Hence, we cannot deny the fact that avid fans that has some sort of organization will never let this opportunity slide to meet their bias or idols. Fees for VIP experience for exclusive meet and greet would be a great strategy boost our economy’s profitability.
3. Digital Marketing and Online Streaming: Capitalize on the digital era by live-streaming festival events for a fee, allowing people worldwide to experience the festival from home. Not all people has an opportunity to be physically present during the event. Digital Marketing and Online Streaming can help tourist who is on the other side of the world or locals who cannot to make it to the event can experience the fun virtually. This could also allow our festival to be introduced worldwide and reach millions of people around the world.
1. Audience Expansion: How can the Bacolod Masskara Festival attract a more diverse audience, including international tourists, while maintaining its appeal to the local community?
Attracting a diverse audience, including international tourists, while maintaining the appeal to the local community for the Bacolod Masskara Festival may involve the following steps:
First, organizers should promote cultural integrity and intentional education to ensure that participants and volunteers understand the festival’s significance and values.
Second, they should diversify the festival’s programming by introducing new activities and events that cater to various interests while still preserving traditional elements.
Third, collaborating with tourism boards, travel agencies, and cultural organizations in different countries can help market the festival internationally.
Fourth, local hotels and transportation providers can create special packages for international tourists.
Fifth, diversifying food and beverage options to include both traditional Filipino dishes and international cuisine can enhance the festival experience.
Sixth, local government should consider working with private stakeholders the provision of safe and most accessible parking areas especially during highlight events and festivities.
Seventh, continuous feedback from both local and international attendees should be sought and analyzed and applied
2. Cultural Preservation: What strategies can the festival implement to preserve its cultural authenticity while evolving to meet the demands of a changing audience?
The following are some strategies to preserve cultural authenticity while evolving to meet the demands of a changing audience at the Bacolod Masskara Festival:
First, encourage the passing down of traditional skills and knowledge through mentorship programs.
Second, maintain traditional performances and showcases that define the festival, ensuring that Masskara dances and music continue to play a prominent role.
Third, prioritize local artisans and vendors, supporting their involvement in the festival.
Fourth, consider cultural fusion events where international and local elements come together harmoniously, attracting a diverse audience.
3. Digital Marketing: How can the festival enhance its digital marketing efforts to reach a global audience, and what specific platforms and strategies should be employed?
To enhance its digital marketing efforts and reach a global audience, the Bacolod Masskara Festival can employ several strategies.
First, optimize the festival’s website for user-friendliness and mobile responsiveness.
Second, upkeep search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to increase website visibility in search engine results. Also, optimize security of all social media platforms to ensure quality and uniform content.
Third, offer live streaming and virtual tours to make the festival accessible to a global audience.
4. What items should be included in the article?
a. Local Attractions and Activities: Provide information about other attractions and activities of recommended places in Bacolod City that visitors can enjoy before or after the festival,such as alternative cafés and bars which are away from the crowd.
b. Survival Tips and Festival Etiquette: Offer practical advice for attendees, such as tips on staying hydrated, recommendations for comfortable footwear, and probable parking areas.
Submitted by: Jeanne Marie A. Tiano / MBA-A.1
Date: September 15,2023
If i were the tourism executive of Bacolod City, these are the three strategies that i would implement for the Masskara Festival to benefit the city in terms of income,tourist arrivals,and overall promotion of the city:
– Provide Tourists a complete travel experience using the convenience of technology for some Hotel and Reataurant recommendations.
-Promote some of the fascinating sites such as The Ruins, Ayala Capitol and Lagoon Park, San Sebastian Cathedral and Most especially the Negros Museum. Also promote the best of bacolod Chicken Insasal and some local delicacies such as napoleones and piaya.
– And lastly, organize a masskara event and activities that will showcase the culture and diversity of bacolod city.
