BACOLOD City – This city’s MassKara Festival was bestowed the “Best Festival Practices and Performances” award during the Aliw Awards 2022 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel on Monday, Dec. 5.
The world-renowned “festival of many of faces” returned for its 43rd edition in October this year after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. It bested two other nominees – the Pandang Gitab Festival of Lights of Lubang Island, Mindoro and the Fiestang Caragan of Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
“Congratulations to us all. Bacolod, this is for you. I dedicate this award to the people of Bacolod,” said Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez who was also cited as “Best Festival Catalyst/Organizer”.
MassKara Festival 2022 was a testament to the Bacolodnon’s enduring spirit as the city recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the mayor said.
“MassKara Festival is a celebration of the strength and resilience of Bacolodnons in times of crisis and tragedy. And this has never been truer than this year’s celebration,” he added.
The city mayor also stated that the festival put smile back on the faces of Bacolodnos.
“Truly, nagbalik na ang yuhum sa City of Smiles,” the local chief executive stressed.
Councilor Jason Villarosa and Executive Assistant Carmelli Bantug-Zayco received the awards in behalf of Benitez./PN
