Bacolod's MassKara Festival Kicks Off With Unity, Resilience
Bacolod City launched its 46th MassKara Festival on October 1, 2025, with a moment of silence honouring those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu the previous month. The festival, themed 'One Smile, One City, One Heart', was opened by Mayor Greg Gasataya and organised by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., led by Rodney Mitz Ascalon.
The opening ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center and the Bacolod public plaza drew an estimated 50,000 people. It featured performances by Silent Sanctuary, Elias J TV Band, Repakol Band, Ara Mina, and Paul Salas. Mayor Gasataya emphasised the spirit of resilience among Bacolodnons as the essence of MassKara, with councilors Celia Matea Flor, Roberto Rojas, Psyche Marie Sy, Homer Bais, Jason Villarosa, Israel Salanga, Em Ang, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen in attendance.
The MassKara Festival, born in 1980, is a celebration of life, culture, and triumph over challenges. This year's festival aims to be inclusive, giving space and visibility to various sectoral groups. The festival director, Rene Gamboa, ensured the event was a true reflection of Bacolod's spirit.
The 46th MassKara Festival, opened with a moment of silence for Cebu, brought together thousands of people to celebrate resilience, culture, and unity. With an inclusive approach, the festival continues to honour its roots while looking towards the future.