Strategies to Implement in Masskara:
– Will provide food and hotel recommendations to the tourist so that they won’t feel lost and will experience a great masskara and will have the urge to visit here again. And will also prioritize them on hotel slots, so that it won’t be a hassle to them. This idea this will lead to revenue maximization of the city because with this hospitality, it will attract a lot of tourist and businesses in the events area will gain a lot more customers.
– Come up with the idea of “Peso wifi” in a area near the events place because base on my experience every masskara there’s no signal, leading to so hard to communicate with friends, like where you should meet. By this strategy, the City will have an additional passive income.
– The place of events should not be in the same location so that the people will not be so crowded because they have options in where they should go to.
For me, as a digital marketer, I would like to include in the article the famous night clubs here in Bacolod City. Nowadays, night clubs are really booming especially to the young generation like generation Z that would definitely attend Masskara Festival. As a part of generation Z and if I would a tourist here in Bacolod city, I would definitely ask what are the famous night clubs here in Bacolod since I am already here I would just seize every moment in every event here in Bacolod.
1) Souvenir made by local artist.
Bacolod city is well-knowned city with lots of local artist. Its way of show-casing their handicraft is to sell it to our travel
agencies wherein they can offer this to their quest. They should communicate with the local artist. Ater starting with the prices of their handicroft like totebag. keychain, res magnet etc.
2.) Bacolod lity is celebrating masskara festival every first to third week of October. One of the best way to promote this awaited festival is to include “customized Masskara Making”. That can be offer as well to our travel agencies that they can include this to the quest itinerary.
3) Food fair for all of the local packaging conters. It would be more convenient for the guest if Bacolod city has one place where all of the products can be formed in one place only. And the best way to promote this festival is to print atleast brief history of this festival to the packaging of their product. It will be possibe if the organizer of the festival will implement this every first to third week of
October.
I don’t see any problems or any further improvements on this thread. This is a perfect guide and tips for foreigners or residents outside Negros Occidental.
As I see it, the Masskara blog should have also share different activities would be a great idea to host events for college students over the age of 18 yrs old, so it would be more of an exciting experience for them, and also to give them a chance to share their own experiences on social media.Sharing their experiences with other people in other places will also give excitement about Masskara Festival.
The Maskarra blog, in my opinion, should have highlighted what was also on Panaad. For instance, since Panaad was popular among Bacolod residents and would be appealing to tourists as well due to its vibe, we should think about adding attractions or holding events there. Or perhaps the festival should include activities for colleges and students over the age of 18 above to make it more enjoyable and give them a chance to share their experiences on social media. so that individuals in various locations may witness the enjoyment of the Maskarra festival
Masskara festival are one of the popular events here in Bacolod because they provide audiences with an enjoyable and interesting experience. As I read the article I think it must be included the personality of every person in bacolodnon where bacolod is also known as the land of sweet people. Also featuring media enfluencers just like famous vlogger or artist.
Will give the visitor recommendations for restaurants and lodging so they won’t feel lost, can have a terrific masskara, and will want to come back again. In order to minimise their inconvenience, we will give them priority when booking hotel rooms. This plan would increase the city’s revenue because it will draw a lot of tourists and give businesses in the entertainment district a huge boost in business.
Masskara will resume after 3 long years. Bacolod features a lot of beautiful beaches nearby if you want to relax other than partying. One beach near Lakawon Island is Agho Island. It’s about 20 to 30 mins from Lakawon. Agho’s water is crystal clear and its white sand is really fine. It’s one destination that tourists must definitely go to.
The blog should include covid-19 information for the safety of the people.
Overall, the website and its contents are already very informative. I suggest the the website must be updated and showcase more detailed pictures of the places, foods, activities and many more so that it will be more interactive to its viewers.
Online marketing is the promotion of brands to connect with potential customers using the internet and other forms of digital communication. To lift the spirits of the locals and bring back the smiles on their faces, the MassKara Festival was created. The main feature of the Masskara Festival is the street dancing festivity in which groups of dancers wearing happy masks and colorful costumes dance and gyrate along the city streets to Latin music beat.
