MassKara Festival 2025 highlights Bacolod pride, culture

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya said the MassKara Festival 2025 is not just a celebration but also a showcase of Bacolod City and its people, as he expressed full support for the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, which is organizing this year’s festivities.

“We are already showcasing kon sin-o kag ano ang taga-Bacolod,” he said.

“By having this group, organizers and those in the corporate world can see that, ah ok, taga-Bacolod gid ni sila.”

Gasataya said this is the reason they encouraged and called on all Bacolodnons to take part in MassKara 2025.

He added that the foundation behind this year’s festival has long been active in various fields but has not previously been given the opportunity to lead a world-class event.

“I fully support them 100 percent,” the mayor said.

“That is why sometimes even the nitty gritty is being discussed because we don’t want to miss anything—because we are showcasing Bacolod.”

Gasataya led the official festival launch along with Bacolod Gugma Foundation chairperson and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon, Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, city councilors, and representatives from various sectors.

The festival’s official theme and music, “One City, One Smile, One Heart,” were also unveiled during the launch.

Asked what the public can expect, Gasataya said the launch is already a glimpse of what’s to come.

“We know everyone is excited, na-hyped up na ang tanan,” he said.

“This launching is just the tip of the iceberg of the MassKara 2025.”

Ascalon said the mayor has been very hands-on with the preparations, even helping shape the festival’s theme and logo to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

On the issue of ongoing drainage work around the Bacolod public plaza, Gasataya assured residents that the project will be completed in time for the festival.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways has committed to fast-track the work to prevent flooding, which has occurred in past years.

Gasataya said the Bacolod public plaza will once again serve as a major entertainment hub during the festival.

He confirmed that the finale of the MassKara Streetdance and Arena Competition will be held at the plaza, reminiscent of the event’s early years.