Mayor assures transparency in MassKara Festival

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has assured the public that all activities in this year’s MassKara Festival, especially financial matters, will be carried out with full transparency.

Gasataya thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for approving his authority to sign the contract on behalf of the city government with festival organizer Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc.

He said the city’s participation in the festival will be highlighted and maximized, with all SP members actively involved.

“The MassKara Festival kicks off on Oct. 1, with the main highlights happening from Oct. 17 to 19,” he added.

In a new twist this year, organizers are introducing a post-festival celebration on Oct. 26 dubbed the “Grand After Party,” featuring live entertainment, DJs, performances, and a festive community atmosphere.

“The rationale is simple,” Gasataya said, explaining that the after-party is the city’s way of giving thanks to everyone who joined and supported the celebration.

He said many might feel unsatisfied after MassKara ends, so the city will offer a “chill moment” for entertainment and celebrate the success of the festival on Oct. 26.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., in a statement, accepted the challenge set by Gasataya and the SP to manage festival resources prudently and ensure the event is felt meaningfully at the grassroots level, especially in the barangays and underserved communities.

The organizer said the shift in schedule not only improves the festival experience for locals and tourists but also benefits vendors and community entrepreneurs who rely on MassKara for their livelihood.

This year’s MassKara Festival will also spotlight inclusivity and representation, with events that highlight contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, youth, and the vibrant artists’ sector whose creativity and cultural expression bring MassKara to life.

Festival Director Rodney Ascalon emphasized the importance of expanding the celebration’s reach.

“MassKara has always been about unity in joy,” he said.

“This year, we are making a stronger effort to ensure that every sector is seen and celebrated.”

Last week, Gasataya also announced the return of the Street and Arena Dance Competition among students, marking its comeback after a five-year hiatus, last held in 2019.

Meanwhile, the search for the next Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 has officially begun, aiming to crown a young woman who best represents the ideals of the MassKara Festival—joy, resilience, and pride in Bacolodnon heritage.

The pageant is open to women aged 18 to 25, at least 5’5” in height, single, and a resident of Bacolod City or with Bacolodnon roots up to the third degree.

Applicants must be at least a high school graduate and must not have participated in major national or international beauty pageants.

Last year’s winner, Princess Ella Olia of Barangay Mansilingan, was crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024.

She was joined by Akeisha Nicole Nuarin as first runner-up and Cindy Valencia as second runner-up.

All three have since remained active in representing Bacolod in civic and cultural events.

The search is also officially on for the next Mr. and Ms. Teen MassKara 2025.

This year’s edition promises to be more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of self-expression, transformation, and advocacy.

The pageant will be spearheaded by EXZD Productions and co-presented by SM City Bacolod.

It is open to teens aged 14 to 18, with a minimum height of 5’3″ for females and 5’5” for males.

All candidates must possess good moral character.