By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY—The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, now in its third year managing the MassKara Festival, promised a grander and bigger celebration in 2024.
The foundation, led by President Katherine Matiling, Corporate Secretary Kuster Cadagat, Corporate Treasurer Jericho Redil, Head of Finance and Food Committee Chair Ana Tison, and Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon, recently launched this year’s festivities alongside Bacolod City officials, headed by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, at the L’ Fisher Hotel.
Ascalon announced that the 45th MassKara Festival, themed the Sapphire MassKara Festival, will officially begin on October 11, 2024, with a Grand Salubong.
This year’s celebration will feature slight changes compared to last year, including moving the highlight events to the last week of October instead of the third week.
Redil addressed concerns about the possibility of another deficit, as seen in the past two years.
He emphasized that the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation is a non-profit organization and that “What we raise, we give back to the people. The bottom line is that the people of Bacolod will enjoy the festivities.”
Cadagat added that this year’s logo closely resembles last year’s but with a few new elements.
He explained that Bacolod City, with its rich culture and resilient spirit, is now entering a new chapter under the leadership of Mayor Benitez, who aims to elevate the city while maintaining sustainability.
“The MassKara Festival serves as a platform for the mayor’s vision of transformative change, showcasing the city’s evolution and inspiring its people,” Cadagat said.
“We took the challenge to lead the MassKara Festival as a platform for promoting conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainability.”
The newly unveiled logo continues the theme of wildlife conservation, blending the festival’s vibrant spirit with a message about protecting Negros’ unique biodiversity.
Building on last year’s design featuring the critically endangered Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher, the 2024 logo introduces eight new elements representing Negros’ vulnerable and critically endangered flora and fauna.
“MassKara is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to create positive change,” Cadagat added.
“The logo design by Myish sets a new standard, branding the festival with a focus on wildlife conservation. We hope to ignite a passion for protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future.”
Earlier, Mayor Benitez expressed his readiness to use personal funds again, if necessary, to ensure the festival’s success, as he has done in the past two years to cover deficits.