I think what it needs is more pictures and if possible, also videos or short clips of the festival, food, products, and places as these pictures help give the tourists and idea of what to expect and possibly attract them. The article should also include the experiences and insights of the author about the festival.
The article is very well written and thorough. I appreciate how the author approached the origins and history of the town celebration. I really love how the author highlights the various hotels, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions that might make visitors to the city enjoy their stay. After reading the post, I was able to see the Masskara Festival firsthand.
Considering I don’t live in Bacolod City, reading the article has given me a lot of advice and fresh knowledge about the Masskara Festival. Tourists are able to have a guide for their festival itinerary because enough information was already provided.
In order to properly market the event in the present digital age, I believe a hashtag should be used. This will not only grab readers’ attention but also help them remember the festival since hashtags are brief and memorable. When readers are able to recall these festival-related details quickly, it will be easier to promote the event because knowledge, especially online, spreads like wildfire.
Additionally, it would be preferable to list the names of the artists who would be appearing at the event if this article included information about the current year’s festival schedule. I’ve seen that people, especially fans, will go above and beyond to watch their favorites perform in person. To successfully promote the event as digital marketers, interacting with the audience online and determining their general interests is the way to go.
Jade Dorothy Yncierto
I think there isn’t much to add anymore to the article as it pretty much explains everything about masskara. As a digital marketer I think what’s best is to market the event through social media. Post videos and pictures of the last masskara festival. In that way, people will be intrigued as to why this festival is so special. Basically by sharing awareness of the event.
Given the situation that I am a traveler looking at the article for a great experience, I would like to go through the article per suggestion of the writer, what could really create that a convenient aspect of the article is instead of being redirected by a link everytime I click a blue colored text a drop down album of pictures of the place or experience could be there instead since it saves a lot of time and avoids its users from leaving this particular article to look up a place at a different link. Through that this allows its users to fully maximize the contents of the article also more pictures would capture the highlights of Masskara Festival and be able to create a visual presentation to its consumers.
As a Digital Marketer, more pictures should be added such as the evening events, the concerts of the different artists that come to celebrate the Masskara Festival, and lastly the tourist spots found here in Bacolod such as The Pope John Paul Tower and many more.
Eversince the outbreak of Covid19 pandemic a lot of things has changed. As a digital marketer first thing to include is the safety protocols implemented in the city, alongside with the requirements needed in order to travel. I believe that these are the important things our soon to be tourists must know, since Bacolod my have something that is not familiar and new to them. It is important that we must let our tourists feel safe and welcome upon entering the city.
Going through the entire article, a lot of suggestions have been made for travelers. However, little were accompanied by pictures. As a digital marketer, “visuals” is a powerful tool to engage and market to an audience. With this in mind, pictures should be included after every suggestions so that travelers would be able to visualize where they’re going the entire trip. In addition, travelers would also be able to easily narrow down the activities they’d rather do based on the visual guide given alone. Not only will providing pictures helpful for travelers, it would also help capture the interests of those who are merely spectating or those who may have plans in the future.
Having years of experience being a student journalist for La Salle Crossroads, Kapawa, and The Spectrum, the whole article is informative and well-written. Given that this is a feature article, it does not require to stick to the inverted pyramid rule in writing—as followed in news write-ups. The article has everything a reader who would like to visit Bacolod and experience this festival would read; all the way from the history of Masskara down to the possible hotels a person could stay in.
I have noticed that the blogger uploaded a video to Youtube and attached the link here. It featured the Bacolod Masskara Festival Dance Parade and was 6 minutes and 9 seconds long. As a former student journalist and now a student-digital marketer, there is no flaw in the article itself but a possible suggestion would be to add aesthetics to the video. It would be much more engaging if it was under the maximum of 3 minutes and a compilation of the blogger’s festival experience the same way feature videos are posted on Tiktok and Instagram Reels. Video transitions could match the music’s beat and there would be an overall impact with the use of drone shots—especially in the peak of Masskara night. Since the article is not solely focused on the Masskara dance parade, it would also be beneficial to the blog if a reel-type video featuring glimpses of events during the festival was added for niche purposes. At the same time, posting a long Masskara dance parade video might defeat the purpose of a foreigner or a traveler’s reason to see the festival. A personal yet witty and clever hashtag could be of help as well—something that gives identity to the blogger so that whenever this hashtag is used, it could be connected to the blogger’s identity. Another marketing tactic.
