MassKara Festival 2026 will officially take its first major step this Friday, Sept. 11, toward its October celebration, with “First Peek: The Smiles Are Coming to Roy’s Hotel”.
The launch at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, a major partner in this year’s festivity, will start with registration and cocktails at 9 a.m., followed by the formal program at 10 a.m.
It is expected to be attended by key government officials, headed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, corporate partners, members of the creative community, artists, festival stakeholders, and organizers as Bacolod prepares for the 18-day celebration from Oct. 1-18.
Festival director and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. president Rodney Ascalon will lead the presentation of the festival’s major components, including the unveiling of the MassKara Festival 2026 logo, which will introduce a first for the celebration through a twin-logo concept.
The launch will also unveil the official MassKara Festival 2026 theme song, produced and arranged by local musicians and artists, and will formally introduce the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026 candidates.
Organizers will likewise present the initial lineup of major events, competitions, entertainment programs, cultural activities, sports, community initiatives, and other experiences that will form part of this year’s MassKara season.
Ascalon said he accepts Gasataya’s challenge of making MassKara a “MassKara For All”, with the festival envisioned as a celebration where every Bacolodnon and visitor can participate, connect, share their talents, and experience the spirit of the city.
“I accept the challenge of Mayor Greg to make this a ‘MassKara For All’, because MassKara belongs to every Bacolodnon, and should be a celebration where everyone can find a space, participate, share their talents, create memories, and most importantly, share the smile,” Ascalon said in a press release.
One of the major announcements during the launch will be the new home of the MassKara arena dance competition, following the organizers’ assessment that the Paglaum Sports Complex is currently unsuitable for a major production of the arena’s scale while the Bacolod public plaza remains under renovation.
“We have to make sure that the arena dance competition remains worthy of the contingents and the thousands of people who will come to watch it, with safety, production quality, accessibility, and the overall experience among our major considerations in choosing the new venue,” Ascalon said.
The 2026 celebration carries the theme “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma”, which was first introduced online last month as an invitation for Bacolodnons and visitors to celebrate the festival through happiness, connection, generosity, friendship, and love.
“‘Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma’ is our invitation to everyone, because behind every smile is a story of resilience, friendship, family, community, and love, and this year we want to bring that spirit even closer to the people,” Ascalon said.
The involvement of Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, corporate partners, and the creative community underscores the collaborative approach behind this year’s celebration, bringing together government, business, artists, performers, designers, musicians, production professionals, and community stakeholders.
Friday’s First Peek will officially open the curtain on MassKara Festival 2026, with organizers promising a celebration that embraces both the traditions of MassKara and new experiences for a wider and more inclusive audience. ||
