The Bacolod Masskara New York Edition Shining Bright at  Manhattan, New York  with Elsie Gonzaga  who flew straight from Bacolod to join the event

(  Photographs by Maria Rosalie Espinosa Quinto-Demigo, Banjo Hinlo and Dylan Gargarita)

BACOLOD MASSKARA, GRAND WINNER FOR THE 3RD TIME AT THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Bacolod Masskara New York Edition won for the 3rd  time at the Philippine Independence Day Parade staged last June 1,2014 along Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York. The parade being one of the of major activity of the 116th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration is considered to be the largest Philippine Independence Day Parade outside the Philippines organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Incorporated headed by this year’s president, Fe Martinez.

PIDCI PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE The PIDCI Philippine Independence Day Parade is the centerpiece of the Philippine Independence Day Council’s commemoration of the 116th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence – the Independence Day Parade, it showed off some 150 contingents of marching Filipino groups and organizations interspersed with floats, open cars and whatnots. The Independence Day Parade started off from 38th Street on Madison Avenue with Opening Ceremonies at 11:45 Sunday, June 1, and headed downtown on the Avenue until it reaches a reviewing stand on the east side of the Avenue between 30th and 29th Streets before proceeding to the end of the parade route at 27th Street, where participants turn off for dispersal. The Parade was led by the Independence Day Parade Grand Marshals – for 2014 they were Drs. Emilio and Felicisima Quines – followed closely by the spearhead which was headed by the Guest of Honor in a line of  VIPs such as; Philippine Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. Philippine Ambassador to the U.N. Libran Cabactulan, other Philippine and U.S. Government officials, VIPs, IPs and other guests. (http://www.philippineindependenceday.com)

BACOLOD MASSKARA NEW YORK EDITION TEAM The Bacolod MassKara NY Edition, the brainchild of Nestor and Imelda Gargarita are expatriate group of Greater New York residents who hail from the province of Negros Occidental . The group used their own resources just to stage a great performance which made them won for 3 consecutive years. It is great to note that the dancers despite their busy schedules would only meet on schedule to practice. 2014

BMNYE Dancers: Maria Imelda Genovea Gargarita , Eden Dela Cruz Oyco, Shecaen Oyco , Moonyeen Hilado, Yvonne Barcinal, Liza Benares , Radjilyn Nifras, Janelle Dela Cruz, Luisa Chauca, Alyssa Balacuit , Cires Dela Cruz , Susan Arangote , Rachel Montes Robles , Glory Palawar, Delfa Deza, Chita Florano , Cora Lao ,Fe Matthews , Jade Ramos, Caroline Hinlo , Bing Carisma , Dulce Sanon,Arlene Hilado Joy Gonzales, Sheila Maravilla, Ashlee Maravilla , Darlyn Ordog, Christine Sy , Normita Weisberg , Mary jean Malata, Cristina Rosa, Susan Banzuela , Girlie Montecino, Susan Vergara , Glecy Hermogenes , Vrenda Zennedicto , Liberty Manzano , Divina Spahn, Emily Yunsay , Thenessa Savitsky,Milagros Recaido Torres. “

LUPAD BACOLOD” Bacolod Masskara New York Edition had wowed the crowd when they danced  to the tune of Lupad Bacolod. ABS CBN commissioned novelty song writer Lito Camo way back  in 2004 to write “Lupad Bacolod” which was intended for the MassKara Festival .

MASKS AND COSTUMES The Masks and costume for this year are inspired by a “butterfly” to go with the music “Lupad Bacolod”. The mask with floral and butterfly ornaments were accentuated by a light tulle headdress . Capiz shells were added on the costume to showcase the rich natural resources Negros Occidental has. Masks, Costumes, and headdresses of the muses were designed and executed by Jojo Vito Designs Gallery.