Festivities officially open today

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The 39th MassKara Festival will officially kick off today in Bacolod City with the cutting of a birthday cake, marking the city’s 80th anniversary.

During a press conference over the weekend, Festival Director Eli Tajanlangit; MassKara Festival action officer, Bacolod City Councilor Em Ang; and City Councilor Cindy Rojas discussed the various activities expected to take place.

The festival director said the festival officially begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Bacolod Public Plaza grandstand, when food and beer kiosks surrounding the plaza open, the anniversary cake is cut, and a toast is made for the city. It will then be followed by a fireworks presentation and a special effects show.

He added, President Rodrigo Duterte is tentatively scheduled to arrive on October 28, the final day of the festival.

Other officials expected include Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Tourism Secretary Bernadette-Romulo Puyat.

Ang noted, aside from local dignitaries, they are also expecting appearances by delegates from Long Beach, California, one of Bacolod City’s “sister cities;” representatives from the International Mask Art and Culture Organization; an opera troupe from Beijing; and a K-Pop group.

Among the highlights of the festival include the Children’s Party and Mascot Parade, MassKara Street Dancing Competition, Electric MassKara, and MassKara Queen pageant.

The entire celebration will be split into three venues, the Bacolod Public Plaza, Bacolod Government Center grounds, and Tourism Strip along Lacson street./DGB, WDJ