(From left) Bacolod City Councilor Bartolome Orola, Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Bacolod Officer-In-Charge Carol Constantino, City Councilor Em Ang, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Deputy Commissioner Jesus ‘Clint’ Aranas, City First Lady Elsa Leonardia, and Mayor Evelio Leonardia pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the MassKara Festival 2017 held at the Bacolod Public Plaza yesterday evening. (Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga photo)Despite the heavy rains and traffic, thousands made it out to witness the official opening of the 2017 MassKara Festival, last night. (Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga photo)Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia referred to last night’s opening of the 2017 MassKara Festival as the “tip of the iceberg,” saying more surprises await festival goers.Reigning MassKara Festival Streetdance and Arena champions from Barangay Granada performed during the opening of the 2017 MassKara Festival, last night at the Diamond Jubilee Tower.A fireworks show took place during the the opening of the 2017 MassKara Festival, last night. (From left) Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Deputy Commissioner Jesus ‘Clint’ Aranas, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Councilor Bartolome Orola, Jr., Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and City Councilor Em Ang took part in the festivities.
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Despite the heavy rains and traffic, thousands made it out to witness the official opening of the 2017 MassKara Festival.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia called last night’s opening the “tip of the iceberg,” saying more surprises await festival goers, along with festival highlights scheduled for October 21 and 22.
Among the guests included Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Deputy Commissioner Jesus ‘Clint’ Aranas, who is originally from Bacolod City.
Aranas congratulated the city on a successful opening despite the weather and announced President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to appear at this year’s festival.
“Last year, [Duterte] was here and, for a second time, he will be here,” the BIR officer announced.
The president is expected on October 20.
Aranas also wanted to assure those gathered the president does not “hate” Negros, following the signing of an executive order dissolving the Negros Island Region.
“That’s why Duterte is coming here to assure us,” he added.
Also taking part in the opening ceremonies were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran; and Bacolod City Councilors Em Ang and Bartolome Orola, Jr./WDJ
