Leo Yosores, a native of Bacolod City, brings the famous masks of his hometown’s Masskara Festival in the streets of Davao. The masks are sold from P50 to P950 each. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY — Leo Yosores, 33 years old, a native of Bacolod, Negros Occidental has been bringing the famous masks of the Masskara Festival here every Kadayawan Festival for five years now.
From the simple to elaborate, Yosores sells the masks for P50 and as much as P950.
The masks sell like pancakes during the festival and he said the products are always sold out. The smaller masks can be used as necklaces, while the bigger ones can be used as ornamental decorations, Yosores added.
The famous Masskara Festival is held every third weekend of October. The celebration has earned the Bacolod City as the “City of Smiles”.
Yosores travels around the country with eight other merchants, all of whom are also from Bacolod, to sell the masks whenever a festival such as the Kadayawan is being celebrated.
Yosores also sells his goods in Kalibo, Aklan where the Ati-atihan festival is celebrated, and Iloilo, for the Dinagyang festival, among others.
In a press conference, the annual Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan for Kadayawan 2016 will feature various Mindanao festivals for the open themed category of the street dancing competition. But as early as now, Davaoeños are feeling the vibrant mood of the Masskara Festival with Yosores’ masks displayed along the streets of Davao. (davaotoday.com)
