BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is optimistic that this year’s MassKara Festival will not only bring back the smile to the Bacolodnons’ faces but will also help Filipinos move forward with excellence and renewed purpose.
Marcos and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos are expected to attend the highlights of the festival at the Paglaum Sports Complex on Sunday, Oct. 23.
“I wish this year’s festival will bring out the best in each of us, and bind us together for a renewed sense of purpose,” Marcos said in his message made public on Friday.
Acknowledging that the annual festival is perceived to ward off negativity, the President expressed hope that Filipinos would rise to the challenge and find joy in life during difficult times.
“This world-renowned festival was conceived to counter the despondency brought about by the challenges of the time. Today, as we find ourselves facing a similar dilemma, let this year’s festivity resonate ever so deeply and find even greater meaning in its joyful observance,” the President said.
“May the vivid colors and smiles so common and abundant during the festivities serve as declarations of resilience, even as we tackle our deepest concerns and overcome our greatest hurdles, especially now that we are steadily gaining grounds on the difficult task of nation-building.”
Marcos also called on Filipinos to join the celebration of the MassKara Festival and explore the city “to uplift our dispositions at this crucial time.”
“I welcome all the programs prepared by the organizers and invite people from across the country to join in, explore unique places in the city, and meet new people along the way, as they may fill the great and urgent need to uplift our dispositions at this crucial time,” he said.
The President said he has since believed that “the tourism industry is among the country’s high potential drivers for economic transformation.”
He said the government has to do everything to make sure that this asset that the Philippines has must be used to bring jobs to people and bring visitors to our country.
Earlier, Marcos said he wants to develop and decongest airports to provide better access to the public to reach the country’s tourist spots.
“May this likewise reignite the spirit of community in our hearts and deepen our appreciation for our timeless cultures and traditions. I wish everyone a meaningful and truly encouraging MassKara festival,” Marcos said.
This year’s 43rd edition of the MassKara Festival will culminate on Sunday with the street and arena dance competition.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s literally “balik yuhum” in Bacolod City particularly in performing areas – along Rizal Street for the street dance and all the way to the bigger venue for the arena dance competition in Paglaum Sports Complex.
Before pandemic, the event has been traditionally held at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
The participating barangays in the street and arena dance competition are barangays 7, 12, 14, 22, 26, 27, 31, 34, 35, 40, Alangilan, Alijis, Estefania, Granada, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, and Tangub.
To recall, Barangay Estefania bagged the grand prize for the street and arena dance competition during the celebration of the 40th MassKara Festival in 2019.
P1M awaits street dance champ
For the first time in the history of the MassKara Festival, this year’s champion of the street and arena dance competition will receive P1 million in cash prize.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), this year’s festival organizer, will provide the funds for the prizes after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved their accreditation, according to Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the SP’s committee on tourism.
Meanwhile, 15 barangays will compete in the Electric MassKara which will be held at Megaworld’s The Upper East and Bacolod Government Center on Saturday, Oct. 22.
These are barangays 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 20, 23, 25, 29, 32, and 39.
The grand champion will receive a cash prize of P500,000. (With a report from PNA)/DGB, WDJ
