• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod is gearing up for this weekend’s MassKara highlights, bringing an exciting lineup of events that celebrate the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Tonight’s offering is the Electric MassKara Float Parade, which will start at 6 p.m., from Megaworld’s The Upper East, meander towards the Bacolod Government Center for a dance showdown, and return to the township where the floats will remain on display.
Christine Mereria, chairperson of the Electric MassKara, said in a press conference Oct. 16 that the competing barangays include 2, 5, 8, 12, 17, 19, 32, 33, 34, Cabug, Granada, and Mansilingan.
Mereria said that each float is designed around the themes “One Smile. One City. One Heart”, representing a distinct aspect of Bacolod’s identity.
The “One Smile” theme pays tribute to the city’s colorful festivals, and the competing floats in this category are Barangay 5 for Rum Festival, Barangay Granada – Inasal Festival, Barangay Cabug – Bacolod Film Festival, and Barangay 34 for the Bacolaodiat Festival.
Under the “One City” theme, which showcases Bacolod’s most iconic spots, the competing barangays are Brgy. 12 for the public plaza, 33 – San Sebastian Cathedral, 19 – Bacolod Art District, and Brgy. 8 for Yulo’s Park – Barangay 8.
For the “One Heart”, which puts the spotlight on the city’s rich culinary culture, Brgy. 17’s float will focus on cansi, seafood for Brgy. 2, pasalubong for Brgy. 32, and cakes for Mansilingan.
Mereria said the grand winner will receive P350,000 in cash prize, first runner-up – P200,000, and second runner-up, P150,000.
“Immediately following the float parade, the spotlight shifts to the BGC stage for the dance showdown, with local dance crews expected to bring high-energy performances in a dynamic showdown that captures the rhythm and vibrancy of the festival,” she added.
Aside from the 12 barangays, that received P300,000 in subsidy each from the city government, six corporate floats will also participate in the Electric MassKara parade, Mereria said. | CGC
