Bacolod's Masskara Festival Day 2

After an epic day 1 at Bacolod I was wishing to top it off with another great celebration in the city of smiles for Masskara 2014. We partied the night before (for Masskara Love Dance) til morning, and got up afternoon... then decided to rush to the front of Bacolod City Hall so I could catch a glimpse of the famous inter barangay parade that everyone was talking about. The moment I arrived there, the streets were already filled with people, there were a few cops here and there, but I had the notion that the parade was already done as the cabbie told me going there. I started just shooting randomly on the side streets because there were small Masskara trinkets which I found so cute. 

Then from a distance, I could see a couple of balloons walking towards the city hall area, the crowd grew in a few minutes and when it cleared I saw these gigantic puppets they were holding which is part of another contest it seems. It was cute because they chose cartoon characters, it seemed that they all came to life!

Both Manga and some American cartoon series were all there! People were taking pictures and selfies while the contestants were asking for donations too. Then I saw one or two Masskarra dancers mixed with them, I didn't know the Barangay parade was just there! I smiled from ear to ear ^_^

The Masskara dancers from different Barangays really spent a few weeks practicing for this so it wasn't a surprise that they were very spirited with their street dances. The colors, the intricate details on their costumes and the props were all well thought of, you just felt how much work they put into that. 

Lacson street was equally packed when we went there last night. There were two concerts going on in the same area but we wanted to experience #SmartMasskara like crazy so the best place to be is Spectrum's Masskara Invasion, located at Bob's Cafe along Lacson street - powered by the biggest network SMART of course!

It was grand, it was intimate, I totally LOVE the music! If my hunch was correct it was a mix of EDM, dance and pop music. Everybody had their share of fun, united under the midnight sun. Add to that the fun people we were with last night, plus the beautiful people of Bacolod, it was bound to be another #SmartMasskara experience we will never forget!

I super duper LOVE also that I could update real time on Instagram because of the FREE Internet that SMART has. Whether you are on postpaid or prepaid, you can text FREE to 9999 and take your smartphone social media experience to even greater heights! I would love to go back to my second home, let's see if we could get part 3 tonight! :) 

Love from Bacolod,

Kumagcow 🐮

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Bacolod's Masskara Festival Day 1

Bacolod is my second home since almost all my relatives are here. I expected a more toned down version of a music festival since it's provincial - but oh no I was so wrong!

The night though started a lil slow and a couple or more people showed up around 12. Then it was packed! The place is a football field, since it rained non stop two days before I was expecting it already dried up as it was sunny the whole day, again I was wrong LOL.

The place was wet, muddy and people kept sinking in some places including us! Beer and liquor was a plenty so after a few rounds of that, burgers and barbecue, it made us happy, we did let loose, and paid more attention to Manila and Bacolod's best DJ's as they dished out tunes all for the love of MASSKARA!

Booths were also there and I especially love the one for Deezer. As you may know, I love every bit of their 35 Million songs and I post a lot of the ones on my playlist. Smart by the way have packages that can get you stream all you want for as low as Php 250 bucks. Plus if you show em the app installed in your phone, they'll give you your own Masskara :)

Deezer also has been working with SONOS and BOSE for HIgh Fidelity streaming services so you can beam them up to your living room on demand. This is how good you can experience #SmartMasskara when you use the prepaid or postpaid sim only from the biggest and better network SMART! :) I had LTE coverage all night and it was easy posting updates during the first day.

I'll be in on the second event as #SmartMasskara and we'll cover MASSKARA INVASION in Lacson Street later! See you there! :)

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SM Cares Holds Bowling for Differently Abled Peers

A few days ago, we went to the bowling lanes of SM North Edsa Annex to witness something special. A couple of our differently abled friends and their partners have gone hand in hand with SM Cares in the goal to actually be real deal bowlers for a day and we witnessed that first hand. SM Cares wants you to know that they actually have their facilities available for your family no matter who you are, what you do and how you are in the society. SM takes pride in an environment fit for your family and they've been able to do this for years. We met a couple of their executives and one got me surprised. One of my bowling idols was there, do you remember World Champion CJ Suarez?

