BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) will mount 28 sporting events as part of the MassKara Festival 2025 this October.
The city’s annual celebration officially opens on October 1, highlighted by the three-day Electric MassKara, along with the school and barangay categories of the much-awaited streetdance and arena competition.
A major side event, the MassKaralympics 2025, will showcase sporting competitions featuring barangay athletes, local players, and national icons. Billed as a “festival within the festival,” it includes the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Volleyball Cup, the 4th MassKara Tchoukball Tournament, the MassKaRun, Bike, and Zumba, the 1st MassKara Pickleball Tournament, and the 1st MassKara 3×3 Basketball Tournament.
Among its top attractions are the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Football Cup, the 1st MassKara Volleyball Cup, and the highly anticipated “Legends Rise: MassKara Gugma All-Star Exhibition Game,” featuring basketball greats from the Gilas Pilipinas Legends lineup.
Fans can look forward to seeing celebrated names such as Marc Pingris, Dondon Hontiveros, Gary David, Jeff Chan, Arwind Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo, Cyrus Baguio, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, and Asi Taulava.
Adding more excitement are the BMX and Skateboard Competitions, showcasing rising talents like Motic Panugalinog and Guetler Mariano, as well as the City of Smiles International Marathon.
Competitions will be staged across key venues including the USLS Coliseum, Montalbo Gym, Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bacolod Skate Park, and the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.
Festival Director Rodney Ascalon emphasized that the MassKaralympics highlights Bacolod’s passion for sports and inclusivity.
“It’s not just about competition; it’s about celebrating community, unity, and the enduring Bacolodnon spirit of resilience and joy,” Ascalon said.
MassKaralympics Sports Director Jose David Diaz said they are targeting at least 8,500 participants across the various events, making this year’s edition one of the biggest sporting spectacles of the festival./PN
