MassKara

Last October, I went back to Bacolod City , also known as the City of Smiles , not only to attend the wedding of my brother but also to finally experience the MassKara Festival. The only time I watched this street parade was when I’m 4 or 5 years old. The next years were just in front of the television set. Bacolod City is synonymous to MassKara and vice versa. The theme of this year’s festival was “Celebrating 30 Years of Smiles”, after seeing this on numerous banners, I immediately thought, I am older than the festival!

After my brother’s wedding, my mind was set to capture the festivities. To be on the streets and be amazed by the flashes of colorful costumes and masks. To appreciate more the music I grew up but now with a different mix and flavor. To abuse Nikki until she complains. IT WILL BE FUN! And indeed it was fun! Non-stop shoot from Thursday to Sunday, and my mother started to worry if I am already obsessed with photography. I told her, not yet, but almost there. LOL! Personally, this is the happiest festival in the Philippines .

How this event started?

The festival first began in 1980 during a period of crisis. The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose corn syrup in the United States . It was also a time of tragedy; on April 22 of that year, the inter-island vessel Don Juan carrying many Negrenses, including those belonging to prominent families in Bacolod City , collided with the tanker Tacloban City and sank. An estimated 700 lives were lost in the tragedy.

In the midst of these tragic events, the city's artists, local government and civic groups decided to hold a festival of smiles, because the city at that time was also known as the City of Smiles. They reasoned that a festival was also a good opportunity to pull the residents out of the pervasive gloomy atmosphere. The initial festival was therefore, a declaration by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, Bacolod City is going to pull through, survive, and in the end, triumph. More here

Yeah, it was to hide all the gloominess of the Negrenes during those times. And I thought it was a clever idea to counter the mood. We all need to cheer up and face the future with a broad smile.

Thursday street dance parade was for the school category. I raced through the streets alone and pressured myself that I must get at least one good shot to show to my friends when I return to Japan . Since the pace is a little bit fast, there was no time to check the photos except at home. I didn’t wait for the announcement of results as I don’t want to be squeezed by thousands of people rushing to hail a jeep or a taxi. I enjoyed the first day of the street parade and the songs kept on playing on my mind even while sleeping.

Friday was a let-down. I expected a lot for the MassKara Electric Dance Parade but was just left craving for more. My reaction was, that was it? Earlier that event though, I went to Photographers’ Night. It was an indoor activity showcasing some fantasy costumes and sexy models. And how frustrating it was? I didn’t known how to use my external flash. Can somebody help how to explore the flash? The good thing was I met lots of photo enthusiasts and was able to have my camera clean for free.

Saturday was for the Baranggay category. The number of participants was larger than the school category, which means there will be lots of people (local and tourists) along the streets of Bacolod City as well as the City Plaza , the final performance judging area. With an official photographer’s ID, it was easier for me to access / enter the dancing area. I am not really comfortable in capturing action shots but I was hoping that my camera settings will be just fine. For this day alone, I took more or less 500 photos. The day was particularly hot but I didn’t mind it as I enjoyed every second of it. Lots of photo enthusiasts were there too and we agree that perhaps this is the most colorful event in the Philippines.

Sunday was for the Open Category. It is known to be the highlight of the festivities but this year was particularly different. Most of the participants were from Saturday. Actually I was expecting a lot because during the past years, only the winners of the first two categories are eligible to join and the other participants will be coming from establishments and/or company-sponsored. Sunday was almost a replay of Saturday. But still it didn’t stop the Bacolenos to go the city proper to be a part of the celebration. As for me, it was a great experience. Finally, I can say, I was there everytime I share or invite a friend or two to visit Bacolod .

The moment you hear “Kari sa Bacolod , Dala Masskara (Go to Bacolod , Bring A Mask)”, consider it as invitation to visit the City of Smiles.

See you all next year!

/totomai
11/11/09

Wedding

I almost missed my brother’s (Dorb’s) wedding last week. My flight back to the Philippines was originally scheduled on Oct 8, the very same day a super typhoon will hit Japan. Fortunately, an officemate of mine informed me about this and I immediately asked my boss to allow me to go home a day earlier.

