Eleven elementary and high schools in Bacolod City showcased their masks, headdresses, costumes and performance concepts ahead of the MassKara Festival 2026 Street Dance and Arena Competition-School Category on Oct. 17.
The participating schools presented their entries during the Mask and Costume Display Competition-School Category at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, giving the public an early look at the designs and concepts they will bring to the festival competition.
Seven elementary schools are participating: Vista Alegre Elementary School, Education and Training Center School II, Sum-ag Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Montevista Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School and Handumanan Elementary School.
The high school contingents are Progreso Village National High School, Abkasa National High School, Jovito H. Sayson National High School and Bacolod City National High School.
The entries are competing for Best in Mask, Headdress and Costume, with judging being conducted ahead of the main competition.
Winners will be announced during the awarding ceremony at the Bacolod Public Plaza on Oct. 17.
The board of judges is composed of Rhoderick Samonte, president of the International Relations Council of Higher Education in Negros Island Region, former MassKara Festival director Eli Francis Tajanlangit, and Jolly Gariando Jr., national festival director of the 14th National Performing Arts Festival.
Festival director Rodney Ascalon said the participation of schools provides younger Bacolodnons an opportunity to develop their own interpretations of MassKara through performance, mask-making and costume design.
“A new generation of MassKara is here. We are giving our young people the space to create, perform, and make MassKara their own,” Ascalon said.
The competition also involves choreographers, costume and mask designers, teachers and other members of the participating school communities.
Ayala Malls Capitol Central general manager Maria Sharon Villar-Ciocon said the mall was hosting the Mask and Costume Display Competition for the first time.
“We are proud to support initiatives that promote culture, diversity, and young talents. Let us continue to keep the spirit and festivity of MassKara alive,” Villar-Ciocon said.
Councilors Israel Salanga and Jason Villarosa were also present during the activity.
The masks, headdresses and costumes of the participating schools remain on display at Ayala Malls Capitol Central ahead of the School Category street dance and arena competition on Oct. 17.*
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