The streets of Bacolod City burst with dazzling colors Dec. 13 as seven competing groups from STI–West Negros University (STI-WNU) paraded from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the Bacolod Government Center (BGC) for the 2025 Christmas Festival of Lights.
This year’s champion was the Pink Vikings from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, which reclaimed the crown they first won in 2015.
Defending champions Red Sentinels of the College of Information and Communications Technology, and Blue Guardians of the College of Education, won as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Also competing in the street and arena dance competition were the Purple Wizards, Yellow Tycoons, Orange Erudites, and the Green Titans, all adding to the night’s festive energy.
Various drum and bugle corps also joined the celebration, including the VMA Global College, one of the first participants in this year’s event.
The annual festival, themed “Christmas for Kids”, featured colorful displays, joyful performances, and the true spirit of the holiday season, delighting spectators of all ages, the city said in a press release.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who joined the festivities, thanked STI-WNU for its enduring efforts to bring joy to the city each year despite various challenges.
“This is a classic example that if each of us does our share and works together, we can achieve something meaningful for Bacolod City,” Gasataya said.
He also highlighted the newly repainted BGC façade, made possible through a free donation of services from Davies Paints Philippines.
STI-WNU president Mark Molina, meanwhile, recognized the city government’s continued support through the City Tourism Office.
“STI-WNU has always been committed to supporting the Bacolod government in whatever way we can, and tonight’s event is one of those ways,” Molina said, noting how the MassKara Festival spirit helped the institution persevere after the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino, which left thousands of families homeless.
The vibrant evening culminated in the highly-anticipated Bacolod Christmas Projection Animation Display by Epson bringing holiday magic to life for children, families, and the entire community, the city said.
Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, and councilors Jason Villarosa, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Em Ang, and Homer Bais, and city department heads and employees also attended the event. ||
