The Bacolod City government has officially designated the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. as the new organizer of the MassKara Festival.
“At the core of this newly formed foundation is the powerful concept of ‘Gugma’ – love not just as a symbol, but as love in action, expressed through service, unity, and cultural pride,” a press release from the foundation said on Friday, July 25.
This vision aligns with Mayor Greg Gasataya’s commitment to bring MassKara back to the people, where it truly belongs, the press release said.
Leading the foundation is Rodney Mitz Ascalon, who will serve as both Foundation President and Festival Director.
“Gugma is more than love. It’s service. It’s sacrifice. It’s giving without asking in return. That’s what this foundation stands for—and what this year’s MassKara will reflect,” Ascalon said.
The core team supporting Ascalon includes:
- Lawyer Hannah Lea Tañoso Dela Torre, Board of Director, Corporate Secretary, and Legal Affairs Head, who will provide legal guidance and ensure all operations are grounded in integrity and compliance.
- Joanna Angelica Ortillo, Board of Director and Foundation Treasurer, who will spearhead marketing and community engagement strategies.
- Edsel G. Prado, Board of Director, who is in charge of accounting and finance, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Christine Panes-Ceraspe, Board of Director, who will oversee administration and secretariat operations to streamline the foundation’s internal coordination.
With “unity through love” as its guiding principle, MassKara 2025 is shaping up to be a homegrown celebration powered by grassroots collaboration, the press release said.
As preparations ramp up, the foundation invites all Bacolodnons to participate — not merely as spectators, but as co-creators of a festival that truly reflects the heartbeat of the City of Smiles, it said.
MassKara 2025 is poised to be more than just a return to form, it’s a return to heart, it added.*