Bacolod unveils MassKara 2026 plans, twin logo

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government gave the public a glimpse of what to expect from the 47th MassKara Festival, set for Oct. 1–18, including a new venue for the arena dance competition and the festival’s first twin-logo concept.

Dubbed “First Peek,” the launch of the city’s biggest festival, themed “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma,” was led by Mayor Greg Gasataya at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center on Friday.

Gasataya thanked corporate partners, members of the creative community, artists, festival stakeholders, and organizers for their support and acknowledged their role in making the celebration successful.

“We assure you that whatever support you extend in this year’s festival, whatever commitment we have, we will deliver,” Gasataya said during the event.

Gasataya also recognized the dedication of barangay officials and schools in showcasing Bacolod amid current challenges.

“You are there to support the festival. This is also for all of you,” he said.

Gasataya said it was fitting to give their best for this year’s festival because every celebration allows Bacolodnons to showcase not only their appreciation but also their resilience.

“We are excited for this year’s MassKara Festival. This is not just for the tourists who come to Bacolod, but this is the city’s way of showing talents, warmth, hospitality, and much more love for the Filipinos and foreigners who are visiting the city,” Gasataya said.

Bacolod Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Alfredo “Albee” Benitez also emphasized the importance of the annual celebration in the City of Smiles.

Benitez said the festival brings economic activity and progress each year through the influx of tourists who visit Bacolod to witness the celebration.

“This is an opportunity to showcase our development and to show that Bacolod is a place that anyone can go to,” he added.

Festival Director and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. President Rodney Ascalon, now in his second year at the helm of MassKara, said the 2026 celebration seeks to strengthen the festival’s identity while creating more opportunities for communities and various sectors to participate.

“MassKara is more than a festival; it is a feeling, it is our identity, and it is our way of sharing who we are,” Ascalon said during the launch.

He said this year’s theme forms part of the festival’s Gugma Agenda and its aspiration for a “MassKara for All,” in line with the vision of the current administration.

Ascalon said the festival is designed to create a place for everyone, including drivers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, athletes, artists, youth, volunteers, and animal advocates.

“MassKara should not only be watched; it should be experienced, it should be shared, and it should belong to everyone,” he said.

During the launch, organizers unveiled the MassKara Festival 2026 logo, introducing a twin-logo concept featuring To Max and Day Kara as two visual faces reflecting the festival’s evolving identity.

The twin logo was created by Mark Lester Jarmin, a Bacolod artist recognized for his work in digital art and his contribution to the visual identity of local culture and celebrations.

Jarmin’s work adds another layer to this year’s MassKara identity by bringing together digital artistry, local culture, and the festival’s continuing evolution while maintaining the recognizable spirit of the City of Smiles.

Organizers said the twin-logo concept is envisioned to become more visible across platforms, spaces, and experiences associated with MassKara.

The launch also unveiled the official MassKara Festival 2026 theme song, produced and arranged by local musicians and artists, and formally introduced the 15 Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 candidates.

Organizers also presented the initial lineup of major events, competitions, entertainment programs, cultural activities, sports events, community initiatives, and other experiences that will form part of this year’s MassKara season.

One of the major announcements during the launch was the new home of the MassKara Arena Dance Competition at the Reclamation Area between the bridgeways of SM City Bacolod.

The new venue will host the school and barangay categories on Oct. 17 and 18, respectively, bringing the competition closer to the public while providing a new setting for one of the festival’s signature showcases of dance, artistry, and community pride.

Eight barangays will compete in the barangay category: Barangay 6, Barangay 10, Barangay 13, Barangay Alangilan, Barangay Bata, Barangay Mandalagan, Barangay Handumanan, and Barangay Taculing.

The school category will feature Montevista Elementary School, Sum-ag Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School, Vista Alegre Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School 1, and Education Training Center School II.

Seven barangays will take part in the Electric MassKara Festival 2026: Barangay 12, Barangay 17, Barangay 19, Barangay 21, Barangay 14, Barangay Villamonte, and Barangay Tangub.

Ascalon said moving the competition to a new location does not change the essence of MassKara because the festival carries its spirit wherever it goes.

“Wherever we bring MassKara, we bring its heart,” Ascalon said.

“MassKara is where the heart is, and the heart of MassKara is Bacolod.”

MassKara traces its roots to the early 1980s, when Bacolod faced the sugar industry crisis and the aftermath of the sinking of the M/V Don Juan, with the festival emerging as a symbol of resilience that helped cement the city’s identity as the City of Smiles.