By CESAR JOLITO III
A P1 million championship prize — the biggest in the history of the MassKara Festival — will once again be up for grabs in this year’s Street and Arena Dance Competition, with major adjustments also set in place to streamline participation and highlight grassroots talent.
Rodney Ascalon, festival director of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., confirmed yesterday that the P1 million top prize will be retained for the 2025 barangay category champion, reaffirming its stature as the festival’s most prestigious contest.
The amount was first introduced during the term of former Bacolod mayor and now Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
“MassKara 2025 is not just an event — it’s a stage for every barangay to shine,” Ascalon said.
To maintain the quality and competitiveness of the performances, organizers are limiting the number of participants to 15 barangays.
Meanwhile, the school category — making a comeback after a five-year hiatus — will allow only seven elementary schools to join.
The last time this category was held was in 2019.
The 46th edition of the MassKara Festival is set to run from October 1 to 19, with major highlights scheduled from October 17 to 19.
This year’s showdown will kick off at the Paglaum Sports Complex and culminate at the Bacolod Public Plaza, where winners will be announced in front of thousands expected to attend the festivities.
Aside from the street and arena dance events, the annual festivities will also feature two major visual spectacles: the Electric MassKara Float Competition, a dazzling nighttime parade with illuminated floats, music and dance; and the Giant Mask Competition, which will showcase larger-than-life versions of Bacolod’s signature smiling masks.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the cultural significance of the event.
“MassKara was born from the creativity and resilience of Bacolodnons. It must remain a platform for our own people to showcase their artistry, culture and spirit,” he said.
He added that the 2025 edition aims to bring the festival “back to the people” by prioritizing local talents and community-driven participation./CJ, WDJ