23-day 37th MassKara Festival launched

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Officials of this city along with organizers from the Silver MassKara Festival Organization (SMFO) led the launching of the 37th MassKara Festival with the theme “Bacolod: Back on Track.”

Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya led the unveiling of the official logo and music of this year’s festival during an event held Thursday at the lobby of the Bacolod Government Center, according to a PNA report.

The 2016 MassKara Festival will officially start October 1 and will end on October 23 with a grand fireworks display.

Leonardia said his administration considers the MassKara Festival as a mission and a commitment to the people of Bacolod as well as its visitors.

He added: “For many years now, it has been the practice of the Leonardia administration to pursue the MassKara Festival as a public-private partnership. While it is best that the festival is in partnership with the private sector, the city government should take a more active and direct role in the joint pursuit of a successful festival.”

Councilor Em Ang, festival action officer, said the logo’s smiling mask, representing the present Bacolod, is rendered as a cheerful sun, the Bacolodnons’ hopes and aspirations.

It can also be viewed as a bird in flight, gentle but strong in Bacolod’s desire to reach her dreams, she added.

This year’s MassKara music is composed of all Hiligaynon songs.

Eli Francis Tajanlangit, festival director, and chairman of the SMFO, had ealier said access to major activities of the festival will be for free.

Three festival sites have been identified—the Bacolod Public Plaza, Bacolod City Government Center, and the Tourism Strip at Lacson Street.

This year’s new activity is the “Sadya ang MassKara with Mayor Bing,” a three-day invitational fireworks competition.

The MassKara street dance competition open category, which will have 15 entries, will be held on October 23. The arena dance presentation will be held at the Bacolod public plaza.

The Department of Education-led schools category competition will be held on October 22, with three entries for elementary and four for high school. (FREEMAN)