EXZD

MassKara 2025: Putting Local at the Heart of the Celebration

Close to 80 establishment owners along the iconic Lacson Tourism Strip gathered on Tuesday afternoon, September 2, at Ayala Malls Capitol Central’s Function Hall for an orientation that underscored one of the core goals of the MassKara Festival—to boost local businesses while showcasing Bacolod’s unique culture and spirit.

The initiative, led by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. under the leadership of President Rodney Ascalon and supported by Mayor Greg Gasataya, highlights a shared commitment: making local establishments the priority during the festival’s grand highlights on October 17 to 19.

The orientation was attended by Ascalon and Foundation Board Member Tin Tin Panes, focal person for the Lacson Festival site. Lady Lehi Lambayong, Lacson Site Secretariat, and Mark L. Garcia, Site Director, together with the festival’s organizing and marketing team, presented detailed plans for the Lacson Strip—known as one of the festival’s most vibrant and highly visited locations.

Lambayong outlined kiosk guidelines, emphasizing that Lacson’s homegrown establishments will enjoy first-taker privileges. This ensures that the economic benefits of the festival flow directly to Bacolod’s local entrepreneurs, giving them center stage in welcoming the influx of festivalgoers.

Ascalon expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the business community, assuring them of the foundation’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs:

“This is the essence of the MassKara Festival—not only to celebrate, but to make sure our local businesses thrive alongside the festivities,” he said.

By putting local establishments at the forefront, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation and the city leadership aim to strengthen Bacolod’s identity as the City of Smiles—where celebration and progress go hand in hand, and where every smile is powered by the community that keeps the city alive.

LAPIT NA LANG, MASSKARA 2025 NA!🔥🎭

Para mangin mas exciting ang selebrasyon, kinahanglan namon ang inyo bulig! Ano ang pinaka ginusto niyo sa Masskara Lacson Area? Kag ano ang puwede pa namon ma-improve? Naghimo kami sang Vibe Check survey para mabatian ang inyo mga ideya, suggestions, kag feedback. Importante gid ini para mangin masadya kag reflective ang aton Masskara spirit kag festival subong nga tuig. 📥

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