BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. has raised P1 million for victims of severe tropical storm “Kristine,” particularly in the Bicol region.
The MassKara Festival 2024 organizer initiated a MassKarade Ball dubbed “Sapphirus” to raise funds for those deeply impacted by the calamity through the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

MAYOR Albee Benitez hands over a check amounting to P1 million to Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes (fifth from left), president and chief executive officer (CEO) of GMA Films, and president of GMA Worldwide, in Bacolod City on Oct. 26, as part of the MassKara Festival’s fundraising activity to help victims of tropical cyclone ‘Kristine.’ (BYFI)
“We are now making the most out of it, to be sensitive to what happened,” said Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez. “In the same manner, we would like to show that we share their anguish in this trying and difficult times,” he added.
Jojie Dingcong, MassKara chairman and event chairperson, stressed the significance of holding the festival amidst the challenges the country faces.
“Given the situation, we feel it is essential to continue celebrating MassKara Festival without ignoring what is happening in other parts of the country,” Dingcong said, as he acknowledged the resilience of the people here who have endured numerous tragedies such as Don Juan tragedy to recent events.
We must come together with strength and purpose. This festival aims to be more than a celebration, it’s a conscious, purposeful event to support those in need,” Dingcong said.
Benitez handed over a check amounting to P1 million to Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, president and chief executive officer of GMA Films and president of GMA Worldwide here on Saturday, Oct. 26, a day after the MassKarade Ball held at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center in this city on Friday, Oct. 25.
During the MassKarade Ball last year, five beneficiaries were awarded with scholarship grants.
This year’s MassKara Festival is now in its 45th year or the Sapphire edition. It was held from Oct. 11 to 27 and extended until Oct. 31.