By MA. THERESA LADIAO
As Bacolod City celebrates the 45th MassKara Festival, the unveiling of the longest mural in the city’s history has become a key highlight of this year’s Sapphire Celebration.
Stretching along Mabini Street in Barangay 22, “Bacolod WallStory,” a remarkable community artwork spearheaded by the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation and Orange Project, is not just a visual spectacle — it is a profound tribute to Bacolod’s rich heritage and enduring spirit.
The mural, conceptualized by internationally renowned Bacolod artist Charlie Co, was created with the help of over 50 local artists.
It is a vivid representation of Bacolod’s past, present and future, telling a story that reflects the city’s journey of resilience, transformation and hope.
“This mural is not just about adding color to a wall — it’s about turning a public space into a meaningful visual story that represents Bacolod’s heritage and aspirations,” Co shared.
The artwork, spanning 150 meters along the historic Hernaez Mansion, was crafted to breathe new life into the once vandalized wall.
The mansion, significant for its role in Bacolod’s chartering in 1938, has seen its perimeter wall painted and repainted over the years, only to fall victim to graffiti and neglect.
This mural aims to put an end to that cycle, transforming the space into a symbol of pride and unity for the community.
The mural reflects Bacolod’s diverse cultural history, from its sugarcane heritage to the strength of its laborers.
“If you take a look at it, it’s our past on both ends — how we give emphasis to the sugar workers and laborers. At the same time, the mural centers on resilience, a theme that always emerges in Bacolod,” Joan Nagrampa, Orange Project executions director, said.
This community effort, coinciding with MassKara’s festive spirit, showcases Bacolod’s tradition of celebrating through art and color.
The festival itself is a testament to the city’s resilience, born in the wake of economic hardship and tragedy.
Over the years, it has become a joyous expression of Bacolod’s ability to rise above challenges — a sentiment perfectly captured by this mural.
Barangay 22 Punong Barangay Diosdado Mayo expressed his gratitude to the artists and organizers, noting how the mural has transformed the lifeless wall into a vibrant attraction that reflects the soul of the city.
The project is also seen as a way to unite Bacolodnons across generations, sharing the city’s rich history while embracing its creative future.
The public is invited to witness the mural’s transformation and take part in celebrating this milestone in Bacolod’s artistic legacy.
The mural stands as a reminder of the power of community, creativity and collaboration.
It serves not only as a tribute to Bacolod’s colorful history but also as a lasting symbol of the city’s strength and optimism for the future./MTL, WDJ