Kara: A Mask Collection By Jojo Vito
One clear outcome of the Masskara Festival of Bacolod was the emergence of masks and mask makers from the time of its inception. Today, there are many kinds available in the market during festival time, a good number coming from China, but none of them could compare with those made by mask maker par excellence, Jojo Vito. Last October 15, I was very lucky to be invited to the opening of Kara, an exhibit of limited edition masks conceptualized by Jojo Vito and Anton Manso, Marketing Consultant of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery. The display is inspired by the theme of the 2012 Masskara Festival, “Celebrating the good Life in Bacolod”. Mayor Bing Leonardia with Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Masskara Chairman Mr. Eli Tajanlangit did the ribbon cutting. The exhibit is sponsored by of SM City Bacolod and located at it's North Wing main entrance until October 22, 2012.
Anton Manso, Jojo Vito and Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue |
All these beautiful and captivating masks had names, unfortunately I was not able to list them down. I suggested to Jojo that it is time that all his collections should be catalogued for easy reference. I was told that each of these masks is a representation of gaiety, glamour and the love for life
of every Bacolodnon. These were different from the usual designs made by Vito Mask and come in different
forms and purpose such as wall lamps, wall decors, wall clocks and table
tops. For the KARA collection, materials used were fiber glass, beads, fashion accessories and other
indigenous materials such as feathers, twigs, shells and stones. Vito Masks are all handmade and handpainted.
But Jojo Vito is more than his famous masks. He is a management consultant and a motivational speaker as well, plus he blogs too! As an artist entrepreneur, he also makes one of a kind furnitures, house furnishings, fashion accessories, special designed trophies and plaques. Don't just take my word for it, pay him a visit at his wonderful showroom in Metrodome at Corner Araneta-Alunan Avenue, Bacolod City. His products can also be found in both Negros Showrooms.
Website: http://jojovito.weebly.com/
Contact numbers: (034)435-1256/476-1529/433-5965
e-mail:vito.prints@yahoo.com / jovito_intraspec@yahoo.com
His mask creations are really beautiful. I'm sure they are well appreciated during the parades.
ReplyDeleteI saw Jojo featured on TV. I know this is bad but I wish I had his life. Haha. It must be a dream come true for him to be working on things he loves.
ReplyDeleteSayang, my vacation leave was not approved. I always wanted to witness the maskara festival, I will surely see this exhibit also if I am there =)
ReplyDeletenext year! see you then :)
DeleteThe Maskara Festival itself is a must see one. How much more if you see participants at the parade wearing these fascinating and very beautiful masks.
ReplyDeleteWow what a nice sets of mask! they look really cool :D
ReplyDeleteI've seen him and his great creations featured in a local TV program. All I can say is, he has such amazing talent, his works are really beautiful. Indeed not just for local but world-class.
ReplyDeleteThese masks are awesome! I'm sure many people would love this especially during the parades. I hope I could get one!
ReplyDeleteThese are one-of-a kind masks. Its good to know they are made by a Filipino.
ReplyDeleteNow I remember New Orleans' Mardi Gras.. masks and all! Happy Times!
ReplyDeleteTalented Jojo!
wow, amazing works of art. I used to be intrigued by mask, there is something to them that shows different emotions while hiding the real one inside. Great post and good to know that a name Jojo Vito is a man of a mask. LOL.
ReplyDeleteVery elaborate masks. They seem to be difficult to wear though... I wonder how heavy they are...
ReplyDeletethese masks are wall decors and not meant to be worn. The wearable masks are lighter altough, those used for the Masskara competition can be as heavy as 3 kilos each!
DeleteOne word to describe Mr. Jojo's work, "REMARKABLE!" Sure, I've seen some beautiful masks in my lifetime. But not as creative, vibrant and as innovative as Mr. Vito's creations. Truly shows craftmanship and dedication! I'm already a fan. :)
ReplyDeleteJojo Vito is a great artist indeed. This is a sign that another artist born. Very colorful! More power to you Jojo!
ReplyDeletewow beautiful designs. Love the purple mask. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mommyhopeful.info
These are great designs! The craftsmanship is of excellence. I guess, the price range of these masks depends on the size and materials used.
ReplyDeleteyep,some are expensive but considering the craftmanship and materials used, they are beautiful art pieces well worth your money.
Deletemake me proud i am a Filipino. we really have creative bloods running in our veins. rich culture and great talents.
ReplyDeleteI would really like some of those as condo decor! I have a couple of smaller mask from Masskara (but not authentic from Bacolod) and they add a 'flair' to my place.
ReplyDelete- jsncruz
when you come to Bacolod, you can visit his showroom...or order on-line ;)
Deleteit truly is an awesome collection. how long it took to make all those?
ReplyDeletehe has artisans making these using his molds and designs, all are handmade. He needs some lead time for special orders.
Deletewow! colorful and interesting designs. I'm awed by how he showed through his art the characteristics of the people of Bacolod.
ReplyDeletethose are all lovely mask creations :)
ReplyDelete