BACOLOD City — All is set for the official launch of the MassKara Festival 2026 on Friday, September 11, as Bacolod City prepares to unveil the major activities and attractions for its much-anticipated October celebration.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the launch will give the public its first comprehensive look at this year’s MassKara lineup.
“Preparations have been ongoing for several months, and we are now ready for the launch, where we will announce the activities for this year’s celebration,” Gasataya said.
He acknowledged the challenges encountered during last year’s festival but said the city succeeded in bringing back MassKara and providing opportunities for various sectors of the community to participate.
Gasataya said the city expects a similar level of participation this year, with innovations introduced in some of the festival activities.
The MassKara Festival 2026 launch, dubbed the “FIRST PEEK,” will be held at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center in Bacolod City.
According to the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), this year’s festival organizer, registration and cocktails will start at 9 a.m., followed by the formal program at 10 a.m.
The event will bring together city officials, corporate partners, artists, members of the creative community, festival stakeholders and other guests.
Festival Director and BGFI President Rodney Ascalon will lead the presentation of the festival’s major components, including the unveiling of the official MassKara Festival 2026 logo featuring a new twin-logo concept.
The official festival theme song, produced and arranged by local musicians and artists, will also be unveiled, along with the formal introduction of the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 candidates.
Organizers are also expected to announce the initial lineup of major competitions, entertainment programs, cultural activities, sports events, community initiatives and other attractions for the 18-day festival scheduled from October 1 to 18.
Ascalon said he accepted Gasataya’s challenge to make this year’s celebration a “MassKara For All,” emphasizing greater participation among Bacolodnons and visitors.
One of the major announcements during the launch will be the new venue for the MassKara Arena Dance Competition.
Organizers earlier assessed that the Paglaum Sports Complex is currently unsuitable for a production of the Arena’s scale, while the Bacolod City Public Plaza remains under renovation.
The 2026 festival carries the theme “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma,” which organizers said reflects resilience, friendship, family, community, generosity and love.
Gasataya said the city looks forward to a MassKara celebration that preserves the festival’s traditions while creating new opportunities and experiences for the community.
The festival will feature a wide range of cultural, entertainment, sports, food, music, dance, pageantry and community activities across Bacolod City, according to BGFI.
The September 11 launch will officially open the countdown to the October festivities, giving the public its first major glimpse of what organizers expect to be a more innovative and inclusive MassKara Festival./PN
