By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez stated that he is always ready to use his personal funds to ensure the success of this year’s MassKara Festival.
Benitez made this remark in response to media queries about whether he is optimistic that he will no longer need to cover the festival’s expenses, as he did in the past two years.
“I don’t know,” he said with a laugh. However, he added, “You know, it’s always necessary to make the MassKara Festival more beautiful.”
“I really don’t mind supporting the festival,” he further said.
When asked if he is prepared to use his personal funds again for the MassKara Festival, Benitez quipped, “Always.”
He explained that “for every festival, it’s hard to predict the exact revenue, but you have to commit to the expenses for venues. Most sponsors don’t provide funds in advance, so you can never predict how many sponsors will contribute.”
“My instruction all the time is to make it better than before,” Benitez said when asked about his marching orders to the Yuhum Foundation, which will be handling the festivities for the third consecutive year.
“Our goal is to outdo the previous celebration and make it better compared to last year,” he added.
The mayor also mentioned that the city has been receiving more interest from several sponsors, including some who did not participate last year.
In fact, he said he was approached by a foreigner who proposed to livestream the MassKara festivities internationally.
International entertainment is also expected this year, Benitez noted.
“We’re not only expanding the platform of MassKara on social media but on all platforms,” he added.
“With the interest that is coming in, making us feel that more want to participate, I think this year will be a bigger MassKara,” Benitez said.
He also revealed that the city government has allocated ₱11 million for this year’s MassKara Festival, the same as last year.
Regarding the First Family’s involvement, Benitez mentioned that there is always an open and standing invitation for them to attend the festivities.
He reiterated, “Every year, we look for ways to make it better than last year. In 2024, we are starting to bring in international entertainment.”
“We are starting to create awareness among our international communities. Hopefully, tourists will come not just from the local area but internationally. Can you just imagine if the MassKara event becomes the most sought-after festival in the world?”
“What’s wrong with aiming for that? Our MassKara Dance is world-class. When people see it, they are amazed and happy,” Benitez said.
Benitez led city officials in attending the Yuhum Foundation Sponsors Presentation and Press Conference held Saturday at the L’Fisher Hotel, along with the foundation’s officials headed by Catherine Matiling.
