By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Barangay 19 emerged as the winner of Electric MassKara and Elektrika Diva in this year’s MassKara Festival here on Saturday, October 21.
The barangay led by captain Kim Piramo bested 10 other villages during the parade and dance competition at Megaworld’s The Upper East towards the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
Barangay 19 took home P300,000 cash prize.
The group was choreographed by Philip Lui Deocadiz, while the electric float was designed by Michael Victor Joaquin.
Aside from that, Noreen Palermo, who also represented the barangay, was hailed as the first Elektrika Diva. She received a P75,000 cash prize, and P30,000 from Pocari Sweat.
Deocadiz said that they were very happy with the outcome despite all the uncertainties and challenges they faced before and during the event.
“On behalf of the team, we are very grateful for all the support Barangay 19 has given us,” he added.
The first runner-up was Barangay 17, which was last year’s champion in the Electric MassKara Float and Dance-off competition. The second runner-up this year was Barangay 12.
Other villages that joined the Electric MassKara were Barangays Singcang-Airport, 32, 25, 18, 14, 24, 5, and Bata.
Judges in the competition were Dr. Steve Mark Gan, chairman and chief executive officer of GAOC Group of Companies, Sheila Romero, chairperson of Globalport Terminals Inc., Harold Geronimo, vice president and head of public relations and media affairs of Megaworld, Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, who is also the vice-chairperson of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Marga Nograles, chief operating officer at the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, and PLDT Home Special Guest and Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishna Gravidez.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also graced the event.
The competition was part of the week-long highlights of the 44th MassKara Festival here which concluded on October 22.
The crowd estimate was pegged at 22,000, according to the Bacolod City Police Office.
