• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Road closures along Bacolod’s Lacson Tourism Strip are ongoing until Oct. 19, due to MassKara Festival highlight activities, including the “Heartonic” music revelry, starting on Friday, Oct. 17.
A full road closure will be enforced, from 1 p.m. tomorrow until 6 a.m. on Oct. 17, along BS Aquino Drive, from Chowking Ramos to Cottage Road fronting SSS, 3rd Street, 4th Street, South Capitol Road (Gatuslao to Lacson), 5th Street, 6th Street (Imays to Lacson), 7th Street, North Capitol Road (Aguinaldo to Lacson), and 8th Street to 22nd Street, from Aguinaldo to Lacson/San Agustin Drive, to Lacson Street.
This closure will be for the ingress of tenants and festival sponsors, with 349 corporate kiosks and 64 food kiosks and booths allowed to do business at the Tourism Strip this weekend.
A 12-hour full road closure will also be enforced at the strip, starting every 4 p.m., on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, for the “Heartonic” party, with five stages to be set along the length of Lacson Street.
“Each stage offers a unique experience — from live performances and DJ sets, to interactive installations and cultural showcases,” the Gugma Foundation said in a statement. “With thousands expected to attend, hundreds of brand activations, and countless reasons to smile with a heart, Heartonic promises to be an unforgettable, high-energy celebration of Bacolod’s creativity, diversity, and joy.”
Partial road closures along Lacson Street and connecting roads are also scheduled each night, starting Oct. 13, mostly for the ingress of tenants and sponsors.
The city, meanwhile, is urging motorists and commuters to plan alternate routes ahead of time. “We appeal for your understanding and cooperation as we bring the energy and excitement of MassKara Festival 2025 to the streets.” | CGC
