The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) said Oct. 10 that 359 out of 402 kiosks across four festival sites have already been reserved, in anticipation of this year’s MassKara celebration.
Marking its 45th year, the world-renowned festival will kick off with the grand salubong, starting with a motorcade this afternoon, Oct. 11.
BYF secretary and festival director for Cultural and Accredited Events, Kuster Cadagat, said that 100 out of 143 kiosks for Lacson Street have already been sold, while those at the Bacolod Government Center grounds (100 kiosks), Megaworld’s The Upper East (55 kiosks), and public plaza (104 kiosks) were already booked even before the festival’s official announcement.
Cadagat underscored the directive of Mayor Alfredo Benitez, through Councilor Celia Matea Flor, chairperson of the sanggunian Committee on Markets, to ensure “equal opportunity” for all vendors, concessionaires, and corporate sponsors that will be participating in this year’s festivities.
“We were given specific instructions by the mayor. The BYF is committed to treating all participants fairly, whether they are large businesses or small enterprises,” Cadagat said.
Kiosks at the BGC will officially open today, while those at the public plaza will start their operation on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Stalls assigned at The Upper East will begin operation on Oct. 23, and on Oct. 25 for those at Lacson Street.
Interested vendors can still reserve a kiosk on Lacson Street, Cadagat added.
This year’s kiosks have been upgraded to 10 ft x 10 ft, offering ample room for vendors to accommodate guests and showcase their products.
The BYF earlier committed that the setting up of stalls “will be seamless and aligns with the community’s needs and aesthetic values.” ||
