THEMED “One Smile. One City. One Heart,” this year’s MassKara Festival—slated for October 1 to 19—was launched in a “bittersweet” moment at Roy’s Hotel & Convention Center in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, on Saturday, September 13.
Why bittersweet? Because the grand launching, filled with bursts of fun, excitement, and color, came just more than 30 hours after a tragic fire that gutted 216 houses and displaced 250 families in Barangay 27. The blaze raged from 12:09 a.m. to 3:10 a.m. on Friday, September 12.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Bacolod, the damage was pegged at P4.5 million, making it the city’s biggest fire in seven years since the 2018 Barangay Banago blaze, which also razed more than 200 homes.
That’s why Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya admitted he had no choice but to embrace a bittersweet moment, caught between two contrasting scenarios:
* The cheerful, vibrant, and joy-filled launching of the MassKara Festival 2025, the first under his months-old administration; and
* The grim reality of more than 800 individuals rendered homeless by Friday’s dawn inferno.
Relatable and pitiable indeed. But Greg stood resolute. He pointed out that, historically, the MassKara Festival was born out of two major crises in the 1980s.
First was the sinking of the Bacolod-based MV Don Juan off Mindoro waters on April 22, 1980. Some 18 people died, 115 went missing, while 745 survived. Second was the near-collapse of the sugar industry, which plunged Negros into widespread hunger, branding it the “sugar bowl” of the Philippines.
Thus, even with the September 12 tragedy that struck one of Bacolod’s smallest barangays—with only about 1,700 residents based on the 2020 census—the city had no choice but to push through with its much-anticipated, world-renowned MassKara Festival.
Greg assured that all concerned city government departments are working to assist the fire victims until their full recovery. He was also thankful for the private groups and individuals who extended food and non-food aid.
Inclusive and Grassroots
Rodney Mitz Ascalon, president and festival director of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. (Gugma), which leads this year’s MassKara Festival, promised a more vibrant and inclusive celebration.
“What’s unique in this year’s MassKara is that it will be inclusive and grassroots, making the festival more ‘feelable’ among the masa,” Ascalon said.
In short, all sectors of society—especially the vulnerable ones—will have their space in the 19-day festivities.
“Even persons with disability (PWDs), tricycle and sikad drivers, nanays, and vendors will have their own events to showcase,” Ascalon added.
True enough, MassKara is not just for tourists. It must also be for every Bacoleño, regardless of status in life. Giving the vulnerable sectors their space in the festival adds meaning that the common tao can easily relate to.
Entertainment Hub
Mayor Greg also envisions the Bacolod Public Plaza as an “entertainment hub” for the entire 19 days of festivities. This is his way of reclaiming the plaza’s legendary title in the 1980s as the world’s “Beer Garden” during the MassKara Festival.
Another highlight is the three-day MassKara street party with celebrity concerts along Lacson Street, the city’s tourism strip, on October 17, 18, and 19.
The Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant on October 12 is also among the most awaited events. Former MassKara queens—including the very first, crowned in 1981, Maria Cecile “Cissi” Villacin, a deaf-mute—will be paraded.
This year’s Electric MassKara Parade at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on October 17 is another must-see. It promises an electrifying spectacle with well-lit, giant floats dazzling audiences young and old.
On October 18 and 19, the two-day grand MassKara Street and Arena Dance Competition will feature the school and barangay categories, respectively.
Zero-Crime MassKara
Mayor Greg, working with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), also vowed a peaceful, zero-crime MassKara Festival.
Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, has already ordered checkpoints at all city entry and exit points starting September 12. He also warned motorists using vehicles, including motorcycles, without LTO-issued plates.
The mayor, however, is not inclined to impose signal jamming during the festival highlights from October 17 to 19.
Through the Years
MassKara has always been more than fun and joy—it symbolizes the unmatched resilience of Bacoleños in facing trials for the past 44 years.
Greg, coincidentally the city’s 44th mayor, is no stranger to Bacolod’s struggles and triumphs. He knows what works best for his kasimaryos in times of celebration.
And I agree with his logic: MassKara is not just about celebrity concerts and glamorous parties with high-end guests from Manila and abroad. Rather, it is for everyone—rich or poor—in Bacolod.
Hence, Greg’s perspective is right on point.
In sum, I wish him, and the city under his watch, the best of luck for next month’s MassKara Festival./PN
