The next generation of festival performers shone on the streets and arena of the Bacolod public plaza, as Luisa Medel National High School and Corazon L. Montelibano Elementary School emerged champions of the MassKara 2026 Drum and Lyre Corps competition, high school and elementary, Oct. 10.
Twelve schools competed in the event, with nine elementary schools and three high schools showcasing their musical talent, choreography, discipline, and teamwork through the street show that started from Negros Occidental High School to the public plaza, followed by the arena showdown.
Corazon L. Montelibano ES won the championship and P50,000 in cash, followed by Patricia Homes ES in second place, P35,000; and Bata ES I in third spot with a cash prize of 25,000.
In the high school category, Luisa Medel NHS claimed the championship trophy and P50,000 in cash, while Handumanan NHS and Domingo Lacson NHS placed first and second runners-up, and bagged P35,000 and P25,000, respectively.
Both categories also recognized outstanding performances in music, choreography, street parade, band uniform, and discipline, with minor awards worth P5,000 each.
The Drum and Lyre Corps competition is part of MassKara Festival 2026, which carries the theme “Share The Smile. Celebrate Gugma”, celebrating the creativity, talent, and passion of the next generation of MassKara performers, the organizer said. ||