Cj Suarez is now the Division Manager for SM Bowling and Leisure Center. He's been with them a couple of months ago. I've seen him play for the country several times along with legends like Bong Coo and Paeng Nepumoceno. He used to handle sports programs for special children too in the past, mostly with ILLC in Mandaluyong. People might thing SM is just providing these facilities for ordinary people, but as you see they're actually playing games and enjoying it. The activities that we do, we give out and share with people with special needs. It's their advocacy. SM Cares approached them and asked for this Bowling Buddies event and they never hesitated to accommodate them. There are several other organizations and special olympics participants that use the lanes too. They do this on a regular basis. That's endearing to know.

They have activities with PWD's and they'll be doing this on a regular basis next year too. They have the venue, 8 bowling centers nationwide. CJ Suarez left bowling since 2007 and he's devoted much of his life playing for the country. When SM approached him he never hesitated, he explored and accepted this as an opportunity. He can now promote the sport at an advantageous angle. There has been a decline in the sport but he's hopeful their efforts will pay out especially next year. They're also hosting their biggest event in November with a prize as much as 2 Million pesos and a brand new car called SM Millionaires Cup. It's across all their centers and the top 32 from all their centers nationwide will battle it out in Manila as part of their celebration since SM Bowling is now 25 years old.

They're going to have an international tournament also next year that would be even bigger because they're inviting professional players from around Asia and the world to get a more rearing interest in the sport, more so in the talented pool in the Philippines. There are going to be some school programs as well next year plus coaching certifications for those who would want to pursue it. You should watch out for that big tournament soon. Bring your family because that's where you can bond big time.

SM is a mall for all. They want inclusion for everyone to enjoy their facilities. No one gets left out. For differently abled customers, you can play here. You should be aware that they have programs here that would be able to cater to you. They have other organizations also aligned with SM CARES' cause. The Angels Walk will also be happening soon in Mall of Asia so make sure you check out their social media channels to participate in that. SM Cares will also push for activities like these to be a regular thing so awareness can be done. The organizations usually tap them and they won't say no if they see there's potential to reach out to big communities. Don't think you won't enjoy activities like these because as I see it, they've succeeded to make these guys and gals happy. The name is apt for them, SM Cares.

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Two New Good Reasons To Celebrate At Shakey's!

I missed this event big time but you won't miss the news of course. I said 2 good reasons, they're something new too. Shakey's has revved it's game and got Captain Shakey's recruiting a few more Superheroes on its joint to bring an even more super good memory when having your party at Shakey's. Who do you think they are? Well, this might be something quite good to look at when your kids birthday happens.

Oh yes! My favorite Batman, your favorite Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonderwoman and the others from the Justice League can now be seen in the Justice League Unlimited Party! If you wanna ask your kids friends to dress up as their favorite superhero and come on his or her birthday then this is the perfect party for you!

The birthday packages equips you and your whole party crew with the food, amenities and prizes you need to make that whole event the grandest one your son or daughter could ever have. I can almost see it. It's going to be hassle free, you'll get a free gift and you'll fill your guests tummies in no time by choosing one of their Power Packages. It's ready for 30, 50 or 70 people and you'll just have to get them there. Some branches like the one in Katipunan Avenue even has a full blown arcade so you're never going to run out of activities when you spend it here. Oh and I almost forgot the second surprise, ladies and gentlemen... this is the Shakey's New Shrimp Chorizo Pasta!

I know you must have been still craving for the red and white sauce you usually see in their menu but isn't this such a nice alternative? Oh and yes, they've even got those scrumptious shrimp and smoky chorizo slices you oh so love in home cooking. Now if that doesn't convince you to check out your nearest Shakey's branch then I don't know what would. Shrimps and Chorizo sound a bell? Haha I know! Call them now at 77777 or visit their stores for party inquiries.

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