THE STREETS and arenas of Bacolod City are set to come alive as schools and barangays prepare to showcase their creativity, energy, and pride in the much-anticipated MassKara Festival 2025 arena and street dance competitions.
For the first time since 2016, public elementary schools officially returned to the MassKara Festival spotlight with the Mask and Costume Display Competition, held on October 3 at SM City Bacolod. Seven schools — Don Rodolfo A. Medel Sr., Rizal, Andres Bonifacio II, Asuncion L. Lizares, Estefania, ETCS, and Paglaum Village Elementary School — participated, presenting handcrafted masks and vibrant costumes inspired by Bacolod’s iconic “smiling face.”
Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the return of the schools category after nearly a decade is a significant milestone for MassKara.
“This is how MassKara began — through community and creativity,” Ascalon said. “It’s exciting to see the youth back in the festival, and they’re bringing incredible energy.”
The display, open at the West Wing Bridge of SM City Bacolod throughout the festival, highlights student collaboration, with guidance from teachers and families, blending culture, imagination, and school spirit. Ascalon expressed excitement for the upcoming arena and street dance competitions, anticipating that the young performers will shine on a bigger stage.
Meanwhile, ten barangays unveiled their official costumes on October 7 at Robinsons Place Bacolod, giving festival-goers a glimpse of the vibrant artistry and community pride they will bring to the arena and streets. The participating barangays include 6, 7, 11, 13, 21, 29, 39, Bata, Handumanan, and Tangub. Each group’s colorful, handcrafted designs reflect their culture, creativity, and identity, setting the stage for one of the festival’s most anticipated events.
This year, festival-goers can expect a new twist in the competition format. On October 18 and 19, participating groups will first perform their arena dances at the Paglaum Sports Complex before proceeding with the street dance toward the Bacolod Public Plaza, creating a spectacular procession that combines artistry, choreography, and city-wide celebration.
As excitement builds, both students and barangay performers are preparing to bring joy, color, and energy to the streets, continuing MassKara’s tradition of uniting communities through creativity, culture, and the city’s signature smiles./PN
