Bacolod City is gearing up for the highly anticipated MassKara Festival, with 17 contingents set to compete in the arena and street dance competitions in October. Ten barangays and seven elementary schools will vie for the top prizes, promising a vibrant showcase of Negrense culture and artistry.
Dr. Bhadz Defensor, chairman of the competitions, said this year, they are bringing back the school category with live performances on October 18, followed by the barangay competition on October 19.
According to Festival Director Rodney Ascalon, the competition will now begin with the arena performances at the Paglaum Sports Complex. From there, the contingents will proceed to the streets for the street dancing competition before converging at the Bacolod Public Plaza for the winners’ announcement.
Ascalon said that the change is intended to give both stages “equal energy and exposure,” allowing both judges and the public to experience the full spectacle. Preparations at the Paglaum Sports Complex are already underway with support from the Negros Occidental provincial government.
The participating schools, in their performance order, are:
Don Rodolfo A. Medel Sr. Elementary School
Rizal Elementary School
Andres Bonifacio Elementary School II
Asuncion L. Lizares Elementary School
Estefania Elementary School
Education and Training Center School I
Paglaum Village Elementary School
For the barangay category, the order is:
Barangay Handumanan
Barangay 21
Barangay 39
Barangay Tangub
Barangay 6
Barangay 29
Barangay Bata
Barangay 13
Barangay 11
Barangay 7
To support the participants, the Bacolod City government is providing a substantial ₱750,000 subsidy for each barangay and ₱500,000 for each school. Organizers noted that three-time champion Barangay Granada will not be participating this year to give other groups a chance.
The choreographer for Barangay Granada is now working with the Barangay Tangub contingent, which could add a new twist to the competition.
