The highly-anticipated Legends Rise: MassKara Gugma All-Star Game will not only bring electrifying basketball action to Bacolod on Oct. 4, but will also extend a helping hand to those in need.
Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to families, who lost their homes in the massive fire that struck Barangay 27 Sept. 12, leaving close to a thousand individuals from more than 200 families displaced.
The initiative underscores the mission of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) to celebrate joy while embodying compassion and solidarity during the MassKara Festival season.
“This event is more than just a basketball game—it’s an opportunity to live out our advocacy of Gugma, love and compassion, for our fellow Bacolodnons,” Jose David Diaz, MassKaralympics director, said in a statement Sept. 27.
“Through sports and camaraderie, we want to give back to those affected by the fire and show them that the MassKara Festival is for everyone, especially those facing difficult times,” he stressed.
The event this Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, promises an unforgettable basketball spectacle as Gilas Legends take on the Greg Gastaya All-Stars Selection in a clash of skills, pride, and legacy.
The showdown will be preceded by a heated preliminary match between two of Bacolod’s top collegiate teams—Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod and La Consolacion College-Bacolod—setting the stage for an evening of competitive spirit and community pride.
Rodney Mitz Ascalon, Foundation president and MassKara Festival director, said the event reflects the deeper meaning of the city’s world-renowned festival.
“MassKara has always been about resilience and unity. By tying in the joy of sports with the value of helping others, we hope to remind Bacolodnons that the true spirit of MassKara is not only in celebration but also in compassion,” Ascalon stressed.
The Legends Rise: MassKara Gugma All-Star Game serves as the highlight of this year’s MassKaralympics 2025, a centerpiece of the broader MassKara Festival celebration that is set to kick off on Oct. 1 until the 19th.
Ticket prices include, for courtside A, P1,500; courtside B, P1,200; loge, P750; and general admission, P350. For purchases and reservations, those interested may contact the ticketing staff at +63 910 396 5046, the BGFI said. ||
