The MassKaramit Food Fair and events for children, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are all set for the MassKara Festival.
The food fair, which will feature Bacolod favorites, international cuisine and other delicacies, opens at Megaworld’s The Upper East 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, organizer Joann Visitacion said at a MassKara press conference on Tuesday.
The fair will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight from October 1 to 19 with live bands and a lot of food to choose from, she said.
The MassKara Festival will also spotlight inclusivity through a series of GUGMA-themed sectoral events honoring children, women, and PWDs.
The Gugma Foundation Inc., in partnership with the city government of Bacolod and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), will mount Kiddieverse at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Oct. 4.
The program will gather 1,500 day care children for a Disneyland-inspired afternoon of mascots, princess characters, interactive games, live performances, and snacks, Lizette Sy, Kids Day Out head organizer, said.
Kiddieverse is not only entertainment but a way to ensure the city’s youngest citizens share in the cultural celebration, she said.
Zumdigras 2025: Barangay vs. Barangay, Para sa mga Reyna sang Syudad Zumdigras 2025 will be staged on October 5, starting with the Grand Zumparada from Megaworld to the Bacolod City Government Center, Visitacion, Women’s Day head organizer, said.
Fifteen barangay teams will compete in a Zumba showdown culminating in the search for the Zumdigras Queen, she said.
The event will feature Manila South Vibes, known for their viral dance videos, and provide free wellness services, beauty consultations, vaccinations, and giveaways.
“Zumdigras is more than just a competition. It is a tribute to Bacolodnon women who continue to inspire their families and communities,” Gugma President Rodney Ascalon said.
The inclusivity focus continues on October 7 with PuWeDe G! at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central Activity Center.
It will highlight the talents of Bacolod’s PWD community in a program designed to emphasize ability over limitation. Complementing the performances will be a PWD product fair, a magic show for children on the autism spectrum, and professional talks with gift-giving sessions for parents of children with special needs, Mimai Arban, PWD head organizer, said.
“This is not simply a competition- it is a day of recognition and celebration for a vital part of our community,” Ascalon said.*