MassKara Festival opening draws 50,000 in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The 46th MassKara Festival simultaneously kicked off on Oct. 1, with an estimated 50,000 people filling the Bacolod City Government Center grounds and another 1,500 gathering at the public plaza, according to Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office.

This year’s festivities carry the theme “One Smile, One Heart, One City” and will run until Oct. 19.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the grand opening at the BCGC grounds, accompanied by several councilors, followed by a fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

Joining the mayor at the BCGC opening were Councilors Celia Flor, Bobby Rojas, Pao Sy, Homer Bais and Jason Villarosa.

At the public plaza, the program was led by Acting City Vice Mayor Caesar Distrito together with Councilors Israel Salanga and Em Ang and Association of Barangay Captains President Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen.

Before the festivities began, Gasataya led a moment of silence and prayer for those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu and impacted parts of Negros Island on the evening of Sept. 30.

Gasataya emphasized that this year’s MassKara is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Bacolodnons, especially in light of recent challenges including the Sept. 12 fire in Barangay 27 that left more than 200 residents homeless.

“This festival is a celebration of the resilience of Bacolodnons. We dedicate this to the people, as a way of giving back the love and strength they continue to show,” the mayor said.

Entertainment acts highlighted the opening day, with performances from Elias J. TV Band, Silent Sanctuary and celebrities Ara Mina and Paul Salas at the BCGC, while local band Repakol entertained the crowd at the public plaza.

They were joined by a lineup of local artists, barangay-based dancers and performers representing various sectoral, sports and cultural events.

Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon described the opening as a powerful symbol of the city’s spirit of resilience and unity.

“MassKara has always been about hope, joy, and gugma. This year, we open not just with music and lights, but with a promise—that Bacolod will always rise stronger, together,” Ascalon said in a statement.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., which partners with the city government, is giving “a MassKara for All” by ensuring that sectoral groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly are given space and visibility in the festivities.

MassKara began in 1980 as a community-led response to economic hardship and tragedy, and the annual celebration has since grown into one of the Philippines’ most popular festivals known for smiling masks, street dancing and large-scale concerts.