Vibrancy at its finest

In the midst of political turmoil and calamities pummeling the country today, Filipinos, particularly Bacolodnons, still have a reason to smile as the spectacles of this year’s MassKara Festival did not fail to delight audiences.

Known for its vibrancy, showing Bacolodnons’ unwavering resilience and creativity, the festivity this year was graced by Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who extolled Bacolod City residents for their innate fortitude.

“The story of MassKara reminds the world that amid hardship, there is hope. Here in Bacolod, you have turned challenges into celebration, and despair into determination,” she said in a speech. 

Frasco also reminded Bacolodnons that their MassKara Festival continues to bring inspiration and hope. 

The DoT chief hailed Bacolod for preserving and promoting the MassKara Festival as a world-class celebration of Filipino creativity, joy and strength. 

“Thank you, Bacolod, for always reminding us of the power of love and hope that we see in every smile and in every dance of the MassKara Festival. Love Bacolod, and love the Philippines.”

The Bacolod Local Government, meanwhile, thanked Frasco for reinforcing the DoT’s support for local festivals that uplift community pride, celebrate culture and drive sustainable tourism across the nation.

The word “MassKara” is a combination of “mass,” which refers to the crowd, and the Spanish word “cara,” meaning face. 

Joined together, it means “many faces,” while the smiling masks that participants wear reflect Bacolod’s resilience, joy and optimism.