Bacolod’s MassKara Festival inspires film about smiles

BACOLOD CITY — Twenty-four-year-old Claudia, daughter of incumbent Tarlac 1st District Rep. Charlie Cojuangco and beauty queen-actress Rio Diaz, is currently filming in Bacolod City.

Unlike her mom Rio who was a movie actress and noontime show host, Claudia, a graduate of Communication Arts and Media Studies, has always been interested in filmmaking and all the processes that take place off camera.

She said she was born and raised in Bacolod where the world-renowned MassKara Festival is held, but never got the chance to witness or be part of the yearly international tourist event.

Now that she has finished her studies, including short courses on film, the eldest child of the former Negros representative and the late actress is applying what she learned in producing a film.

That film project will focus on the people who, according to her, continue to make the MassKara Festival not only a popular one but an annual event that speaks of the city’s rich culture and resilient people.

“It is a way for me to reconnect to my roots but also as somebody who’s interested the culture, the dance and why people take part in this community-wide type of gathering and festival. I just wanted to learn more about it, the choreographers specifically, and why do people here take part in it every year, and take pride in it,” said Claudia.

The young Cojuangco is immersing herself in the barangays, observing and interacting with residents, especially those who are actively participating and supporting their contingents to the MassKara streetdancing competition.

“That’s the best way to understand them and their point. I want whoever is on camera, to be able to explain themselves… I want them to speak Ilonggo if they’re comfortable speaking Ilonggo. If they want to speak in English, then, sure. But I just want them to be able to speak in their own words, as truthfully as they feel they can,” explained Claudia.

She said her feature film will run 40 minutes to a little over an hour and will be released next year.

Claudia further shared her working title for the film is “Smiles Behind the Mask,” as she wants to show the world what is special about those who celebrate the festival in the City of Smiles.

“I think it’s the whole community spirit. Even if they’re not dancers, they’re somehow taking part, spending their time watching and supporting their barangay members. It’s just an amazing community spirit and really competitive spirit as well,” said Claudia.