Barangays 39, 29 Win Big at MassKara Parade

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival lit up with dazzling lights and pulsating beats during the Elektroika Diva and Float Parade on a drizzly Saturday evening at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).

Glittering costumes and vibrant floats illuminated the streets as the parade moved from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the BCGC grounds.

Nikka Marie Peñol of Barangay 39 was crowned this year’s MassKara Festival Elektroika Diva. Peñol took home a PHP 75,000 cash prize. Ashley Nicole Belnas of Barangay 29 and Althea Judema of Barangay Pahanocoy were named first and second runners-up, winning PHP 30,000 and PHP 25,000, respectively.

Barangay 29 also claimed victory in the Electric Float competition. Their Saphirrus-inspired float was designed by Jovic Gordillo and John Joseph Suarnaba.

“I’m speechless. It was unexpected because we had many struggles before the competition, especially with the heavy rains that almost hindered all our preparations,” said Barangay 29 Punong Barangay Leonard Pascua.

Barangay 29 received a PHP 300,000 cash prize, while Barangay Pahanocoy and Barangay 17 were named first and second runners-up, receiving PHP 200,000 and PHP 150,000, respectively.

The panel of judges included Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Kristina Ponce Enrile, Demi Padua, Dr. Mark Gan, Tina Cuevas, Kelly Prehn, Rhiza Pascua, Bey Pascua, Derek Flores, Stanley Ng, Cleofe Abiso, and Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President and CEO of GMA Films and President of GMA Worldwide.