BACOLOD City — The Barangay Tangub dancers, reigning champions of the 2025 MassKara Festival street dance competition, are set to bring Bacolod’s signature smiles and vibrant energy to the international stage as they perform tonight, February 17, at the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong.
Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go said the MassKara Festival delegation arrived in Hong Kong on February 16 in preparation for the highly anticipated parade, one of the key highlights of the Chinese New Year celebrations in the global financial hub.
The group will showcase their colorful costumes and dynamic choreography during the grand parade in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Organized with the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the parade will run from 8 p.m. onwards, with street performances beginning as early as 6 p.m. The parade route starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and passes through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, ending outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.
Bacolod’s participation highlights the growing global recognition of the MassKara Festival and strengthens cultural ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong.
Go confirmed that the delegation is composed of the Barangay Tangub dancers, accompanied by barangay and city officials. “The group departed on February 16 and is scheduled to perform the MassKara dance this evening, February 17,” he added.
The dancers will remain in Hong Kong until February 20. However, Councilors Homer Bais, Em Ang, and Jason Villarosa, who also joined the delegation, are expected to return earlier on February 18 to attend the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya is planning to travel to Hong Kong to show support for the performers but is still awaiting travel clearance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Go disclosed.
Prior to their Hong Kong engagement, the Barangay Tangub dancers were also invited to perform during the 2026 edition of the Sinulog Festival on January 18 at Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City.
With back-to-back appearances in major festivals abroad and in the country, Bacolod’s MassKara champions continue to elevate the city’s reputation as the “City of Smiles,” proudly sharing its culture, color, and festive spirit with audiences around the world./PN
