THE month of October brings out the best of the island of Negros as two big fiestas for everyone to relish and enjoy await residents and visitors here.

Negros is the fourth largest island in the Philippines. It is divided into two provinces — Negros Oriental in Central Visayas and Negros Occidental in Western Visayas.

Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, opens October with a bang as it celebrates the famous MassKara Festival.

On the other side of the island, the whole province of Negros Oriental gets to wrap up the revelry by offering the much-awaited Buglasan Festival of Festivals.

With these two events, it is undeniably a must to be where the merrymaking unfolds.

This year’s MassKara Festival will be held from October 1 to 19.  See below for the series of activities lined up for the event.

The Buglasan Festival meanwhile will kick off on October 16 to 26.  Click here for the event’s schedule.

So before you savor the cool winds of Tañon Strait and experience the endless Buglasan festivity, come to the City of Smiles and feel the MassKara excitement, ingenuity, and passion of sweet Bacoleños amidst troubled times.

MassKara 2008 is expected to outdo last year’s celebrations.  It will also prelude the Grand Masskara 2009 where Bacolod City’s world-famous festival turns 30.

October 1
Opening of Festival Sites SM MassKara Village - SM City
Gateway to MassKara 2008 - Robinsons Place
Launch: Food/beer Kiosks - Public Plaza
Launch: MassKara Beat Contest - Public Plaza
Masskara Queen (MQ) Presentation of Candidates
MQ Q and A segment
Opening: MassKara Shop - SM City North Wing

October 4
MassKara Nights - Public Plaza
MQ: Swimsuit Competition segment

October 5
MassKara Nights - Public Plaza
Opening: Magica MassKara

October 6-9: hosted by media outlets and various orgs.

October 10
MassKara Nights - Public Plaza

October 11
MQ Talent Night - Open
MassKara Nights

October 12
MassKara Nights- Public Plaza

October 16
Streetdancing: Schools Category - Araneta- Plaza

October 17
Streetdancing: Barangay Category - Araneta- Plaza
MQ Festival Costumes - Araneta-Plaza
Electric MassKara Year II- Lacson St.
Drumline: The MassKara Beat Contest- Plaza

October 18
Streetdancing: Open Category - Araneta-Plaza
Electric MassKara Year II- Lacson St.
MQ Coronation Night, Electric MassKara - Main Stage
MQ Parade to Old City Hall - Lacson- Araneta St.
Countdown to Charter Day - Araneta St.

October 19
Charter Day Grand Parade
Electric MassKara Year II - Lacson St.
Electric Float Parade Street Dancing - Lacson St.- Plaza

* Masskara 2008 activities schedule is provided by the Bacolod City Tourism Office.