The MassKara Festival 2025 formally unveiled its official logo, “Mass-Kasingkasing,” alongside the announcement of this year’s theme: “One Smile, One City, One Heart” on Friday, Sept. 5.
The theme underscores the enduring spirit of Bacolod—one smile that inspires, one city that unites, and one heart that beats with pride and hope, a press release from the organizers said.
The festival’s new emblem, Mass-Kasingkasing, is more than a visual mark—it represents the very heartbeat of Bacolod, it added.
The elements reflect the city’s culture, arts, traditions, and history, tracing its story back to the tragic sinking of the M/V Don Juan, a pivotal moment that gave birth to the MassKara Festival as an expression of resilience and hope.
The logo also pays homage to Bacolod’s rich culinary and creative identity — from the sweetness of piaya and Negrense delicacies to the artistry and craftsmanship that continue to shape the city’s cultural character.
In addition, the design honors the legacy of the first MassKara logo created by the late Eli Santiago, whose pioneering vision helped define the joyful spirit of the festival.
The logo was created by Bacolod-born creative Paula Romaine O. Salmingo, an illustrator, fabric and textile designer, and graphic artist.
Salmingo, who previously co-designed the Electric MassKara 2019 logo, brings her global design experience back to Bacolod to craft an identity that captures the city’s pride.
“With One Smile, One City, One Heart, we honor the Bacolodnon spirit that continues to shine, no matter what. This year’s celebration is more than a festival — it is a testament to unity,” Gugma Foundation President and Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said.
This direction reflects the vision of Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, whose GUGMA agenda inspired the establishment of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the festival’s official organizing body, he said.
A comprehensive lineup of MassKara 2025 activities will be announced in the coming weeks, he added.*