BACOLOD CITY – The 44th MassKara Festival kicked off at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Saturday, October 7.
BACOLOD City officials headed by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez lead the opening of the 44th MassKara Festival at the Bacolod City Government Center on Saturday, October 7. At left is Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya (left). (Mayor Albee Benitez FB)
A crowd of 17,000 joined the city government during the Grand Countdown Salubong that jumpstarted the event.
The crowd estimate was based on the assessment of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) which deployed 125 personnel to secure the safety of the public in the venue.
On the sideline of the festival opening, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, in a media interview, said that they were happy to see such big crowd just like last year.
“We are happy that the reception of this year’s MassKara is very good.”
Benitez said the people of Bacolod and guests, as well as tourists, can look forward for more festival activities and entertainment in the coming days.
Benitez said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to grace the highlights of the festival, particularly the MassKara street dance and arena competition, which will kick off from Araneta St. towards the Paglaum Sports Complex on October 22.