By CESAR JOLITO III

The vibrant culture of Bacolod City took center stage at the 2026 Sinulog Festival as MassKara dancers from Barangay Tangub captivated millions during the street dancing and ritual showdown on Sunday, January 18.

The Bacolod-based contingent, composed of 60 dancers and more than 100 propsmen, joined the grand parade from Mango Avenue to the Cebu City Sports Complex, drawing cheers for their colorful costumes and high-energy choreography.

The Barangay Tangub group was among more than 40 guest contingents invited to this year’s Sinulog Festival, bringing the festive spirit of Bacolod’s MassKara Festival to one of the country’s largest religious and cultural celebrations.

Tangub village chief Noli Villarosa expressed pride in the group’s performance and the reception they received from the Cebuano crowd.

Villarosa said the warm response reflected the dancers’ dedication and the strong appeal of MassKara culture beyond Bacolod.

For 16-year-old performer Angeline Samos, the Sinulog appearance marked a milestone.

Samos described the experience as unforgettable, noting that the crowd’s cheers made her first performance at the festival especially memorable.

City tourism officer Teresa Manalili, who joined the delegation along with Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Jose Marty Go said the MassKara dancers effectively showcased Bacolod’s culture, creativity and resilience.

She added that their participation enriched the Sinulog celebration and strengthened cultural ties between Cebu and Bacolod.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated that around 2.5 million spectators witnessed this year’s Sinulog festivities.

Following their Sinulog performance, the MassKara Dancers are set to take Bacolod’s festival spirit to the global stage as they perform at the Cathay International Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong from February 15 to 20./CJ, WDJ