MassKara streetdance finale returns to Bacolod public plaza

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The finale of this year’s MassKara Streetdance Competition will return to the Bacolod City Public Plaza, where the iconic festival first began decades ago.

Christopher Mallo, head of Food Kiosks Operations Management for the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., said in a press conference Tuesday that the event will no longer be held at the Pagla-um Sports Complex, where it has been staged in recent years.

He said the foundation aims to revive the MassKara spirit at the public plaza and transform the area into a vibrant center of celebration.

For the 19-day festival, daily events and activities are scheduled for all to enjoy.

Joining Mallo at the press conference were Raymund Garcia, site director of the Lacson Tourism Strip; Lady Leih Lambayong, site secretariat; and Lian Inumerable, PR director and media relations head of Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the official festival organizer.

The foundation is chaired by Rodney Mitz Ascalon.

Mallo said a pre-selling orientation was conducted Saturday to brief applicants interested in operating food kiosks at the Bacolod City Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

The orientation clarified guidelines, procedures and expectations, while allowing open dialogue with prospective kiosk operators.

“This initiative is part of our collective aspiration to breathe new life into the public plaza — transforming it into a vibrant hub of activity not only during the day but also at night,” Mallo said.

He added that beyond the traditional nightly band performances, the goal is to create a dynamic space where food, culture, entertainment and community engagement intersect.

“By diversifying activities and experiences, we aim to make the plaza a true gathering place for Bacolodnons and visitors alike,” he said.

Mallo added that opening the plaza and government center grounds to food kiosks not only fosters business opportunities but also promotes a stronger entrepreneurial spirit in the community.

A daily sales monitoring system will be implemented to ensure accountability and track performance in real time.

“By the end of the season, we will have quantifiable data to assess impact,” he said.

He also assured that provisions for restrooms, waste management and overall cleanliness will be prioritized to provide a safe and welcoming environment for both vendors and the public.

“We want to assure everyone that the experience at the plaza and government center grounds will be enjoyable, convenient and family-friendly,” Mallo said.