• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The MassKara Festival arena dance competition this year will be staged between the bridgeways of SM City Bacolod at the reclamation area.
Festival director Rodney “Mitz” Ascalon announced the new venue Sept. 11, during the festival’s official launching at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the venue was selected due to its proximity to the public plaza where the awarding ceremony will be held. The street dance competition will take place at Araneta Street.
“The main reason is that it’s already risky to hold it at the Paglaum Sports Complex due to the condition of the grandstand. After conducting an inspection, engineers deemed it too dangerous and a major risk to use,” Gasataya said.
The mayor added that preparations are underway, including the setting up of dedicated areas to properly accommodate guests and spectators.
The new venue will host the schools’ performances on Oct. 17, followed by the barangay category on Oct. 18.
There are seven competing groups in the school category – Montevista Elementary School, Sum-ag ES, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation ES, Vista Alegre ES, Mandalagan ES, Handumanan ES 1, and Education Training Center School II.
The barangay category has eight contingents – 6, 10, 13, Alangilan, Bata, Mandalagan, Handumanan, and Taculing.
Groups representing barangays 12, 17, 19, 21, 14, Villamonte, and Tangub, meanwhile, will compete in the Electric MassKara on Oct. 16.
Bacolod’s main festival features an extensive array of competitions, community activities, sporting events, pageants, food experiences, concerts, and entertainment programs, spread from Oct. 1 to 18.
Aside from the street and arena dance, and electric MassKara competitions, other must-see events include the MassKareppin, MasskaRap Battle, Choreographers Showdown, PetsKara, Drum and Lyre Corps Competition, SingKara, Super Kidskara, and Hataw Sayaw sa Plaza.
Major concerts and entertainment events are also scheduled at the Bacolod City Government Center, plaza, SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and Megaworld’s The Upper East. | TMD
