President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for the second consecutive year, will be the guests of honor during the highlights of this city’s MassKara Festival next month.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced this on Monday, September 18, as the city government and the festival organizer, Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, prepared for the two-week event from October 7 to 22.

“So far, the President is confirmed to come on the last weekend. The First Family is coming except for Congressman Sandro [Marcos], who begged off as he needed to be in Ilocos Norte for the barangay elections,” he said in a radio interview.

Last year, the Chief Executive spoke before the crowd witnessing the street and arena dance competition at Paglaum Sports Complex, where he said the MassKara Festival serves “as a model showcasing the country’s gradual recovery from a public health crisis, signifying that it is now ready to adopt the new normal.”

The MassKara Festival, now on its 44th edition, will have three parts, including the “MassKaralympics,” featuring various sports competitions; MassKanamit, a showdown of Bacolod cuisine with renowned chefs; and MassKara cultural and entertainment events, which will be highlighted by the Electric MassKara on October 21; and the Street and Arena Dance Competition on October 22.

“MassKara is our pride. It’s really a festival that stands out not just in the Philippines but also globally. MassKara is gradually being recognized as the festival to be,” Benitez said.

On the night of October 6, the opening salvo will feature Filipino pop rock band The Juans at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

Other major events include the Miss Bacolod MassKara Coronation Night on October 19 and the MassKarade Ball on October 20.

Also identified as the main festival sites are the Bacolod Public Plaza, Old Bacolod Airport, Lacson Tourism Strip, Paglaum Sports Complex, and two shopping malls. (PNA)