Kapuso stars, Bacolodnons at Masskara Festival

MANILA, Philippines - This year’s Masskara Festival exhibited all shades of vibrancy as Bacolodnons and tourists gathered in celebration of Bacolod’s largest fete. From sun-up to sundown, the revelry went on, with colorful masks all over the place, the air hinting of the city’s pride — chicken inasal.

Glad to have participated in the said festival are some of Kapuso stars who have graced the events mounted by GMA Regional TV.

Last Oct. 17, a crowd estimate of 5,000 flocked to the main atrium of SM City Bacolod to see their favorite Strawberry Lane characters.

Sheryl Cruz serenaded the audience with her latest album’s carrier single Mananatili.

Cheers and giddiness filled the venue when Jake Vargas performed a song for on-screen partner Bea Binene. They were also joined by Sunshine Dizon and Kim Rodriguez, who facilitated a game and sang, respectively.

The next day, Oct. 18, the festival reached its peak and recorded more or less 7,000 people partying their way to the People’s House (formerly New Government Center) to witness Bet ng Bayan’s Western Visayas regional showdown.

The Bacolodnons were welcomed by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, who opened the event with lively Masskara dancers.

With her that night was co-host Alden Richards, who was thrilled with his first hosting stint.

Western Visayas’ regional bets for the singing, dancing and novelty act categories impressed the panel of judges composed of Kuh Ledesma, Louie Ocampo, and Eat, Bulaga! dabarkad Allan K.

Hiram na Alaala’s Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino and Lauren Young starred in a Kapuso meet and greet following the Bet ng Bayan regional showdown. All three delighted their fans with performances that had the audience energized for the Charter Day Countdown that commenced after.

“Masskara 2014 is a colorful event, made even vibrant by the strong ties we keep with the Bacolodnons,” shared GMA Network’s head for Regional Strategy and Business Development (RSBD) Division and AVP for Regional TV Oliver Amoroso.