Remembering the Past Through Resilience and Grace

October is a much anticipated month for Bacolodnons as it signals the opening of the Masskara Festival. It is during this time  when Bacolodnons  joyfully gather in the streets rain or shine- to party, stroll around, showcase different local food items, arts and crafts.

The vibrant masskara parade attracts people from all walks of life. Musical performances and food selections are also a bounty for tourists, locals and passersby to explore. This unique and charming festival usually runs for two weeks.

This year’s Masskara Festival, held on October 1-19, was successfully organized  by The Gugma Foundation led by seasoned events and pageant organizer Mr. Rodney Mitz Ascalon.  The theme One Smile, One City, One Heart, meant showing oneness in purpose and that is to make everyone a part of the celebration.

Everyone had a chance to participate whether in selling, performing or showcasing their creativity and talent.During the highlight, seniors and PWDs were also given designated seats at the event’s mall partners for the Masskara parade so that they could also enjoy  the festivity. Even house pets were seen in the streets and in the malls enjoying the party. The Masskara festival is also a magnet for local and foreign tourists to come to Bacolod.

Perhaps it’s back story sounded intriguing to many. Who would have thought that a rich sugarcane producing province  like Negros Occidental would suffer a devastating sugar crisis?  This period of instability greatly affected the economy and livelihood of Negrenses and Bacolodnons at that time.

Thankfully, those hard times have passed.  Look at Bacolod City now, it continues to develop and it is now considered one of the most livable cities in the Philippines.

That’s why happy masks with brimming smiles were created to remind everyone that Bacolodnons are resilient through the test of time.

MASSKARA FUN AND ACTIVITIES

Back in the day when Masskara Festival was first celebrated in the 80’s, street dancing and parade were the main attractions in the streets near the Bacolod Public Plaza and the downtown area. Decades have passed and it has evolved in terms of celebrating.  It is now one of the Philippines’ major tourism events, attracting tourists to come and visit Bacolod City.

Every year, there are added activities and attractions. Like the food kiosks, music jams, electric masskara parade and other cultural activities that adds spice to the festive mood.

Listed below are some of  the many activities experienced during the highlight of the Masskara Festival:

• Masskanamit Food Fair- A line up of food stalls at the Upper East Main Avenue,  Megaworld. Bacolod’s delicacies like napoleones, chicken inasal,  cansi , piaya were among the many  food choices that were feasted on at the food fair.
• Shows and Concerts- Celebrities, bands and artists from Manila and other parts of the country came to Bacolod to perform and present their talent to the delight of the Bacolodnons. Actor James Reid, This Band, Joey G., Jameson Blake, Kapuso Stars Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Faith da Silva, Raheel Bhyria, Dustin Yu and David Licauco were among the stars who graced this fun and colorful event.
• Singkara 2025- Dubbed as The Voice of Bacolod, this singing competition was won by Hannah Grace Espadon of Brgy. Vista Alegre.
• PurpleVerse- A creative hub located at BazKet BCD. This gave space and hope for emerging artists, DJs lights and visual art in one mix.
• Masskara SMile Strip- Like Masskanamit, this also featured an array of food selections, both local and international fare. We enjoyed strolling along the food strip. It was a breather for us to experience grabbing our food and drinks in an al fresco set up.
• Lacson Street Party- Days before the Masskara schedule tightened up, roads were closed along BS Aquino Drive (known as Bangga Ramos) and corner Lacson streets, signaling that a street party will be taking place. Huge speakers, ledge and giant stage set up, food kiosks  and different brand booths adorned the well-lit Lacson street. Tourists and locals frequent this area.
• Electric Masskara and Float Parade- Even the nights were made colorful and lively with Electric Masskara parade cruising along the streets of Megaworld and its corners.
• Miss Bacolod Masskara -Bacolod beauties competed for the much coveted title but  there was only one who deserved the crown. The star of the show was Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, Miss Bacolod Masskara 2025–1^st Runner Up -Ysabella Wuthrich, 2^nd Runner Up- Mary Angelique Faye Caballero
• Pwede G,PWD Day- Persons with Disability (PWD’s) were  given their time to shine as they displayed their work and  sold their products last October 7.

MASSKARA STREET DANCING

Masskara street dancing and merry making are Bacolod’s  trademark of resilience. Born out of pain and hunger, the Masskara Festival is a testament of every Bacolodnons hope and courage after the dark times.

The bold hues indeed signify the survival, courage and strength of Bacolodnons.

At present,  we give honor to the masks, the smiles and the vibrant colors through the parade and street dance to continue to remind everyone about the beauty of coming together for one purpose, one goal and one city.

Over the decades, Masskara street dancing is considered the highlight and the much awaited event of the festival.

For this activity, there were categories chosen to participate- one of these is The Arena and Street Dance Competition Barangay Category.

The following participants were:

• Handumanan
• 21
• 39
• Tangub
• 6
• Bata
• 13
• 17

Barangay Tangub brought home the crown as the Grand Champion in the Barangay Category.

For the Students Division, Eufemia Elementary school got the victorious cheer as Champion in the Elementary Students Division of the Masskara 2025. These children are taught resilience and grace this early.

They just danced their way despite the change in weather condition at the time of the competition.

GUGMA TEAM EFFORT SUCCEEDS

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya and his team worked hand in hand with Gugma Foundation. Media men from all sectors- print, online and influencers were given access, privileged seats and were acknowledged well by the organizers.

All these contributed to the success of the event.

Until the next Masskara event with Gugma Foundation and Mayor Greg!