Barangay Tangub clinched the arena and street dance title in the 46th MassKara Festival that ended on a high note Sunday midnight, registering zero crimes across the festival sites during the 19-day celebration, according to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
The highlights from Oct. 17 to 19 drew large crowds at the Bacolod City Government Center and Lacson Tourism Strip as well as the Bacolod Public Plaza, where the street dance competition-barangay category culminated after the earlier arena performance at the Paglaum Sports Complex.
In an interview on Monday, BCPO Director Col. Joeresty Coronica said early planning was crucial in the safety and security preparations for the city’s biggest annual festival.
“We started planning in July. I believe in 95 percent planning and five percent execution. Planning plus collaboration and coordination with the different agencies and the local government unit, and the support of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR). That’s the reason why we had a peaceful MassKara Festival celebration,” he added.
Data showed five theft incidents, but these were reported in areas outside the festival sites.
“We did our best to secure the festival. Based on the crime statistics generated early Monday morning, we have maintained the zero-crime incident (from last year),” BCPO operations head Lt. Col. Lester Leada said.
In a separate statement, the Task Group MassKara, headed by PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, said they implemented a comprehensive security and public safety plan, with the deployment of augmentation forces from other police offices in NIR and Western Visayas.
At the Paglaum Sports Complex Sunday, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, who witnessed the arena dance competition, commended the Bacolodnons “for preserving and promoting the MassKara Festival as a world-class celebration of Filipino creativity, joy, and strength.”
“Your MassKara Festival continues to bring inspiration and hope. Thank you, Bacolod, for always reminding us of the power of love and hope that we see in every smile and in every dance,” she added.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the arena and street dance competition, one of the festival’s most anticipated events, showcases not just the talent, but the unity and joy of every Bacolodnon.
“This is not just about entertainment and dance – it’s about honoring our people who have made sacrifices and continued to move forward despite the challenges. This celebration is a tribute to their resilience and the unbreakable smile of every Bacolodnon,” he added.
This year’s arena and street dance competition-barangay category champion’s trophy went to Barangay Tangub, its second title after seven years, bringing home PHP1 million in cash prize.
Trained by choreographers Joedem Casabuena and Mark Philip Lamirez, with mask designer Christopher John Puerta, Barangay Tangub also bagged the minor awards for Best in Mask and Costume, Best in Music, Best in Theme/Concept, and Most Disciplined Contingent.
Barangay Bata was named first runner-up, pocketing PHP500,000 in cash, along with the Best in Introduction Video award.
Barangay 29 took the second runner-up honors, receiving PHP300,00 in cash, and was also declared champion in both the Community Dance and Merry-Making competitions.
“MassKara has always been more than just a festival – it is a reflection of Bacolod’s soul. Rain or shine, our people continue to smile, create, and celebrate life together,” festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said.
MassKara, coined from the words “mass” (people) and “cara” (face), was born after a series of tragedies experienced by the people of Bacolod in the early 1980s, particularly the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of Negros Navigation’s MV Don Juan. (PNA)