BACOLOD CITY – Barangay Granada defended their MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition title here on Sunday, October 22.
BARANGAY Granada celebrates after winnig the MassKara Festival Street Dance and Arena Competition in Bacolod City on Sunday, October 22. (Balik Yuhum Foundation)
This is the fifth title and the second straight crown for Barangay Granada, which also bagged a Grand Slam, winning the title in 2014, 2015, and 2016 under the supervision of choreographer Jeodem Casabuena.
Barangay Granada, choreographed by Casabuena and Mark Philip Lamirez, bested nine other villages, and took home the P1-million cash prize.
Barangay Granada received special awards – Best in Music, Best in Headdress, Best in Mask and Costume designed by Joenel Buenaventura and Christopher John Puerta, Best in Theme, and Best in Music – and received cash prizes amounting to P25,000 each.
Barangay Granada is headed by Captain Alfredo Talimodao Jr.
BARANGAY Granada performs during the MassKara street dance competition on Araneta St. in Bacolod City on Sunday, October 22. (Glazyl Masculino)
Lamirez said that he was happy that the dancers and propsmen were able to execute what they have practiced and thanked God for guiding them during their performances amid the gloomy weather.
Barangay Tangub, fifth in last year’s competition, was the first runner-up this year and received P500,000.
Second runner-up was Barangay Sum-ag and rewarded P300,000. It was also Best in Introduction Video. Barangay Sum-ag was first runner-up in 2022.
Other competing barangays were 34, Mansilingan, Handumanan, Cabug, Vista Alegre, 21, and 40. They each received P100,000.
MassKara dancers were judged based on their performances in street dance during a dance parade from Rizal-Araneta Streets to Paglaum Stadium where they were also judged in the arena competition.
Street dance judges were Maria Lester Ybañez, Catherine Vestil, Mhike Jelord Rollo, Odysso Oyales, March Mandal, and Carlou Bernaldez.
In the arena competition, judges were Cristalle Belo, Rhiza Pascua, Tim Yap, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Jane Basas, Carl Fider and Pat Fider, and Ann Ong.
The 44th MassKara Festival was held from October 7 to 22.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez here expressed pride and gratitude for the exceptional talent showcased in this year's festival.