5th BaCon Pop Draws 10,000 at MassKara Festival

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – More than 2,000 cosplayers participated in the 5th Bacolod Convention on Pop Culture (BaCon Pop), which attracted nearly 10,000 attendees during the MassKara Festival at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Oct. 19 and 20.

BaCon Pop founder and Silay City Councilor Ryan Gamboa expressed excitement over the massive turnout of participants and spectators, who enjoyed contests, games, Market Street, Artists Alley, and various displays.

“I’d say this is our biggest turnout since we started. Our tickets sold out, and the venue was packed,” Gamboa said.

The event provides Negrense fans, especially children, with an opportunity to express their passion for cosplay, anime, manga, and pop culture fusion.

Now in its fifth year, the biggest pop culture event of 2024 featured renowned cosplayers Myrtle Sarrosa and Prince de Guzman, along with digital creator AWIE.

Visitors also came from Manila, Davao, Cebu, and other regions. “Some flew in, while others took long bus rides just to join us in cosplaying,” Gamboa shared.

Founded in 2018, BaCon Pop has grown into a platform for enthusiasts to showcase the thriving pop culture scene in Bacolod City.

The event has become iconic for fans of all ages and is now a major highlight of the annual MassKara Festival. (BYF photos)