The rain did not stop the smiles, creativity, and larger-than-life spectacle as 10 artists brought some of the Philippines’ most beloved icons to life at Mega Puppets, a legacy MassKara Festival event Oct. 14 at Megaworld’s The Upper East.
Under the theme “The Icons of the Nation, Reimagined the Bacolodnon Way”, the competition transformed celebrated Filipino personalities into towering puppets, blending artistry, cultural pride, and the unmistakable MassKara spirit.
Co-presented by Megaworld’s The Upper East and supported by Boysen, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of mega puppets as one of MassKara’s signature creative showcases.
Barangay Tangub’s portrayal of comedy legend Dolphy by artist Stephen Efundo earned the top prize of P30,000.
Barangay Singcang Airport secured first runner-up honors with artist Alon Puerta’s portrayal of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, winning P20,000. Team Baktas placed second runner-up with artist Ser John Puerta’s interpretation of boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, taking home P10,000.
The other participating artists brought an equally diverse roster of national icons to the streets – John Paul Piadoche of Barangay Pahanocoy as Regine Velasquez; Ferly Francisco of Barangay Estefania as Tessa Prieto-Valdes; Josh Destacamento of Barangay 11 as Catriona Gray; Alpha Grace Samillano of Barangay Taculing as Nora Aunor; Cliff Jason Lazada of Barangay 9 as Gary Valenciano; Brent Naranja of Barangay 10–Team TNP as Piolo Pascual; and Krisha Mae Mugar of Bacolod City College as Gloria Diaz.
The performances were evaluated by a panel of judges, composed of Tisha Lyne Barco, Christine Torre, Barney Molina, Jaime Chua, and Rene Hinojales. Councilors Em Ang and Bobby Rojas also witnessed the showdown, the Gugma Foundation said in a press release.
Even under the rain, the spectacle carried on, a testament to the passion of Bacolod’s artists and the festival’s enduring promise to share smiles and celebrate gugma, the Hiligaynon term for love, it added. ||
