THE 39th MassKara Festival themed “Happy Birthday, Bacolod!” officially opened Monday, October 8.
Festival director Eli Francis Tajanlangit, who held a press conference at Planta Hotel on Saturday, said the opening rites were led by the city officials at the public plaza at 6 p.m.
He said the program focused on the 80th year of Bacolod. City officials, along with representatives from various sectors, led the cutting of 80th anniversary cake.
“The focus will be on Bacolod City’s 80th year. It is going to be one long party celebration,” he added.
The highlights of the festival will be on October 26 to 28.
Councilor Em Ang, MassKara Festival action officer, said the happiest season for Bacolod has started with the concert at the grounds of the Government Center on Sunday.
“We expect to have a grand celebration not only for our 80th year anniversary but also for the MassKara Festival,” she added.
Ang said that President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to arrive in Bacolod during the highlights of the festival, which will be on October 28.
She said Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio was also invited. She may arrive either on October 27 or 28.
Also invited were the secretary of tourism, the governor of Compostela Valley, who is the founder of Hugpong Pagbabago, few other Cabinet officials and other local government officials.
Ang said there are also guests coming from other countries like Korea, specifically the International Mask Arts and Culture Organization (Imaco) officials.
She said Imaco will also bring the K-pop group and the Mask Dance Group of Korea, as well as the directors of six different festivals in Korea.
Ang disclosed that next year, Bacolod will be celebrating a milestone in the festival, the 40th year, that has grown to be admired not only here in Bacolod, not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
Among the activities on October 9 is Tanda! The MassKara singing contest at the public plaza at 7 p.m.
On October 10, there will be a Children’s Party Mascot Parade and cutting of 80th Anniversary Cake games at the Government Center grounds at 3 p.m.
On October 11 to 22, Tanda eliminations will be held at the public plaza at 7 p.m.
On October 13, 3rd Congressman Greg Gasataya Cup at Sta. Fe Resort in Barangay Granada at 8 a.m.; MassKara Red Party at the Government Center grounds at 9 p.m.
On October 16 to 17, nights of Mardi Gras at the public plaza at 7 p.m. while on October 18, the 9th Bacolod MassKara Mayor’s Cup Golf tournament at Marapara Golf Club will be held at 6 a.m.
On October 19, the search for MassKara Queen 2018 will be held at SMX Convention Center at 7 p.m. while on October 20, the Ginoong Bacolod-2018 will be staged at the Bays Center at 8 p.m.
On October 25, the Sadya ang MassKara with Mayor Bing National Fireworks Display competition will be held at the Government Center grounds, 7 p.m.
On October 26, Electric MassKara will be staged at the Tourism Strip in Lacson Street, 5 p.m.; drumbeating contest at the Government Center grounds at 7 p.m.; and fireworks competition at the public plaza, 7 p.m.
On October 27, the Street Dance and Arena Competition School Category will be held at the public plaza at 2 p.m.; fireworks display competitions at Tourism Strip in Lacson Street at 7 p.m.; South Korea joins MassKara featuring Mask Dances and K-pop concert featuring Rion 5 at the Government Center grounds, 7 p.m.
On October 28, Street Dance and Arena Competition Barangay Category will be held at the public plaza at 3 p.m.; Electric MassKara at Tourism Strip in Lacson Street at 4 p.m.; and fireworks competition at the Government Center grounds at 7 p.m.