A RESOUNDING SUCCESS?
MASSKARA FESTIVAL DANCE PARADE
Sunday was an exciting day for Bacolod. Foreign and local tourists came in droves to witness the ever-colorful and energy-filled Bacolod MassKara Festival. The 2024 edition was almost marred by Typhoon Kristine and another Typhoon named Leo. But somehow, luck was with the organizers on this fateful day. So, even me, with camera on hand, went to witness a historic parade in the downtown area of the City of Smiles (see video below)
Video of the Dance Parade along Araneta St. Bacolod City.
Of course, it was crowded. Parents were happy to bring their little ones as a bonding, a scene that is symbolic and as old as MassKara Festival itself. In the 80s, when the festival was born. Many flocked to the same area and parents with their little ones were in tow. They were piggybacking so they can see clearly the parade. And those little kids in the 80s are now grandparents or parents themselves and they continue the legacy the event has brought to families who wanted to enjoy and bond.
Foreigners were also enjoying the day full of fun and sun. I saw some foreigners dancing together with the MassKara performers. It means, they feel the cultural heritage and the meaning of the event which actually was created because of the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of M/V Don Juan in the 80s.
However, perfomers and organizers look forward to the future as they wanted Bacolod to reach the Super City status as the city. Thus, their theme and concept for their dance portray the positive side and what the government had achieved. Like right now, the city is experiencing a massive development in infrastructure and business opportunities, a reality that was impossible to think of in the past.
However, perfomers and organizers look forward to the future as they wanted Bacolod to reach the Super City status as the city. Thus, their theme and concept for their dance portray the positive side and what the government had achieved. Like right now, the city is experiencing a massive development in infrastructure and business opportunities, a reality that was impossible to think of in the past.
As usual the performers have to compete at the street before moving to Paglaum Stadium for the Grand Arena competition. Supporters, sponsors and dancers have to walk along Araneta street through thousands of crowds are applauding the dances. The competition, which was broadcast live in social media, ended with a spectacular drone light show and fireworks.
Brgy Granada was declared the CHAMPION. The win marked a second three-peat for Granada after taking the titles in 2022 and 2023 as well as in 2014, 2015, and 2016
RESULTS of the MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2024
STREET DANCE AND ARENA COMPETITON
STREET DANCE AND ARENA COMPETITON
CHAMPION - BARANGAY Granada - 1,000,000
ADDITIONAL PRIZES sa CHAMPION BARANGAY
PLAYMAX- 30,000
BELLA EVE WINES SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 15,000
1st Runner-Up – Barangay Bata (P500,000)
2nd Runner-Up – Barangay 12 (P300,000)
SPECIAL AWARDS
TODO na DITO Champion - 100,000 - Barangay Granada
Pillar of MassKara Festival - 10,000 - Segundo Cabalcar Jr.
MINOR AWARDS
Best in Music - 25,000 - Barangay Granada
Best Theme and Concept 25,000 - Barangay Granada
Best Mask and Costume 25,000 - Barangay Granada
BYH Choice Award - 15,000 - Barangay Granada
