• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Children, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bacolod City will take center stage in a series of sectoral events in this year’s MassKara Festival celebration that will have a historic dual-venue grand opening this afternoon, Oct. 1, at the Bacolod Government Center (BGC) grounds and the public plaza.
Some 1,500 daycare children are expected to gather on Oct. 4 at the BGC grounds for a “Kiddieverse”, a Disneyland-inspired afternoon of mascots, princess characters, interactive games, live performances, and snacks.
Lizette Sy, head organizer for the Kid’s Day Out, said in a press conference Sept. 30 that this event “will give the spotlight to our kids in Bacolod as they are our heart and future.”
The Kiddieverse MassKara magic is for the kids’ own story, wonder, and moment. As the city dances to the beat and rhythm of the festival, “we hope the laughter of our kids will also echo the spirit of the festival – and that is hope, unity, and boundless happiness,” Sy stressed, adding the registration will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. said that Kiddieverse is not only about entertainment but a way to ensure that the city’s youngest citizens also share in the cultural celebration.
The “Zumdigras 2025: Barangay vs. Barangay”, meanwhile, will be held on Oct. 5, starting at 4 p.m., with the grand “zumparada” from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the BGC grounds.
Several barangay teams will compete in a zumba showdown, including those from Tangub, Handumanan, Brgy. 15, Vista Alegre, 38, Singcang-Airport, Pahanocoy, Granada, Mansilingan, 17, Estefania, Mandalagan, and Bata.
Joann Visitacion, head organizer for Women’s Day, said the grand winner in this inter-barangay dance fitness showdown will take home P50,000 in cash.
The search for the Zumdigras Queen will highlight the Sunday event, and will also feature the Manila South Vibes, known for their viral dance videos, as well as free wellness services, beauty consultations, vaccinations, and giveaways.
“Zumdigras is more than just a competition,” Gugma president Rodney Ascalon said in a statement. “It is a tribute to Bacolodnon women, who continue to inspire their families and communities.”
The “PuWeDe G!: MassKara PWD Got Talent”, on the other hand, will be held on Oct. 7 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central activity center, Mimai Arban, event head for PWD Day, said.
This activity will showcase the talents of Bacolod’s PWD community in a program designed to emphasize ability over limitation, as well as a product fair.
Arban said PWD associations expected to participate include those coming from barangays Felisa, Sum-ag, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, 10, clustered brgys 29, 30, 31, and 39, Handumanan, Alijis, 17, Singcang, Bata, and two blind massage groups.
There will also be a magic show for children on the autism spectrum, and professional talks, with giftgiving sessions for parents of children with special needs, the foundation said.
“This is not simply a competition – it is a day of recognition and celebration for a vital part of our community,” Ascalon said, adding that inclusivity is the heart of the celebration. “Through Kiddieverse, Zumdigras, and PuWeDe G!, the MassKara Festival underscores that Bacolod’s celebration of smiles is also a celebration of compassion and community.” | CGC
