BACOLOD City – Even as Bacolod grapples with fires, floods, and tremors, MassKara Festival 2025 has emerged as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience, rallying Bacolodnons under its theme, “One Smile, One City, One Heart.”
Organized by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) in partnership with the city government under Mayor Greg Gasataya, this year’s 46th edition transcends mere celebration — serving as both a balm for recent hardships and a testament to the city’s enduring optimism.
BGFI president and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the festival’s message mirrors Bacolod’s collective spirit. “One Smile” embodies the Bacolodnons’ unwavering optimism; “One City” represents their creativity and strength; and “One Heart” underscores the unity of barangays, schools, artists, frontliners, and guests who share in the revelry.
“MassKara 2025 is more than a festival — it is a movement of joy, unity, and hope. As we open our streets to locals and guests alike, we are also opening our hearts,” Ascalon said. “Together, let us raise our smiles, strengthen our city, and beat as one heart.”
MassKara Festival was first celebrated in 1980, a time of despair for Bacolod City. Plummeting sugar prices and the tragic sinking of MV Don Juan — which claimed the lives of many Negrenses — left the city in mourning. To uplift public spirit, local artists, civic groups, and city officials created a festival of smiles and vibrant masks, transforming grief into collective joy.
Over four decades later, MassKara has evolved into one of the Philippines’ most iconic cultural festivals, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad with its street dancing, mask artistry, and electrifying energy — all rooted in Bacolod’s indomitable resilience.
Mayor Gasataya said the city remains proactive in responding to challenges, citing the recent fire in Barangay 27 that displaced over 250 families and flooding brought by continuous rains.
Despite these, he said Bacolodnons continue to “experience happiness and pride” through the festival.
The festivities will culminate this weekend with the MassKara Streetdance and Arena Competition, featuring 10 barangay contingents on Sunday, October 19, and seven school entries on Saturday, October 18.
The arena performances will be held at the Paglaum Sports Complex at 1 p.m., followed by the street dancing parade and announcement of winners at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Mayor Gasataya confirmed that Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco will grace the barangay category’s final day, along with other national officials.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reported zero crime incidents during the first 14 days of the festival, from October 1 to 14 — a record feat for one of the country’s largest crowd-drawing events.
Under the leadership of Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, police units were strategically deployed across all venues and activity zones, working closely with the MassKara Festival Task Group, other law enforcement agencies, and private stakeholders.
The BCPO said the unified effort ensured a peaceful and orderly celebration, reaffirming its “commitment to safeguard the safety and security of all citizens and visitors in the City of Smiles.”/PN