THE renowned MassKara festival of Bacolod City which was successfully staged from October 1 to 21, this year bagged the Best Festival Practices and Performances at the 35th Aliw Awards held at Fiesta Pavilion at the Manila Hotel on Monday, December 5, 2022.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez also received the recognition as Best Festival Catalyst/Organizer.
City Councilor Jason Villarosa, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism and Executive Assistant Carmelli Bantug-Zayco received the award on behalf of the city’s Chief Executive.
Aliw Award Foundation, Inc. Founding President Alice Reyes led the awarding rites.
“Masskara Festival is a celebration of the strength and resilience of Bacolodnons in times of crisis and tragedy,” Benitez said.
He said the festival has never been truer than this year’s celebration.
“MassKara Festival 2022 was testament to Bacolodnon’s enduring spirit as our city rises and recovers from the impact of the pandemic,” Benitez added.
The mayor stressed that the event brought back the smile on the faces of Bacolodnons, saying, “truly, nagbalik na ang yuhum sa City of Smiles.”
Benitez recognized the men and women behind the success of the MassKara Festival — the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and vendors; on behalf of Bacolodnons, madamo gid nga salamat sa Aliw Awards Foundation for this recognition.
For his part, Villarosa thanked the Aliw Foundation, Inc. for the recognition.