Bacolod unveils MassKara 2026 with more activities, new venues

BACOLOD CITY — New venues and an expanded lineup of activities will mark this year’s MassKara Festival, which will run from Oct. 1 to 18, with major events scheduled from Oct. 16 to 18.

The festival was formally launched on Friday, Sept. 11, at Roy’s Hotel, where organizers also unveiled the “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma” campaign and introduced the contestants for Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 and participants in the street dance competition.

Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the changes were aimed at giving more communities and sectors opportunities to take part in the city’s annual celebration.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: The enduring smile of MassKara: A festival of resilience and unity

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“MassKara is more than a festival; it is a feeling, it is our identity, and it is our way of sharing who we are,” Ascalon said during the launch at Roy’s Hotel on Friday.

He said the festival would include drivers and transport groups, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, athletes, artists, youth, volunteers and animal advocates.

“MassKara should not only be watched; it should be experienced, it should be shared, and it should belong to everyone,” he said.

Ascalon said the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 pageant would be held at the STI Gymnasium.

Article continues after this advertisement

The street dance competition will be staged along Araneta Street, while the arena competition will be held between the bridgeways of SM City Bacolod in the reclamation area.

The winners of the street dance and arena competitions will be awarded at the Bacolod Public Plaza.

Article continues after this advertisement

The school and barangay street dance and arena competitions are scheduled for Oct. 17 and 18, respectively.

Eight barangays will compete in the barangay category: Barangays 6, 10, 13, Alangilan, Bata, Mandalagan, Handumanan and Taculing.

The school category will feature Montevista Elementary School, Sum-ag Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School, Vista Alegre Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School 1 and Education Training Center School II.

Ascalon said discussions were also underway for a high school category.

Seven barangays will participate in the Electric MassKara at The Upper East on Oct. 16. They are Barangays 12, 17, 19, 21, 14, Villamonte and Tangub.

The festival also introduced a twin-logo concept created by Bacolod artist Mark Lester Jarmin.

Organizers said the two logos represent different visual faces of MassKara and reflect the festival’s evolving identity while retaining its connection to Bacolod’s culture.

The launch also introduced the festival’s newest ambassadors, “To Max” and “’Day Kara,” who will represent the City of Smiles and the celebration’s message of joy and love.

The festival calendar includes competitions, community activities, sporting events, pageants, food events, concerts and other entertainment.

READ: Fil-Ams explore Philippine tribal groups’ rich cultural traditions

Among the activities are MassKareppin, MasskaRap Battle, Choreographers Showdown, PetsKara, Drum and Lyre Corps Competition, SingKara, Super KidsKara and MassKara Hataw Sayaw sa Plaza.

Concerts and other entertainment events are scheduled at the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Megaworld and other venues.

Organizers said additional schedules, particularly for accredited sporting events, would be announced later.

Ascalon said his second year leading the festival was not simply about expanding it but making it more relevant to Bacolod residents.

“We don’t just make MassKara bigger; we make it matter,” he said.

Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the festival helps promote the city as a destination for visitors. He also said Bacolod is the third-fastest-growing city in the country.

Mayor Greg Gasataya thanked the sponsors for their support, saying their contributions would help ensure the success of this year’s celebration.

“Your support is a big part of the success of MassKara. We may not be able to repay your generosity, but we assure you that we will honor every commitment we have made and deliver what we have promised,” Gasataya said.

“We will give our best in this year’s MassKara Festival,” he added.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Organizers said schedules and venues remain subject to change and urged the public to check the official MassKara Festival 2026 platforms for updates. /das