Artist Charlie Co supervises the setting up of an installation art in front of the Bacolod City Government Center for the MassKara Festival*Ronnie Baldonado photo
Everything is set for the launching of the 3-week long MassKara Festival which will commence with the MassKara Kick-off Salubong this Friday, September 30, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
“It’s all systems go,” Festival Director Pinky Ocampo said.
To open the festivities, Bacolod is bringing in music icon, Rico Blanco, to take centerstage during the Kick-off Salubong, along with other surprise guests.
Blanco is a multi-awarded singer-songwriter who is also known as one of the founding members of the Filipino rock band, Rivermaya.
He has since launched his solo artist career and has dabbled in films and production.
Rodney Ascalon, stage director of the event said the show will start at 4 p.m. with lots of entertainment, leading to the countdown by midnight with an explosion of fireworks, to signal the start of the MassKara Festival.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and the city councilors are expected to join the countdown.
“We will be showcasing the events that will take place in the festival to give the people a preview of what to expect in these competitions,” Ascalon said, adding that they will also be unveiling the installation art of visual artist, Charlie Co that has become a must-see in the festival.
Joining Blanco on stage are local bands and performers, the Toda Kings, electric and streetdance participants, the Miss Bacolod MassKara contenders, among others.
“Post the countdown, the party will continue with music from our bands and DJs,” Ascalon added.
Meanwhile, Ocampo said that they have coordinated with the Bacolod City Police Office, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office and the military, along with other local enforcers to ensure the safety and security of all revelers.
“We have started to set-up the food and exhibit stalls in both the BCGC and the Bacolod Public Plaza and we are expecting locals and visitors to patronize what we have to offer for them,” Ocampo said.
She also reminded the public that “we are still in the pandemic and we encourage everyone to take heed of protocols,” with the use of face masks at the very least in enclosed spaces and very crowded places.*
