By CESAR JOLITO III
The streets of Bacolod City burst with color, rhythm and energy as Barangay Tangub emerged as the grand champion in the Arena and Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category, one of the highlights of the 46th MassKara Festival yesterday, showcasing the indomitable spirit and creativity of Bacolodnons.
Barangay Tangub will take home a total of P1 million in cash prizes as the grand winner.
It also bagged multiple minor awards, such as Best in Music, Best in Theme and Concept, Best in Mask and Costume, and Most Disciplined Contingent, proving their excellence both in artistry and discipline.
Their performance, which depicted the community’s unity and resilience amid challenges, captivated the judges and audience alike.
Barangay Bata and Barangay 29 also delivered standout presentations, securing the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up titles and taking home P500,000 and P300,000 in cash prizes, respectively.
In the Merrymaking Competition, Barangay 29 clinched the title with a P30,000 cash prize; 2nd place — Barangay Tangub (P20,000); and 3rd — Barangay Bata (P10,000).
Barangay 29 bagged the Community Dance Award with a P50,000 cash prize, while Barangay Bata got the Best in Introduction Award with P15,000.
Despite light rains, thousands gathered along Lacson Street and the Bacolod Public Plaza to cheer for the “Magic 10 Barangays” — the finalists who brought spectacular performances filled with elaborate masks, dynamic choreography, and music that echoed Bacolod’s festive soul.
Rain or shine
Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya, who led the awarding ceremony at the Bacolod Public Plaza last night, lauded the barangay dancers for their commitment despite unpredictable weather conditions.
“The MassKara spirit is alive in every dancer, every mask and every smile,” Gasataya said.
“Rain or shine, Bacolod will always celebrate life,” he added.
Festival Director Rodney Ascalon praised all participating barangays for their passion and dedication, highlighting how each contingent poured creativity and teamwork into their performances.
“This year’s barangay competition is a testament to Bacolod’s vibrant culture and unity,” Ascalon said.
“Each performance told a story — not just of joy, but of community strength,” he added.
The MassKara Festival 2025 continues to showcase the creativity and resilience of Bacolodnons, solidifying the city’s reputation as the City of Smiles — where even the rain cannot dampen the spirit of celebration.
Electric MassKara
Barangay Mansilingan emerged as the grand champion with their float titled “Cakes of Bacolod” during the Electric MassKara and Float Parade on Friday night, October 17.
The design highlighted Bacolod’s love for cakes and sweets, capturing the hearts of both judges and spectators.
Mansilingan brought home P350,000 and a trophy, along with several special awards, including Best Float, Best Mask and Costume, and Best Music, each with a P10,000 cash prize.
First runner-up was Barangay 12 with their float showcasing the “Bacolod Public Plaza,” a tribute to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The team earned P200,000 and a trophy for their creative effort.
Barangay Granada claimed 2nd runner-up for their lively “Inasal Festival” entry, a flavorful celebration of Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal.
Granada also received the Most Disciplined Award and took home P150,000 and a trophy.
The competition featured several themed categories that highlighted Bacolod’s vibrant culture and attractions:
The event featured the participation of Barangays Cabug, Granada, Mansilingan, 2, 5, 8, 12, 17, 19, 32, 33, and 34, each bringing its own creative touch to the celebration./CJ, WDJ