MassKara opens today

BACOLOD City, Philippines – The 33rd edition of this city’s MassKara Festival kicks off today and will run until Oct. 22.

Festival director Eli Francis Tajanlangit said this year’s theme – “Life’s Good in Bacolod” – is meant to highlight the unique lifestyle in Bacolod City as a tourism draw.

“Life is good in Bacolod not only because of its dynamic economy that is now changing its landscape and skyline, but also because of everyday details like a thriving art scene and unique cuisine, the confluence of the best of the urban and rural lifestyles, and of course, the warm hospitality of its people so endearingly reflected in their smiles,” he said.

Festival highlights are the street dancing competitions on Oct. 20-21, Electric MassKara on Oct. 19 to 21, MassKara Art Weekend on Oct. 5 to 7, MassKara Queen pageant on Oct. 18, Majica MassKara to be unveiled on Oct. 5, GMA DanssKara: The MassKara Dance Showdown on Oct. 1 and 22, and Tanda! Sing na, Dance Pa! The Inter-Barangay Talent Competition on Oct. 1 to 22.

The opening rites will be marked by the opening of festival sites at the city plaza and the carnival rides at SM City Bacolod, a festival co-presenter.

The opening ceremonies will be held at the Bacolod public plaza at 7 p.m. to be capped by a fireworks display.

For the first time, this year’s Electric MassKara will be held for three nights on Oct. 19, 20, and 21, at the Tourism Strip along Lacson Street.

The whole 15-block Tourism Strip will be converted into one giant street party place to encourage revelers to dance, instead of just watching people dance or sing, Tajanlangit said.