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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Bacolod seals partnership for MassKara Festival 2026

Bacolod seals partnership for MassKara Festival 2026

Published Aug 20, 2026 01:48 pm
Mayor Greg Gasataya (right) with Festival Director Rodney Ascalon (second from right) during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the upcoming MassKara Festival 2026 at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday, August 19. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
Mayor Greg Gasataya (right) with Festival Director Rodney Ascalon (second from right) during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the upcoming MassKara Festival 2026 at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday, August 19. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. sealed a partnership for the 2026 MassKara Festival through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), more than a month ahead of the event.
During the signing, Gasataya and Festival Director Rodney Ascalon announced several changes aimed at improving public safety, crowd management, and the overall festival experience.
This year’s MassKara Festival carries the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma,” highlighting the love, joy, unity, and community spirit that have defined the city’s iconic celebration for generations.
The theme also encourages a new generation of Bacolodnons to embrace, reinvent, and carry the MassKara tradition forward.
Ascalon said the festival will officially launch in the first week of September, with renewed emphasis on local heritage and grassroots participation.
The Miss Bacolod MassKara pageant will also take on a new format. Instead of being open to all Bacolodnons, this year’s 15 candidates will exclusively represent their respective barangays.
The grand launch will unveil the festival’s competition lineup, featuring 10 Electric MassKara entries, eight Barangay Category entries, and seven School Category entries for the arena and street dancing competitions.
Several venues and arrangements will likewise change. The arena competition is expected to move from the Paglaum Sports Complex to a new venue following safety assessments, while the street dancing competition will take a new route.
The grand awarding ceremony, however, will remain at the public plaza.
MassKara 2026 will be staged in two phases.
Food kiosks will open beginning October 1, with the Pre-MassKara Celebration running from October 1 to 8. This period will feature sports tournaments, pre-pageant activities, mall events, and other community programs.
The festival’s major highlights will take place from October 16 to 18.
Ascalon, who recently assumed the role of festival director, said he is committed to making MassKara a true celebration of gugma -- the love, unity, and shared spirit of Bacolodnons.
He emphasized that MassKara is more than a festival, describing it as a platform that brings people together, creates meaningful experiences, and showcases Bacolod’s warmth, resilience, culture, and creativity to the world.
Organizers said the 2026 celebration will continue creating opportunities for every Bacolodnon to participate, contribute, and feel part of the city’s beloved “City of Smiles” tradition.

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