BACOLOD City – This city, also known as the “City of Smiles”, is set to celebrate a grander MassKara Festival this year.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez expressed ambitions to enhance the festival’s scale compared to previous years, fueled by increased interest from sponsors and participants.
“Our goal each MassKara is to make it more spectacular than the last. Given the growing enthusiasm and the commitments we’re receiving, I believe this year’s festival will be notably larger,” he said during a press event at L’Fisher Hotel on Saturday, following the unveiling of the festival’s 2024 theme, logo, and schedule of events.
MassKara Festival is scheduled to run from October 11 to 27, with expectations to engage at least eight barangays in the street dance and arena competition, promising a vibrant showcase of local culture and community spirit.
The festival is attracting more sponsors, including some that were absent in the past two years. One notable addition this year will be the participation of a foreign national who intends to livestream the event globally and introduce international artists to the festivities.
To reach a wider audience, Mayor Benitez bared plans to broaden the festival’s platform to include television, social media, and other digital platforms.
“We aim to bring the joy of MassKara to everyone, allowing those who haven’t experienced it to get a sense of our vibrant celebration,” he said.
The 2024 MassKara Festival, themed “Sapphire Celebration”, promises an array of activities and performances, with the newly unveiled logo emphasizing sustainable development.
The logo was designed by Myish Endonila.
The festival’s organization continues under the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), which has been managing the event since 2022. Despite facing financial challenges, including an income deficit attributed to the foundation, Mayor Benitez has personally addressed some of the organization’s financial shortfalls.
Jericho Redil, a board director and finance head of BYFI, affirmed the foundation’s commitment to community benefit.
“We are a non-profit organization, and all proceeds are reinvested into the community. The mayor has been instrumental in ensuring that the festival not only proceeds smoothly but also serves the broader interests of Bacolod’s residents,” he said./PN
