PI00007829

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007920

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007844

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Constant exposure to water caused the natural crack on the wood. However, woodcarvers do not waste wood, thus they use it as practice piece.

PI00007829

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007889

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007841

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007890

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007921

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007922

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007836

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007891

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007837

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007892

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007917

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007851

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Romano or Roman soldier mask with visor.

PI00007918

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007838

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007893

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007839

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007885

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007852

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Romano or Roman soldier mask with visor.

PI00007919

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007853

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Romano or Roman soldier mask with visor.

PI00007914

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007840

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Bulaklakan mask for female moryon.

PI00007886

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007821

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, features a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007887

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007848

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Mask for bulaklakan; traditional design without visor

PI00007915

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007849

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Mask for bulaklakan; traditional design without visor

PI00007916

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007822

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, features a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007888

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007823

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, features a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007883

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007850

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Mask for bulaklakan; traditional design without visor

PI00007911

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007845

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The moryon mask is traditionally designed to resemble Caucasian features, specifically that of a Roman legionnaire, showing the fierce aspect of a soldier. This mask is for bulklakan (flower) style because it has no visor or helmet (turbante).

PI00007912

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007824

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007884

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007825

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007846

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The moryon mask is traditionally designed to resemble Caucasian features, specifically that of a Roman legionnaire, showing the fierce aspect of a soldier. This mask is for bulklakan (flower) style because it has no visor or helmet (turbante).

PI00007913

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007847

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. The moryon mask is traditionally designed to resemble Caucasian features, specifically that of a Roman legionnaire, showing the fierce aspect of a soldier. This mask is for bulklakan (flower) style because it has no visor or helmet (turbante).

PI00007910

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007826

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007827

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.

PI00007842

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Constant exposure to water caused the natural crack on the wood. However, woodcarvers do not waste wood, thus they use it as practice piece.

PI00007894

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007908

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007843

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Constant exposure to water caused the natural crack on the wood. However, woodcarvers do not waste wood, thus they use it as practice piece.

PI00007895

MassKara is a relatively modern festival, created to revitalize the local communities of Bacolod City that had been experiencing economic recession affected by the sugar crisis in 1970s. In the city of Bacolod, artist Ely Santiago introduced the "MassKara Festival," a captivating event where the entire community dons "smiling masks" and partakes in a joyous march. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of the depressed community and bring back smiles to people's faces. The festival’s name, 'MassKara', derives its meaning from the combination of 'Mass', representing the public, and 'Kara', a Spanish word for 'face' that also translates to 'mask' in Tagalog. The highlight of the festival is a parade in which people take to the streets of Bacolod, festively dancing in groups wearing a smiling mask. The parade sees the voluntary participation of citizens, and as such active participation fuels the festival’s growth, it has come to occupy a position as a major festival in Asia. Masks worn during the festival are not light. Including the headdress, each mask weighs from one to five kilograms, depending on the size and embellishments of the mask, which has to be attractive from any angle.

PI00007909

Lim Soo Ngee, a Singaporean sculptor, captures “alternative identities” of contemporary people through wooden sculptures that poetically portray various figures. The artist recreates contemporary people who are subordinated to the flow of time in a state of torpor by putting on masks during COVID-19, or notes the fact that many people wear different “masks” whenever they face various situations in their lives. The facial expressions and gestures of those figures depicted in various ways remind us that life is full of humor, inconsistency, irony, romance, and irrationality.

PI00007828

The Moryonan is a Lenten tradition held annually during Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Catholics pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families and beg God for mercy, taking part in the Moryonan, which commemorates the Passion of the Christ. One of the most eye-catching points of the Moryanan is the mask that depicts the Roman soldiers who appear in the Bible. During the Moryanan, people walk around the streets wearing this mask and soldier’s attire. Mask makers begin creating masks by accepting pre-orders up to four months in advance of the festival. The delicate process of sculpting wood to capture intricate details demands significant skill and artistry from the artisans. Penitents wearing wooden masks and costumes similar to Roman soldiers during the Holy Week processions. Wearing the masks and costumes all day for the duration of the Holy Week is part of their vow. The traditional Bulaklakan (flowers) mask of Mogpog, featuring a floral headdress. Traditionally, the number of flowers in the helmet signifies the number of years a penitent will participate in the Moryonan. As he finishes the ritual each year, he removes a flower from his helmet until none is left, signaling the completion of his vow. Presently, penitents no longer remove the flowers.