Arrived in Bacolod on the 8th and every one is on panic mode. The rain was unceasing. Everybody was worried that it will spoil the big day. Haven’t seen my brother so serious and short-tempered. Haha, thanks to Sarah, the bride, who was very calm all throughout.

Oct 9th. Our relatives from Iloilo arrived. They stayed in our house and it was such a great opportunity to bond with them after, say, seven years. Again, we didn’t sleep the night before the wedding. Talk, talk, went around the city just before the wedding was awesome.

Oct 10th. Everyone was up as early as 4 am. Wedding at 10 am. It was the busiest day in our house ever. Wonder if it will be this busy if I get married someday. My brother and sis-in-law stayed at the hotel so they were spared from the commotion. I finished first so I went to the hotel to take some random shots of them. Though they hired an official photographer, I thought it would be better if I can have a remembrance for them.

It was a simple ceremony attended by loved ones from both parties. The eyes of my brother and sis-in-law showed how much they truly love each other. The wedding took almost an hour and another hour was for photo opps. Haha! Saw my father complaining because he was too worried that the guests were already hungry. We then proceeded to the reception.

My brother and sis-in-law was a couple for 6 years before finally saying I do.

Best wishes and congratulations! More babies to come. LOL!

For more pics --> click here.

/totomai
10/17/09

Rush

The past four days were fast-paced and everything was a blur.

Monday. I was anticipating for my trip to the Philippines on Thursday when an officemate of mine told me about the coming storm in Tokyo, strongest one in 10 years, the very same day of my departure date. Everything was set already including my flight to Bacolod on Friday morning.

Tuesday. Worried that I’ll miss my brother’s wedding should I be stranded in Narita Airport, I printed out the weather forecast and showed it to my immediate superior. I asked permission from him if he could allow me to go home a day earlier than my supposed schedule. He confirmed right away.

I re-booked my flight, called my brother to re-book my domestic flight schedule too. I wasn’t able to buy souvenir items and I started packing my things at midnight.

Wednesday. The rain poured heavily Tokyo. At the airport, I hoped that no announcement of flight cancellation will be heard. During the entire flight, the flight attendants kept on reminding us about the possibility of experiencing turbulence.

I arrived at 1400H and went directly to our office in Makati. Then at around 1700H, I check-in to an appartelle for a night. At 1900H, went to Greenbelt and met a good friend of mine for possible investment.

Thursday. Scheduled flight to Bacolod was 0455H. I woke up at 0400H to my surprise. I arrived at 0430H and was told that I am already late. I was asked to pay for extra baggage too. I was the last one to board the plane and as I’m about to take my seat, a familiar face was sitting near the emergency exit. It’s Senator Noynoy Aquino, a presidential aspirant this coming 2010 election. At the luggage area, Senator Mar Roxas was waiting for him. The latter took a different airline carrier. I heard that they were visiting universities for some inspirational talks. Hmmm.

After lunch, I went out with my father and brother to roam around the city. I have another idea though and that is to buy a Barong Tagalog for my brother’s wedding.

I had four sleepless nights already. Make it five tonight and six tomorrow.

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

/totomai
10/09/09

Gems

This blog, Distilling Thoughts, is one of the finalists for this year’s Philippine Blog Awards under the Best Photo Blog Category. This is my way of saying thanks to everyone.

colors of the words
unearth before your dry eyes
sparkly cyberspace

One of my friends, make it two actually, broke this news at plurk. It may sound cheesy, but I do consider this nomination as a personal gem already. And I believe most, if not all, of the nominees feel the same way. Philippine Blogosphere (not my original term) is one of the most colorful and creative blogospheres in cyberworld. And I can attest to that. If you have time, kindly visit the sites of the other nominees and you’ll see what I mean. And not only that, there are other blogs that are not nominated that are worth visiting. Hmm, how can I provide the links? Start looking at the sidebar.

