By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez encouraged the public to enjoy the MassKara Festival, which officially started on Saturday with the “Grand Salubong” program at the Bacolod Government Center grounds.
“Let’s enjoy the MassKara Festival. We have many activities lined up for this year’s celebration,” he said.
An estimated 45,000 people gathered to witness the MassKara Grand Countdown Salubong despite the drizzle on Friday night, October 11, at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The celebration featured colorful dance performances, games, local bands, and the presentation of Miss Bacolod MassKara.
Popular pop-rock band December Avenue serenaded the jam-packed crowd, setting the tone for the annual celebration.
Benitez led the opening of the 45th MassKara Festival with dazzling performances from MassKara dancers and the Elektroika Divas.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica noted the festival drew a larger crowd this year due to the expanded festival site, which included a newly opened carnival at the Bacolod City Government Center area.
No untoward incidents were reported.
“We hope this month-long event will end peacefully and successfully. We are asking people to cooperate and remain vigilant while enjoying the festival,” he added.
Joining Benitez at the Grand Salubong were Congressman Greg Gasataya, Councilor Israel Salanga, Councilor Vladimir Gonzalez, Councilor Cindy Rojas, Councilor Simple Distrito, Councilor Celia Flor, Councilor Thaddy Sayson, Councilor Claudio Puentevella, Councilor Jason Villarosa, Liga ng mga Barangay President Lady Gles Pallen, and Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez.
Also present were Bacolod MassKara Festival Chairman Jojie Dingcong, President and Festival Director for Finance, Admin, Concerts, Events, and Fair Kuster Y. Cadagat, Secretary and Festival Director for Cultural and Accredited Events Jericho Redil, Treasurer and Festival Director for Good Governance, Finance, Procurement, and Admin, Food Committee Chairperson Ana Tison, and Tourism Officer Tere Manalili.
One innovation in this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant is the candidates showcasing various city government programs and projects under Mayor Benitez’s administration during the Festival Costume competition, held on Saturday at Ayala Malls.
The themes featured initiatives such as the Bacolod Museum, Bacolod Tree and Eco-park, Digitalization, the Bacolod City Government Center and Bacolod Public Plaza Fountain Project, Isugid kay Mayor, MassKara Coliseum, BacCHP (Bacolod Command Center), Old Bacolod City Hall and Legislative Building Project, Yuhum Housing Project, Bacolod City Health Complex, E-Jeep, Manokan Country Development Project, Skate Park and Multi-Purpose Building Project, and the Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Technology Hub.
The candidates who participated in the Festival Costume competition were Ella Gozon, Quennie Kuan, Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, Angelica Gwen Tenero, Princess Ella Olmilla, Jhudiel Micha Maris Lianda, Cindy Valencia, Bea Tricia De La Peña, Mary Heloise Ginson, Gesille Mae Sullivan, Gwyn Maricon Lopez, Jasmine Mahilum, Ed Marie Aguilar, Cailah Jhane Delarma, and Akeisha Nicole Nuarin.
The coronation night is set for October 19 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Another crowd-drawer during the weekend festivities was popular artist TJ Monterde.
An estimated 100,000 spectators gathered to witness Monterde’s performance, marking a record-breaking event during the ongoing MassKara Music Festival at the Bacolod City Government Center on Saturday, October 12, according to MassKara Festival publicity officer Meneil Lopez.
BCPO Director Coronica, who oversaw security, said the crowd surpassed numbers from the festival’s grand opening countdown.
“We ensure that the police are always on top of every situation. Our main goal is to end this festival successfully and safely,” Coronica said.
Secretary and Festival Director for Cultural and Accredited Events Kuster Y. Cadagat expressed joy over the turnout.
“The last two MassKara Festivals under Mayor Albee Benitez’s administration were astonishing and remarkable, but tonight, with the story of the event, we’ve made history in the making. It takes a leader like Mayor Benitez to bring about such a successful celebration. This could even be the best MassKara we’ve ever had, and we are excited to see what’s next,” he said.
Councilor Villarosa, who also attended, marveled at the large crowd. “I was stuck in traffic for almost 20 minutes, but seeing this overwhelming turnout shows how successful the MassKara Festival has become.”
The night became even more memorable when a couple took the spotlight during Monterde’s performance of “Palagi,” with a heartwarming proposal that touched the audience.
The festival continues with highly anticipated performances from SB19, Piolo Pascual, TJ with KZ Tandingan, Flow G, and Skusta Clee, among others.
This year’s MassKara Festival aims to leave a lasting mark on Bacolod’s cultural landscape, with more exciting activities ahead, Lopez said.