Nevertheless, the article is easy on the eyes to read and is able to captivate the reader to know more about the festival, along with several suggestions that could make the reader’s Masskara experience more enjoyable.
The write-ups and information in this blog are precisely what the readers need especially for tourists who are first-timers to visit the City of Smile during the Masskara Festival. However, it also needs to be updated. Only a few things may be added, such as the famous Manokan Country and many choices for delicacies such as Mila’s BongBongs and more. Also, a few names of Car Rental recommendations may also be added if the tourists decide to rent a car to tour around the city.
As a Digital Marketer, I encourage my fellow readers that not only the Festival itself is amazing but also the experience on how the people in Bacolod City is very nice and friendly, and I also guarantee the safety of this Festival not only for the locals but as well as to the tourists.
If I were to add a factor in order to enhance the marketing of a festival would be budget friendly activities such as a few rides , attractions and booths within the area to give the visitors a feel for what they came to see and for them to enjoy and have a good time whilst maximizing the budget they have allotted for the trip.
After reading Mr. Jojo Vito’s blog, I was impressed; it is a complete package because everything you need to visit the city of smiles is already there. However, I think that Bongbong’s delicacies should be included alongside Bacolod’s Pasalubong since it is one of the city’s most popular pasalubong. I also recommend that tourists who want to visit the city of smiles and experience the colorful Masskara Festival come as early as possible because the streets are extremely overcrowded in the days preceding the event.
As a digital marketer I think the article needs to be more exciting in a way where more tourists are getting hyped up for what masskara festival has become. For almost 3 long years we are finally ready to bring back the lost smiles back in your beautiful faces. As we once again open the stage for festives, meet our different barangays in bacolod city who will allure us with their unique masskaras and creative dance steps, and prove that they are rightful heir to the most coveted title. During the masskara festival tourist from around the world would also need a place to stay. As a digital marketer I think the hotels and motels should be included like Seda, Stonehill, Business Inn and etc. tourists also need a place to chill or have fun. In Bacolod we have lots of bar like Cista, Aces and etc. where people are dancing like crazy all night. After all those activities the tourists need to relax themselves here in Bacolod we have lots of Spa where tourist can relax and get all their body pains away. All these locations are within the expanded venue of the masskara festival.
Erica Domingo
The article has an intricate design enough for first time travelers to know what to expect and how to get along with the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City.It definitely has all the information to get familiar with the culture not just of the festival but most especially the city as it gives the readers the opportunity to learn everything in minutes.Moreover, since the annual celebration of Masskara Festival is renowned to many Filipinos and by that it is not a surprise that many tourists travel from other parts of the country to witness such a happy event.Because of this, it is also nice to feature celebrities that have joined or will join the event to specifically highlight that such festival is very much anticipated each year.Since Filipinos adore celebrities and because they are also a great asset to marketing then it’s better to might as well recognize their presence.
The site of Masskara celebrations has grown as Bacolod City has improved tremendously over the years. In the domain of effect of Masskara festivals, new Masskara trends such as the rave parties, float parade, food fairs, high-rated hotel parties, and so on have emerged, and hence should be included into the article. It should also be added that tourists should expect that the large vivid masks are the focal point of the MassKara festival. Various barangays are working hard to put on a world-class STREET DANCING AND ARENA DANCE COMPETITION with a range of dancing steps and competitors. It should also be noted that there are both inexpensive and premium lodging alternatives for those wishing to attend the Masskara festival. A broad comment on previous foreign and domestic visitors’ feedback and reactions should also be given. These developments may assist increase the number of foreign and domestic tourists to Bacolod City in the years following the Masskara event.
