Organizers of the MassKara Festival promised an inclusive celebration of one of the country’s most colorful and vibrant festivals on its 46th year, set Oct. 1 to 19.
The grand launch at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Hotel on Saturday, led by Mayor Greg Gasataya and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon of Bacolod Gugma Foundation, showcased all events of the 19-day celebration described as “the most community-driven and people-centered edition yet.”
“The most unique for this year is we’re giving back the festival to the people. We have various inter-barangay competitions, a barangay trade fair and the return of Miss Bacolod MassKara queens from the past. We’re really concentrating on the roots and the heart of this celebration, which is the people,” Ascalon said.
The 2025 edition will highlight sectoral events, including special programs honoring persons with disabilities, market vendors, tricycle drivers, senior citizens, and grassroots singers and dancers.
The grand launch took place two days after nearly a thousand residents of Barangay 27 lost their homes to a fire, a tragedy considered by Gasataya to be similar to the sinking of M/V Don Juan and the sugar industry crisis in the early 1980s — the events that led to the birth of the MassKara Festival.
“I believe our celebration of MassKara 2025 will be able to show them that they can rise from the tragedy because of each one’s support, not just from the government but much more from the private sector,” the mayor said.
This year’s theme, “One Smile, One City, One Heart,” was also unveiled along with the official festival song performed by the 15 Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 candidates.
“One Smile” highlights Bacolod tagline as the City of Smiles, where “every Bacolodnon smile reflects joy that triumphs over challenges, echoing the true spirit of MassKara,” organizers said.
“One City” shows that Bacolod stands united as one vibrant community and showcases its strength as a city that thrives on cooperation, creativity, and compassion.
“One Heart” means that at the “center of the celebration is the heart of Bacolod – its people, with their passion, artistry, and spirit of togetherness,” organizers explained.
The heart-shaped logo of the 2025 MassKara Festival, called Mass-Kasingkasing, was created by artist Romaine Salmingo, a fusion of history, culture, and vision.
“Kasingkasing” is the Hiligaynon word for heart.
In the design, the familiar smiling mask dominates and layered into its strokes are the symbols of Bacolod, including the sugarcane, the first festival logo, and the San Sebastian Cathedral.
It also weaves in cultural pride, from dance and crafts to local flavors like inasal and piaya, as well as futuristic lines and sunbursts, signaling Bacolod’s drive toward innovation and global recognition. | PNA
