Art of Breath - Maskara: Honoring our roots and the masks we wear
Masks hold a powerful symbolism in many cultures, representing everything from hidden identities to social roles. In our gathering, we explored the masks we wear in daily life – the personas we adopt to navigate societal expectations, family dynamics, and even our own fears.
During our intimate gathering for breathwork and creative expression, we ventured into the shadows that often lie beneath these masks. We asked ourselves: Who are we when everyone is looking? And what parts of ourselves do we hide, perhaps out of fear of judgment or rejection?
Interestingly, our exploration coincided with the MassKara Festival in the Philippines, a vibrant celebration held every fourth Sunday of October in Bacolod City. But this festival of smiles has a poignant origin story. In 1980, Bacolod City was facing a devastating economic crisis. The price of sugar, their main agricultural product, had plummeted due to the introduction of alternative sweeteners in the US market. This, coupled with a tragic ferry accident that claimed the lives of many locals, cast a shadow of grief and hardship over the city.
In an effort to lift the spirits of the community, the city's artists and leaders came together to create MassKara, a "festival of smiles." The brightly colored masks, with their cheerful expressions, were a symbol of resilience and hope, a declaration that the people of Bacolod would overcome their challenges and find joy again.
The festival has since become a beloved tradition, attracting tourists from around the world and showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people. And it serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can choose joy, connection, and creative expression.
This gathering was an invitation to celebrate the full spectrum of our being – the masks we wear and the hidden selves they sometimes conceal. By bringing these shadows into the light, we can cultivate deeper self-awareness and embrace our authentic selves, in all their complexity and beauty.
🇵🇠Join us on Wednesday, October 30 as we close out Filipino American History Month. We’ll be honoring our ancestors with Flow Breathwork and then integration with somatic creative play. Visit our landing page to learn more about Art of Breath and sign up! www.ravenbeerosehealingarts.com