By CESAR JOLITO III
The City of Smiles is set to light up with color, music and excitement as the MassKara Festival highlights weekend officially kicks off, promising a full lineup of events that will energize the city, ignite your senses and bring even more smiles to Bacolod.
This year’s grand weekend is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors daily, with the city ensuring both vibrant entertainment and strengthened safety protocols for all attendees.
From electrifying concerts and cultural showcases to parades, competitions and surprise performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Adding to the excitement, the Lacson Tourism Strip will transform into Heartonic, a three-day music and street party running from October 17 to 19.
The event will feature 100 food kiosks, over 60 corporate booths, six festival stages and performances from more than 50 local and national artists, making it one of the biggest highlights of this year’s MassKara Festival.
It will offer live performances and DJ sets, as well as interactive installations and cultural showcases.
Meanwhile, 10 barangays and seven elementary schools will compete in the highly anticipated Arena and Street Dance Competitions at the Paglaum Sports Complex and Bacolod Public Plaza.
The school-based competition will open the festivities on Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m. with performances from Don Rodolfo A. Medel Sr. Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School II, Asuncion L. Lizares Elementary School, Estefania Elementary School, Education and Training Center School I, and Paglaum Village Elementary School.
On Sunday, October 19, the barangay category follows, featuring contingents from Barangays Handumanan, Tangub, Bata, 6, 7, 11, 13, 21, 29, and 39.
With massive crowds expected, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units, has rolled out comprehensive safety for the series of events.
Paglaum Sports Complex ‘safe’
The Paglaum Sports Complex has been declared structurally safe to host the much-anticipated Arena Dance Competition following an inspection conducted by multiple government agencies earlier this week.
City Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos confirmed that no structural damage was found during the joint assessment conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Bacolod City District Engineering Office, the Provincial Engineering Office, the City Engineer’s Office, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, and other stakeholders.
“The inspection revealed no visible damage to the structure. The complex is safe and ready to accommodate the events,” Ceballos said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier directed the inspection to ensure the safety of festival participants and spectators, particularly for the dance competition.
The Paglaum Sports Complex will serve as the main venue for the arena performances before the street dancing parade and the announcement of winners at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Authorities assured that continued coordination among engineering offices and festival organizers will be maintained to ensure public safety throughout the event.
The Arena Dance Competition is among the most awaited highlights of the MassKara Festival, drawing thousands of revelers to witness Bacolod’s signature energy, creativity and community spirit./CJ, WDJ