As a digital marketer, I think one of the things that must be included in the article to market the festival is the Festival Safety Tips. Travelers must be reminded of the safety protocols of the public health authorities while having fun, especially now that we are facing COVID. This will help them realize that we are not just persuading them to come to the said festival but also ensuring their safety while letting them experience the excitement and enjoyment of the festival.
This article is easy to read because it is well organized and it is very helpful for those tourists who have planned to visit the city of Smile. Everything about the Masskara Festival and places to go, eat, and stay is present in this article. However, as a digital marketer, I think I would include the safety protocols of Bacolod City, not only because the pandemic has been settled or is still under alert level one, but also to make everyone safe and secure, as the city will be expectedly crowded. Tourists must follow the protocols or requirements established by the city of Bacolod in order for the city to function properly and everyone’s safety to be maintained. I also suggest including or making the reviews visible because feedback is very important. Testimonials or experiences of people who have been to the City of Smile or visited the city are a big help in promoting Bacolod, and tourists will be encouraged to visit the City of Smile. Lastly, it would be great if there was a one-minute intro-video compilation of the Masskara festival over the years.
As part of the Electric Masskara Parade, floating parades or the electric float contest must also be included to market the festival since it showcases the creativity of Bacolodnons in different barangays. These themed floats are decorated with LED lights and are paraded along with Masskara dancers on top.
As a digital marketer, I think that the Event Planning Guide and Addressing COVID-19 Public Health and Safety Considerations are two of the things that must be included in the article to market the festival. Given that we are now dealing with COVID this year, it will be very important to plan ahead and get everything ready to make sure that everyone has a fantastic and secure time at the event. Travelers must be aware of the health and safety requirements set forth by the local public health authorities. I firmly believe that it will also give them the impression that they were not only targeted for marketing purposes but also covered for safety. If we can go beyond their expectations and experience, let’s also go beyond their safety.
If I were given a chance to be the tourism executive of Bacolod City, I would implement 3 strategies in the Masskara Festival to benefit the city in terms of income, tourist, arrivals, and overall promotion of the city.
1. First by Creating a short film to showcase the traditions, events, and delicacies of Bacolod City is an excellent idea. By Sharing it on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook can help attract a younger audience to older audience. We can gain the attention of potential tourists and promote Bacolod City to have income and more tourist arrivals, we must make a film as engaging as possible and visually appealing to capture viewers’ attention. Additionally, we can also team up with Facebook and do a Facebook ad campaign to reach other potential tourists and for the city to benefit. Facebook ads can showcase the highlights of the festival, special events, and attractive packages, directing users to a dedicated festival website for more information and ticket purchases. This strategy would help increase tourist arrivals and income by reaching a broader online audience and encouraging them to attend the festival.
2. Also, my 2nd strategy is Local band music, it is quite common at every Masskara Festival but this is effective, collaborate with popular local music bands and artists to perform during the Masskara Festival. Live music performances can be a major draw for tourists, providing entertainment and creating a vibrant atmosphere. This is a great strategy to attract music enthusiasts and create a buzz on social media. Highlight the music lineup in promotional materials and on social media platforms to entice visitors. This strategy can contribute to higher attendance and increased spending at the festival since they may be amazed with the city, buy foods or buy souvenirs.
3. My last strategy is organizing a “Best Masskara Design Contest” that encourages locals and tourists to participate. Participants can submit their own Masskara mask designs, and winners can have their designs featured prominently during the festival. This not only engages the community but also generates excitement and anticipation for the event. Promote the contest through social media and local media outlets to attract participants and spectators alike. The contest can become a unique selling point for the festival, drawing in creative individuals and boosting its reputation. By implementing these strategies, the city of Bacolod can make the Masskara Festival an even bigger and more successful event, which will benefit the city in terms of income, tourist arrivals, and overall promotion.