Two years ago, I started this blog as a result of a dare by a friend. We were both in bumhood during those times so we challenged ourselves to write something, a piece or two each week. To compensate my deficient vocabulary, I decided to include at least one photo, taken by me, on every entry I post. And as they always say, the rest is history. Through this blog, I have gained lots of friends and had inspired some to start blogging too, at least I know one. LOL! Special thanks to all the readers and visitors of this humble blog, really appreciate it. Shout-out to those responsible bloggers who nominated this blog, do I have to mention your names? Haha! Thanks for the trust.

Come October 9, the winners for each category will be revealed. No matter what the results will be, I am already very thankful and humbled by this nomination.

Congratulations to all the nominees, the organizers of PBA and of course to all bloggers who continuously make blogging world interesting and inspiring. You just don’t know how you encourage me to do better. You are all gems.

Again, my apologies for the cheesiness of this entry.

I blog. I shoot. I distill thoughts.

totomai
09/26/09

Longing

From the very moment that my application for vacation leave was approved, I’ve been counting the days until I'll finally embrace my mother, talk with my father and catch-up with my brother. Of course, it also includes meet-ups with my relatives and friends, and shoots with fellow photography addicts. Believe me, it will be a very busy three-week-vacation. And one thing’s for sure, I am going to double my weight. Though earlier today, someone’s about to spoil my excitement, I am still keeping my fingers crossed that my presence is not required in one of the meetings in Korea .

Just recently, autumn is letting its presence felt. The breeze is colder and the mood of the city is starting to be melancholic. Ah, autumn, the most poetic season though a bit infectious as it triggers homesickness. If I accommodate that thought, I would have probably jump off my building but I keep on trying to divert that feeling. Sometimes, I admit I do, especially during early morning. Sometimes memories turn foggy, unclear.

Morning

half-awake, grabbed the fork
felt the coldness of the eggs
silence broken by their encounter

that familiar sound brought
back foggy memories of childhood.

before the cock crows
swish and whoosh of kitchen orchestra
conducted by Ma was our alarm clock.

spiritless, bro and I sat on ladder steps
rubbed our eyes
as Pa fed the roosters
to their delight

forgetting to blink
my stomach complains
images slowly turns foggy

while beating the eggs
for breakfast

/totomai

I will be arriving evening of the 8th, barely 1.5 days before my brother’s wedding. So on the 9th, I expect it to be very busy since most of our relatives from other provinces will be staying in our place. I’ll be helping my brother too on their last minute preparations, of course, after buying the Barong Tagalog. On the 10th, its my brother’s big day, hmm, I am tempted to bring my camera but being the Best Man (for the nth time), I will try to get some shots, preferably I’ll bring my point and shoot camera only. On the 11th, I will try to catch the flight to Davao to attend the pre-nup shoot of my friends Dash and Ai which is scheduled on the 12th. Will be leaving on the 13th and might go to Manila to get my ticket for Japan or just head back to Bacolod . After that, I don’t know what’s next but I plan to have a post-nup shoot with my brother and sister-in-law.

Whew! Guess, I will start sleeping on the 14th. LOL!

/totomai
09/19/09

Eiga

I’ve been watching Japanese movies lately. There something about Japanese cinema (Nihon Eiga) that’s hypnotizing. It must be the language since I can understand few Japanese words, thanks to subtitles by the way.

Romance is one the most clichéd themes in universal cinema. And most viewers prefer happy endings. Except me, a gloomy ending gives me more satisfaction and contentment. Of course, in real life I wanted it the ideal way. No one wants to end up in an unhappy finish.

What is the key for lifetime relationship? Each one of us wants it to be ideal as possible but its not easy to achieve. Lots of factors are needed to be considered in order to survive the complexities of a relationship.

Back to Japanese films, here are three films I’ve seen that in one way or another dealt about relationships, but with not-so-happy endings. These films are well directed and the cinematography is excellent. The actors are well-chosen and played the parts naturally. Plus, the soundtracks of these films are worth listening even after watching the movies.

Love Letter . Actually I never heard of this film but saw a DVD of it on sale in Thailand. I decided to buy it after reading the synopsis.

