THE SCORPION KING

Paulo Ledesma Mirasol is considered Negrense pedigree, a product from two of the most well respected families in Negros.

To date, he gave Negros Occidental its first and only sword, breaking the 4 year winning streak of Negros Oriental to the delight of many Hiligaynons.

The final question asked of the Top 3 during pageant night was, "Each Hari before today symbolized and represented an element known to nature, Emman is earth, Reiven is fire, Paul Brett is water and Mark Xander is air. The next Hari will be the 5th element. What element would you represent and why?"



His answer was the element of "Heart". The other 2 chose the elements of "metal" and "light". At first, we thought it was just a very innocent and safe answer that won him the coveted Sword of Negros. Boy, were we wrong.

Paulo possesses a special, uncanny ability to communicate with animals.

No matter how dangerous and poisonous,

or wild they may be.

To him, each living thing on this earth has a purpose

No matter how hideous

and dangerous it may seem.

He can pick up, the most lethal of snakes

with the most utmost care and respect to the creatures.

Tarantulas have a special place in his heart.

As do tortoises

crocodiles,

and bats.

Rarely can you find a person who has a true heart for nature and be united with the beast.

This again is Paulo Mirasol. This is Hari ng Negros.

THE MAGIC OF MASSKARA

Negrenses have known the world over for being creative and fun-loving people.

And no other festival in Negros can attest to these qualities than the Masskara of Bacolod City.

Elaborate costumes, from head to foot adorn the revelers.

Making this one of the most well-attended

and photographed festivals in the Philippines.

It is also an opportunity for the princes of Negros to get together (Hari Ralph is on leave taking up his review classes in Nursing) and paint the town red once again.

Speaking of painting, Prince of Silay Carlos Ruiz and the Silay United Group of Artists (SUGA) had their annual Masskara exhibit this time at the Sea Breeze Hotel.

This is one of Carlos' Masskara paintings,

which were all sold out after just a few hours of the opening.

Using another form of medium, Carlos made this unique, resin Masskara mounted on a portrait frame.

One very interesting piece is this single, continuous metal wire Masskara of Ian Valladarez.

We could not help but try on these Masskaras for ourselves.

Ahhh, the revelry of Masskara.

A time for the City of Smiles to once again show the world the creative power of the Negrense.

While enjoying the gastronomic feasts they have to offer.

There are also many pageants during the Masskara. One of them is Miss Teen Masskara held at the Gaisano City mall. Here is Paul Capulso awarding one of the prizes.

Was a kiss part of the prize? Or just another chance to kiss another pretty girl on stage.

Many local actors graced the Masskara festival. Here with Capitan Boom, Jon Avila.

And Kapuso stars Angelica de la Cruz and JC De Vera (who looks like Hari ng Negros 2003 Emman Labirua's long lost twin brother.)

The 2008 Princes in front of SM Bacolod.

With Nick Garbanzos, Prince of Bago City 2007

The SM Bacolod City Masskara exhibit and sale.

With Masskara Queen Angelique Robles.

Outside L'Fisher hotel with Andrew Briz, Prince of Toboso 2006.

Partying til the wee hours of the morning at MU SHU Bar on Lacson St. with DJ Reebok.

The Masskara is full of magic. Once it casts it spell on you, you would want to come back every year for more.

Proud to be a Negrense. Forever Hari ng Negros.

CELEBRATION BY THE SEA

Last week Silliman University in Dumaguete City celebrated its 107th Founders Day with a myriad of activities.

One of them is the annual search for Miss Silliman. This year the College of Mass Communications took the crown followed by the High School Department then the College of Education.

Silliman attracts the most colorful and unusual characters.

With a festive feeling in the air.

It was also a time to visit old friends. Here with Hari batchmates Mr. Dumaguete and Mr. Bindoy.

Here with Hari ng Negros 2005 director Carlo Bernaldez.

But the fun part of the week long celebration are the student booths and open air concerts.

With the Canlaon girls.

With the La Libertad girls and the Prince of Bayawan, Bindoy and Canlaon.

With the original Queen of Negros (Girlfriend of Emman)

The Prince of Canlaon doing his Mr. Bean impression.

In front of the booth of Zamboanga del Norte

Dahan, dahan...masakit kung biglaan...

Don't worry girls there is enough of me to go around. Just be careful around the family jewels.

Eat your heart out Prince of Bayawan.

This is not an endurance race but precision and stamina are essential.

Sorry Bayawan, but I was raised in the land of caves and cliffs, Mabinay.

After roaming the booth area, we trooped to the Cafe Florentina where we met Miss Silliman 1993 Arlene Delloso Uypitching and friend.

But the best part again of the celebration was the food tripping.

Proud to be a Negrense. Forever Hari ng Negros.