BACOLOD CITY – The 46th MassKara Festival from Oct. 1 to 19 in this highly-urbanized city was officially launched on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the launching at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center.

Gasataya shared the tragedy that left more than 200 families homeless in a fire in Barangay 27 on Sept. 12, which reminds him of similar difficult situation that the people of this city experienced during the M/V Don Juan tragedy and the sugar industry crisis.

“Two nights ago, over 200 houses were burned. This reminds us of those hard times of Bacolod,” the mayor said.

He believed that through the celebration of the festival, they would be able to show that they will rise from the tragedy because of support not just from the government but also from the private sector.

Gasataya said that many had reached out to help fire victims and thanked them for their support.

He said that with barely 70 days left before the official kickoff of the festival, he said that they will showcase the spirit of resiliency, unity, and hope of the Bacolodnons.

“This time, a lot of us in Bacolod will be helping in making sure that this is going to be a memorable MassKara 2025 because we are trying to recall what happened in the past and be able to showcase it,” he added.

He reflected on his personal journey as a former participant in the schools’ category of the street dance and arena competition. Gasataya said the festival continues to shape this city’s identity and inspire new generations. The schools’ category will return this year, allowing students to participate.

Gasataya recognized the valuable support of sponsors and partners. “We will never forget your support. We assure you that this MassKara Festival is going to be transparent, and we will give it back to the people through the programs in the entire festival,” Gasataya said.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. led by president and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon is the official festival organizer this year.

Ascalon said that MassKara 2025 is designed to be a festival for everyone, with programs representing a wide range of sectors.

They vowed to make the 19-day celebration the most community-driven and people-centered edition.

“This year, we are celebrating with one vision – ‘One Smile, One City, One Heart’ – it’s a more inclusive MassKara Festival that drives partnership with sponsors, city government, community, and the sectors. We want to bring more colors, louder beats, bigger smiles,” Ascalon said.

He said that over the years, MassKara has grown from a very humble celebration, and is now a world renowned festival and one of the most popular and well-loved festivals in the country. “I believe that the MassKara Festival is more than a celebration, it is the soul of Bacolod City.”

Ascalon said that being a festival director is not just a role but a legacy that comes once in a lifetime. He credited the dedication of the KaGugma Workforce for making the vision possible.

A short program showcasing various community sectors was held during the launching, followed by the formal introduction of the Gugma Foundation Board, department heads, and event organizers.

Among this year’s key sectoral events are special programs honoring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), market vendors, tricycle drivers, senior citizens, and grassroots singers and dancers.

Also unveiled during the launching was the official theme song, “One Smile, One City, One Heart,” composed by Bacolod First Lady Maih Gasataya and performed by the ZEL Band with featured artists Carlo Louis Tiangson, Ritzel Carumba, Jul Ryan Andales, Oying Osmeña, and Leonard Ramos.

The lyric video in line with the festival theme was officially released during the event. The 15 official candidates of Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 performed to their theme song.

Organizers said that signal jamming will no longer be implemented during the highlights to ensure more open connectivity for residents and visitors.