Megaworld opens MassKara-inspired plaza in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Property developer Megaworld has introduced Plaza de MassKara, its newest attraction inside the 34-hectare Upper East township, as a tribute to the MassKara Festival, one of the most recognizable symbols of the “City of Smiles.”

The company recently gave members of the media a preview of the 4,100-square-meter curated plaza in front of The Kingsford, which is expected to become Bacolod’s biggest hotel when it opens in November 2028.

Megaworld first vice president Harold Geronimo said the new public space was created to help further boost cultural tourism in the city.

Inspired by the world-renowned MassKara Festival, the plaza was designed as a destination for celebrations, art installations, community gatherings, and weekend markets.

“This is to make the people experience the colorful heritage of Bacolod all year round,” Geronimo said.

He added that the plaza is more than an open space because it strengthens tourism by celebrating the iconic festival that has defined the city for decades.

The MassKara Festival, first held in 1980, is known for its colorful masks, street dancing, and celebration of Bacolod’s resilience and identity as the “City of Smiles.”

Geronimo said the new landmark also reinforces The Upper East’s identity as a cultural tourism anchor for Bacolod.

“This plaza is our commitment to building places to explore, take photos, appreciate architecture, and experience the city’s arts, culture, and heritage in a modern and beautiful curated setting,” he added.

He said the plaza is not only meant for relaxation but also as a venue for performances, food stalls, caricatures, fur fiesta, and other activities.

Complementing Plaza de MassKara will be Reina de MassKara, a 16-foot MassKara Queen art sculpture that will be installed on the hotel’s podium facade and created by a local Negrense sculptor, according to Geronimo.

Geronimo also revealed that one of the plaza’s prominent design features is a central compass made from decorative tile blocks.

The compass showcases north and east directional markers that highlight the origins of the township’s name, The Upper East.

Visitors will be greeted by the Plaza de MassKara signage adorned with images of the iconic MassKara dancer.

Across the signage are two giant chessboards with movable pieces, allowing visitors to play and interact with the space.

The plaza also serves as an extended amenity for the township’s residents, office workers, visitors, and tourists, giving people a place to gather, dine, unwind, or enjoy the outdoors.

Dotted with benches and tables, the plaza features areas for leisure and relaxation, highlighted by five-meter-wide al fresco promenades on each side.

The promenades are lined with palm trees, creating shaded pedestrian corridors that encourage walkability and connect surrounding developments, including restaurants, cafés, and retail spaces.

The plaza will also feature a public comfort lounge with dedicated restrooms for men, women, and persons with disabilities.

Surrounding the plaza are the office towers No. 1 Upper East Avenue and No. 5 Upper East Avenue; the themed residential condominiums One Regis, with 12 stories, and Two Regis, with 14 stories; and the township’s main artery, Upper East Avenue.