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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Bacolod Gugma Foundation is new MassKara Festival organizer

Bacolod Gugma Foundation is new MassKara Festival organizer

Published Jul 25, 2025 02:32 pm
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. was officially designated by the Bacolod City government as the new organizer of the MassKara Festival.
Rodney Mitz Ascalon is the foundation president and festival director.
Councilor Al Espino said the new festival organizer was chosen by Mayor Greg Gasataya to handle the affairs of the MassKara celebration for this year.
Espino said the City Council has given them accreditation and they are expecting that by next week, the mayor can sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the foundation through an authority to sign from them.
He said they met members of the new festival organizer on Wednesday, July 23.
Gugma is a Hiligaynon word for love, which, according to the foundation, is in line with the vision of Gasataya’s commitment to bring MassKara back to the people—where it truly belongs.
“Gugma is more than love. It’s service. It’s sacrifice. It’s giving without asking in return. That’s what this foundation stands for—and what this year’s MassKara will reflect,” Ascalon said in a statement.
The core team includes Board of Directors lawyer Hannah Lea Tañoso dela Torre, Joanna Angelica Ortillo, Edsel Prado, and Christine Panes-Ceraspe.
Dela Torre will also serve as corporate secretary and legal affairs head, providing legal guidance and ensuring that all operations are grounded in integrity and compliance.
Ortillo, foundation treasurer, will spearhead marketing and community engagement strategies, while Prado is in charge of accounting and finance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency, and Ceraspe will oversee administration and secretariat operations to streamline the foundation’s internal coordination.
“A new chapter begins for Bacolod’s most iconic celebration, signaling a vibrant return to its roots—celebrating the people, culture, and spirit of Bacolod through Gugma,” the foundation said.
MassKara 2025 is a return to form and heart, it added.
This marks the end of the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc.’s (BYFI) three-year role as festival organizer during former Mayor Albee Benitez’s administration.

Related Tags

Bacolod City Bacolod MassKara Festival MassKara Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. Mayor Greg Gasataya
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