Bacolod launches MassKara Festival 2025

The 46th MassKara Festival from Oct. 1 to 19 in this highly-urbanized city was officially launched on Saturday, Sept. 13.

- By GLAZYL MASCULINO

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the launching at Roy's Hotel and Convention Center.

Gasataya shared the tragedy that left more than 200 families homeless in a fire in Barangay 27 on Sept. 12, which reminds him of similar difficult situation that the people of this city experienced during the M/V Don Juan tragedy and the sugar industry crisis.

"Two nights ago, over 200 houses were burned. This reminds us of those hard times of Bacolod," the mayor said.

He believed that through the celebration of the festival, they would be able to show that they will rise from the tragedy because of support not just from the government but also from the private sector.

Gasataya said that many had reached out to help fire victims and thanked them for their support.

He said that with barely 70 days left before the official kickoff of the festival, he said that they will showcase the spirit of resiliency, unity, and hope of the Bacolodnons.

"This time, a lot of us in Bacolod will be helping in making sure that this is going to be a memorable MassKara 2025 because we are trying to recall what happened in the past and be able to showcase it," he added.