BACOLOD City – Representatives of this capital city bagged the bronze medal in the recently concluded World Mask Dance Competition in Andong City, South Korea.
The eight-day dance competition gathered performers of various mask-based festivals from 13 countries, including the Philippines with Bacolod’s MassKara Festival.
The other countries that participated were Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Israel, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Representatives from Latvia landed in first place while those from South Africa came in second.
The dance competition was one of the highlights of the Andong Mask Dance Festival 2018, which ran from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the victory “enhances further the image of our very own MassKara Festival.”
“We personally saw them in action in Andong and we knew that our talented and dedicated dancers will capture the hearts and admiration of so many. We are truly proud of our MassKara Festival,” Leonardia added.
The mayor and Councilor Em Ang – chairwoman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on tourism – accompanied the 10 MassKara dancers to South Korea last week. They flew back to the city days before the final performance on Oct. 7 due to prior commitments.
Leonardia said the victory’s timing “couldn’t be better” since it came on the eve of the MassKara opening.
Bacolod’s representatives were composed of 20 dancers from Barangay Tangub – Jesus Surell, Airick Bayking, Jestoni Valor, Jerick Urbina, John Rey Tobongbanua, Marlon Imperial, Alvin Cardiente, Alanel Cordero, Eduardo Cautibar Jr., and Argie Tacadao.
Their dance routine was choreographed by Segundo Jesus “Panoy” Cabalcar – a seasoned MassKara choreographer./PN
