About P1 million in cash donations was raised at the 2024 MassKarade Ball “Sapphirus” edition, held Oct. 25 at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center in Bacolod City.
The amount will be donated to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, as assistance to those deeply impacted by the recent calamity, particularly in the Bicol Region, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) said, adding it initiated this program to help the typhoon victims.
Among the generous contributors were Katrina Ponce Enrile, administrator and chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority; Cristalle Belo-Pitt, managing director of The Belo Group; Bacolod businessman Willy Au; and numerous Manila socialites, who attended the ball.
“We are now making the most out of it, to be sensitive to what happened,” Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez said in the BYF press release. “In the same manner, we would like to show that we share their anguish in trying and difficult times.”
Jojie Dingcong, MassKara chairman and event chairperson, emphasized the significance of holding the festival amidst the challenges that the country is facing.
“Given the situation, we feel it is essential to continue celebrating the MassKara Festival without ignoring what is happening in other parts of the country. We must come together with strength and purpose, which reflects the resilience of the Bacolodnons. We have endured numerous tragedies, from the Don Juan tragedy to recent events, yet this festival aims to be more than a celebration, it’s a conscious, purposeful event to support those in need,” he explained.
Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines COO Margarita Nograles assured attendees that the Board is working tirelessly to assist those affected by the calamity, and to support tourism projects in Bacolod.
“I assure you of the continued support of the Tourism Promotions Board in your endeavors. Together, we will attract more visitors and ensure that the spirit of the MassKara Festival continues to uplift and inspire,” Nograles said at the ball.
Enrile, who also attended last year’s MassKarade Ball, congratulated Bacolod on the success of what she believed is the premier festival, and pledged to donate to help affected families in Naga.
“But, of course, let us not forget what’s happening in the rest of the country. Let’s continue to pray for those affected by Typhoon Kristine, but the fiesta must go on. I am personally pledging P500,000 to GMA Kapuso for the people of Naga,” she said.
At the 2023 MassKarade Ball, five beneficiaries were awarded scholarship grants. The BYF also recognized the Friends of MassKara, who have been benevolent and selfless in supporting the Foundation and the MassKara Festival, namely, Chole Cuenca-Chua, Jeanette Gonzaga, Gin Gin Locsin, Margrey Sy, Ginette Yanson Dumancas, Jerry Sy, and Leo Ray Yanson.
Other notable attendees were Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, chief of staff and undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation; Department of Tourism Region 6 director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez; Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, president and CEO of GMA Films and president of GMA Worldwide; Sparkle’s senior talent manager Tracy Garcia; Tina Cuevas, executive director and owner of the Sulo Hotel Riviera in Quezon City; BYF sponsors, councilors Jason Villarosa, Israel Salanga, and Thaddy Sayson, and other BYF and city officials. ||
