Denim-Inspired ‘Crown of Legacy’ Wins First MassKara Mask-Making Competition

The inaugural MassKara Mask-Making Competition showcased the creativity and cultural pride of Bacolod’s grassroots artists at SM City Bacolod North Wing on October 4, crowning Keny Pareja of Barangay Singcang-Airport as grand champion.

Pareja’s winning piece, “The Crown of Legacy,” was crafted entirely from denim scraps and reflects the rich history and resilient spirit of the MassKara Festival. He spent only P4,500 on the entry and will receive a P20,000 cash prize from the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc.

Ruben Susvilla Jr. of Barangay Estefania took first runner-up with a prize of P10,000, while Aldrin Pasuelme of Barangay Bata placed second runner-up, receiving P7,000. Consolation prizes were awarded to Stephen Efundo (Tangub), Vincent Samperoy (Barangay 29), Christopher John Puerta (Tangub), Marven Galea (Sum-ag), and John Ric Realizo (Barangay 11) for their outstanding work.

Twenty contestants from 14 barangays transformed blank MassKara mask bases into unique artworks inspired by the theme “One Smile, One City, One Heart,” using paint, fabric, recycled, and indigenous materials.

The event was co-presented by the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AAB-N) and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., celebrating the festival’s origin as a grassroots movement. AAB-N President Tey Sevilleno, also a Gugma Foundation representative, said,

“This isn’t just a contest. It’s a tribute to the original artists who helped create MassKara 46 years ago. What we’re seeing today is a continuation of that legacy.”

As MassKara Festival 2025 unfolds, the mask-making competition highlights the enduring power of community artistry at the festival’s heart.* (BGFI text & photos)