By effectively implementing these strategies and ensuring strong promotion, Bacolod City can potentially see an increase in tourist arrivals and revenue from the Masskara Festival. The combination of traditional and digital marketing approaches, along with engaging activities, can make the festival more appealing to a wider audience.
This annual festival, similar to Brazil’s Rio Carnival, literally translates to “many faces” and is held in Bacolod every October. Because of the smiles, Bacolod City was given the nickname “The City of Smiles.” I’d like to add a few comments after reading the article. I would give some practical tips for tourists or first-timers to visit Bacolod City to witness the Masskara festival. First thing first, fly as early as possible before the Masskara festival to avoid the crowd who also wants to go to Bacolod. The next tip is to bring an umbrella because we cannot control or avoid the weather, and October can be either sunny or rainy in my experience. Check the weather forecast on your smartphone. In addition to where to eat in Bacolod, I recommend paying a visit to and trying the best chicken inasal of the locals in Bacolod, which is located next to the SM mall, namely “Manokan Country.” It has different local food stores that offer chicken inasal, but for me I would recommend eating at Aidas and Nenas chicken inasal. I also want to advise wearing comfortable clothes because during the festival there are some closed roads and they should expect some changes in the route of jeepneys, and it is much nicer to explore the city while walking. While walking around downtown, I would also suggest not wearing luxury accessories like necklaces or putting their wallets and phones in their pockets or bags because we cannot deny the fact that there are some bad guys around us, so be careful and be observant of our own things. Since Mayor Albee Benitez is the city’s newly elected mayor, they should expect a lot of new things and activities to be added, such as the volleyball cup and the football cup, and they are planning to open the Panaad park and stadium so that different pavilions of municipalities and cities in Negros can showcase their own products.
Having years of experience being a student journalist for La Salle Crossroads, Kapawa, and The Spectrum, the whole article is informative and well-written. Given that this is a feature article, it does not require to stick to the inverted pyramid rule in writing—as followed in news write-ups. The article has everything a reader who would like to visit Bacolod and experience this festival would read; all the way from the history of Masskara down to the possible hotels a person could stay in.
I have noticed that the blogger uploaded a video to Youtube and attached the link here. It featured the Bacolod Masskara Festival Dance Parade and was 6 minutes and 9 seconds long. As a former student journalist and now a student-digital marketer, there is no flaw in the article itself but a possible suggestion would be to add aesthetics to the video. It would be much more engaging if it was under the maximum of 3 minutes and a compilation of the blogger’s festival experience the same way feature videos are posted on Tiktok and Instagram Reels. Video transitions could match the music’s beat and there would be an overall impact with the use of drone shots—especially in the peak of Masskara night. Since the article is not solely focused on the Masskara dance parade, it would also be beneficial to the blog if a reel-type video featuring glimpses of events during the festival was added for niche purposes. At the same time, posting a long Masskara dance parade video might defeat the purpose of a foreigner or a traveler’s reason to see the festival. A personal yet witty and clever hashtag could be of help as well—something that gives identity to the blogger so that whenever this hashtag is used, it could be connected to the blogger’s identity. Another marketing tactic.
Nevertheless, the article is easy on the eyes to read and is able to captivate the reader to know more about the festival, along with several suggestions that could make the reader’s Masskara experience more enjoyable.
This article is almost perfect, but to add more color to it, it should include small businesses’ food carts around NGC, beside lagoon park, and so on, because as a consumer, I would prefer to eat in an affordable place with a variety of options. So, if I am a tourist who enjoys trying new foods that are not available in my hometown, I would most likely seek out a location where I can do so. It would also be a nice way to promote and support small businesses to be featured in this type of article, as the main purpose of this is to inform negrenses/tourists about the beauty of Bacolod City.
This is a great article. As I am not a local here in Bacolod (I’m from Cebu btw), all I need to know about the Masskara Festival is here. This article is very helpful.