Hiroko Watanabe has recently lost her fiancé Itsuki Fujii in a mountain climbing accident. On the day of his memorial ceremony, two years after his death, Watanabe finds his address in his high-school photo album at his parents' house.

Calling You. Tried a couple of times watching this film but I was bored. One day, I decided to see it again and it left me engaged. It has a unique storyline, unreal but might be possible, who knows.

Shy, quiet, and unsure of herself, Aihara Ryo (Narumi Riko) doesn't quite fit in anywhere. Though she wants to make friends, she has trouble speaking up and holding a normal conversation like everyone else. It seems that whenever she talks, the words just don't come out correctly. Gradually, Ryo has gotten used to living life in silence as a lonely and introverted student. With no one to talk to, Ryo also has no need for a cell phone. Longing for friends to talk to, she creates a cell phone in her mind for imaginary phone conversations, and much to her surprise, one day Shinya (Koide Keisuke) picks up on the other side. For the first time in her life, Ryo has found someone she can talk to.

Crying Out Love in The Center of World. Never mind the title, lol. I saw this film on the plane, on my way back to the Philippines. Actually I didn’t like the ending but the their story as students were enough to compensate for that conclusion.

In a small regional town in 1980s southern Japan, Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto and Aki Hirose, who were classmates all through junior high school, become high school students and then fall in love with one another. They share audio diaries, go on excursions together, and enjoy summer vacation. However, Aki soon finds herself suffering from Leukemia and begins to weaken day by day, rendering her unable to see Saku or go outside.

As I’ve said, I only hope for not-so- happy endings while watching a film and not in real life. We all deserve a successful relationship after all, right?

ylang-ylangs scent
vibrations of soundless bells
vows at the altar
carpet of showered petals
a promise through sign language

Next month, my brother is getting married and I will be going home to celebrate the occasion. Two weeks after, my friends Dash and Ai will be tying the knot too. Too bad that I will miss this special event. I will try to be there during the pre-nup shoot. Again, Dorb (my bro), Dash and Ai, best wishes and congratulations.

/totomai
09/06/09

Extravaganza

Everyone was looking forward to celebrate the end of summer. Thousands trooped to Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan to witness the flow of colors and downpour of angel-like dancers, not minding the would-be effect of the scorching sun. That spotlight from the sky may be relentless but the Latin beats, the liveliness of the performers and the applause of the spectators were enough to overpower it. Before the parade started, cameras of all sizes and brands were everywhere! I brought two, by the way. Event like this is a photographer’s fancy.

Last year, I was able to experience this street spectacular too. If you are curious enough, here’s my last year’s blog. The big difference was the weather, last year it rained midway of the celebration forcing us to retreat from our positions. We loved our cameras, you know. This year, the weather was fine but it was too hot to handle. We surrendered and found ourselves craving for ice-cold colas. Most of the participant from last year still took time to join the fun this year.

If there were few familiar faces, lots were rookies to my naked eye. Or maybe they were veterans but I missed them last year.

Actually not only the dancers were new to me, but also other Filipino hobbyists who are currently staying in Japan. It was nice meeting each one of you and special thanks for the seat reservations, LOL! One of the surprises of the festival is this child (see photo below). Donned in samba costume, she danced like a professional and as if she was already grown-up. Not sure if it’s a bad thing or not. But definitely she has the talent.

And if there were from younger generations, the not-so-young ones were well-represented too. Hats off!

For more than 5 hours, we stayed under the sun and from time to time, we stretched our legs to check if we are still alive or totally numb. During these times, displays of colorful and sparkling costumes, from conservative to revealing ones were visual feasts. The hurried steps and the continuous dancing posed a challenge to each one us too, resulted to hundred of blurry shots.

The festivities seemed unending as it continuously blinded us with vibrant colors. The streets were carpets of rainbows.

Samba, like any other dances, is a poetry in motion. It doesn't need any words or syllables to convey its feelings and intent. The beat is its rhyme.

What a way to end the summer season! Too bad though that the current typhoon just took that distinction.

Am I looking forward for next year's celebration? It depends, if I am still here. Haha!

totomai
08/31/09