BACOLOD CITY: As Bacolod City celebrates the 45th MassKara Festival, organizers are simultaneously focusing on relief efforts for areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in the Bicol Region. The festival, which concludes this weekend, includes a fund-raising initiative to assist storm victims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jojie Dingcong, chairperson of the MassKara Festival, led the MassKarade Ball titled ‘Sapphirus’ at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center on Friday night. The event aimed to gather funds for relief efforts in collaboration with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, specifically targeting affected communities in Naga City and the Bicol Region. Dingcong emphasized the importance of maintaining the festival’s schedule, highlighting the community’s enduring spirit and the opportunity to provide aid.
Dingcong expressed that the idea of postponing the festival was considered but ultimately rejected to allow Bacolodnons to celebrate the Sapphire MassKara Festival. Support from Bacolod’s mayo
r, Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, facilitated a partnership with Annette Gozon-Valdes of the GMA Kapuso Foundation. Special guests at the event included Gozon-Valdes, Katrina Ponce Enrile, and Maria Margarita Nograles.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, the festival’s organizer, distributed pledge forms during the MassKarade Ball, aiming to raise PHP1 million to PHP2 million. Dingcong mentioned that commitments had already been made, including a PHP500,000 pledge from Ponce Enrile.
In addition to the fund-raising efforts, the MassKara Festival’s final weekend features events such as the MassKara ElekTroika and the Street Dance and Arena Competition. These events showcase vibrant performances and traditional choreography, celebrating Bacolod City’s cultural heritage and community spirit. The ElekTroika will include illuminated floats and performances, while the Street Dance and Arena Competition will feature contingents from seven villages, reinforcing the city’s pride and unity.