The MassKara Festival in the Philippines is an endless stream of color, music, and smiling faces. The multitudes◆ of masks are joyful, lively, and just a bit over the top. __1__ its cheerful appearance, the annual event actually arose from tragedy. Nearly 40 years ago, the Negros Occidental province◆ was struggling. The price for its primary agricultural◆ crop—sugar cane◆—was at an all-time low. Two artists wanted to advertise mask-making as the region’s new livelihood◆. In order to __2__ this idea, a festival of masks was planned. A few months before the celebration was scheduled to take place, a ferry◆ heading to Bacolod, the province’s capital city, collided with a tanker◆ and sank. More than 100 people were listed as dead or missing after the accident, and many of the __3__ were from the Negros Occidental area. In light of this tragedy, organizers were prepared to call off the event. However, the government decided to __4__ with the festival and use it to show people that the region could triumph over disaster. Today, MassKara is one of the country’s largest tourist attractions◆. In October, Bacolod becomes “The City of Smiles.” Performers dance through the streets wearing elaborately __5__ masks. Events held during the month-long celebration include a beauty pageant◆, street party, parade, and numerous contests for choreography◆, singing, and dancing. In this corner of the Philippines, you will find a festival that truly honors living life to its fullest. 1. (A) Through (B) Given (C) Except (D) Despite 2. (A) promote (B) install (C) demand (D) approve 3. (A) bullies (B) losers (C) victims (D) patriots 4. (A) get along (B) put aside (C) come across (D) go ahead 5. (A) decorating (B) decorated (C) to decorate (D) being decorated (上)(下)圖片來源:Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com |