Maskara festival opens Intramuros show

The colorful Masskara Festival of Bacolod City will usher today’s grand opening of "Philippines’ Bests! 2005" Kabugana-an sang Western Visayas’ regional showcase at Clamshell 1 in Intramuros.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano will lead distinguished guests that include Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, and members of the diplomatic corps and officials from the local government of the region.

Region VI (Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Negros Occidental), home of the world-famous island resort Boracay and the Miag-ao Church, a national landmark that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, will take the spotlight in featuring the region’s cultural heritage from June 14-28.

The Bacolod City Day, which falls on the opening schedule, will dazzle the crowd with an array of the city’s well-known festivals like the Masskara, the Teatro Amorseko (mud pack festival where the participants are covered with mud, believed to be good in smoothening the skin) and the Babaylan (re-enactment of the Babaylan tribe rituals).

Daily craft demonstration from the different provinces of the region as well as cultural shows and travel trade fair will be held during the exhibit.

For the food lovers, a variety of the region’s best delicacies such as bartillos, biscocho, panaderia baking products and piyaya that are among the best choice pasalubong from the region will be made available.

"Philippines’ Bests! 2005" at Intramuros is open everyday from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight, except Mondays when it opens at 4 p.m. to 12 midnight. Admission is free.