By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Hotel bookings in Bacolod City are already nearing its capacity before the return of the MassKara Festival which is set to begin on October 1 of this year.

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the city government is now looking for additional air bed and breakfast facilities for visiting tourists, as groups and individuals are willing to rent out their rooms or housing units.

Benitez said they have also extended their search for additional accommodation in the neighboring cities of Talisay and Bago.

“Officially, we have 3,500 rooms in Bacolod City,” Benitez said.

Benitez said, for this year’s MassKara, they have divided the festival into three main parts.

During MassKara’s first week, there will be sporting events, followed by trade fairs and conventions on the second week; and in the third and final week of the festivities, there will be cultural and entertainment events.

“So, kung makita ninyo, nag-theme kami kada semana, para ang mga bisita nga gusto magkadto diri makapili sila,” Benitez pointed out.

As the city is expecting an influx of tourists coming from all across the country, Benitez has written a letter to Weesam Express operator Frank Carbon asking him if they could accommodate additional trips.

“Istoryahon ko si [Frank] Carbon, so ang aton ferry service between Iloilo and Bacolod madugangan,” he said./DGB, WDJ