Mayor says MassKara 2023 may surpass last year’s earnings

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said this year’s MassKara Festival may surpass the earnings in 2022.

In a press conference on Monday, Benitez said he was informed that receipted business transactions from Day 1 of the festivities already totaled P2.8 billion.

The target revenue in 2022 was P5 billion.

“With the way things are going, we may even surpass that of last year,” Benitez said.

Benitez said that he was informed that all hotels in the city are already 100 percent booked, including B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast).

He also said the tourist arrival target seems to have been met.

Benitez said he is happy to see that both local and foreign tourists are enjoying the festivities especially the concert of entertainers with the likes of Taylor Sheesh.

“I am happy to see that everyone is enjoying,” he added.

Benitez also said that the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, the police, and concerned city government offices like the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office and the Public Order and Safety Office met to ensure that the remaining activities lined gearing to the highlight will take place without hitches.

The highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition slated this weekend where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos are expected to attend.

“At least pagkatapos sini, makatulog na ko,” Benitez said.