Bacolod Local Customs

Quite often, after the big Masskara festival parade and the competition, to earn a bit of cash, some young people go around and try to sell the masks or headdresses they used for the festival. They commonly approach tourists (foreign and visitors from Manila) and try to convince them to buy the things. It's very difficult to turn down an offer, as these headdresses are usually very elaborate, very creatively done -- impressive really and quite cheap (we were asked the equivalent of around 20 USD by one man). What usually prevents the would-be buyer is the inconvenience of transporting them without ruining anything.

I don't think there is anything wrong in this, and that it is a tourist trap. Most of these parade participants come from the poorer districts, students, and young people. I'm not so sure though if the organizations (they parade as an organization or group) they belong in allow this, as they may have an obligation to return the masks after.