BACOLOD City — To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors of the 46th MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Government, through the City Tourism Development Office (CTDO), has activated more than 30 Tourism Information Desks (TIDs) in key areas across the city.
The initiative, themed around Bacolod’s warm hospitality, aims to make assistance and information readily accessible to both local and foreign tourists throughout the festival, which culminates on October 19, 2025.
The TIDs are strategically placed in 25 hotels, four shopping malls, the BREDCO Port, and the Bacolod-Silay Airport — serving as help desks that provide event schedules, venue directions, tourism brochures, and travel information.
Manned by tourism personnel and trained student volunteers, the booths are designed to help festivalgoers easily navigate the city and enjoy the weeklong celebration with convenience.
“We want to bring assistance closer to where the people are,” said Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili, the city’s Chief Tourism Operations Officer. “The information desks ensure that tourists have easy access to reliable details about the festival and our attractions. It’s our way of promoting service excellence and accessibility.”
In keeping with Bacolod’s signature festive spirit, VIPs and arriving guests at the airport and seaport were greeted with leis, symbolizing the city’s smiles and local charm.
The TIDs will continue to serve visitors until the festival’s conclusion on October 19.
This year’s 19-day MassKara Festival will culminate with the Lacson Tourism Strip, a massive three-day street party on October 17–19, featuring five stages of live performances, DJ sets, and interactive cultural showcases.
On October 17, barangays will parade lighted floats for the Electric MassKara competition, followed by the school category of the MassKara Arena and Street Dance Competition on October 18, and the barangay category showdown on October 19, from the Paglaum Sports Complex to the Bacolod Public Plaza.
The city government said the activation of the TIDs demonstrates its strong commitment to tourism service excellence, ensuring that every visitor can truly experience why Bacolod remains the City of Smiles./PN
