By JEN BAYLON The MassKara Festival, renowned for its vibrant masks and lively street dances, has deep roots in the history of Bacolod City, emerging during a period of profound sorrow. In the early 1980s, the city’s economy was devastated by the collapse of the sugar industry, its main livelihood. This economic crisis was compounded …
2024 MassKara Festival Special Supplement
Bacolod: On the way to become super city
Known for its world-class MassKara Festival celebrated every October, Bacolod City is optimistic about achieving its goal of becoming a “super city.” The local government unit describes “super city” as “a global city with a diversified economy, skilled human resources, and a model for green development and good governance.” Bacolod, as the only highly urbanized …
Bacolod’s chicken inasal: A culinary triumph on the global stage
By JEN BAYLON The famous chicken inasal, hailing from Bacolod City, has long been considered a crown jewel of Filipino cuisine. Now, the world has taken notice. In October 2024, TasteAtlas, a renowned global guide to traditional dishes and authentic restaurants, named Bacolod’s chicken inasal the No. 1 Filipino dish, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating. TasteAtlas …
All hail the Sapphire Queen!
By JEN BAYLON Amidst a kaleidoscope of colorful costumes and electrifying performances, Princess Ella Olmilla emerged as the star of the evening, capturing the crown with her captivating poise and grace. A spotlight shone on Princess Ella, amid other contestants competing for the prestigious title of Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024, in time of the festival’s …
Vivid echoes: ‘Bacolod WallStory’ unveils a tapestry of resilience
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 …