MassKara Festival 2026 will feature a series of activities for artists, women, children, persons with disabilities and pet lovers as organizers expand community participation in this year’s celebration.
In a press release, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. said on Sept. 24 that the sectoral activities will bring together residents from different barangays and communities under the festival’s theme, “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma.”
The Erceflora On-the-Spot Mask Painting Competition will be held at Robinsons Bacolod on Oct. 3, with around 75 participants from barangays and private institutions expected to join.
Participants will create masks inspired by Bacolod’s iconic landmarks, culture and festival traditions, with P17,500 awaiting the grand winner.
Persons with disabilities and special education students will take part in “PuWeDe G! 2.0” at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Oct. 7.
The event will feature performances, talent and product competitions, and a livelihood expo with 10 kiosks selling products made by PWD cooperatives and two kiosks offering massage services by visually impaired persons.
Women from 13 participating barangays and municipalities will compete in Move and Groove with Manulife: ZumDigras 2026 at the Bacolod City Government Center on Oct. 10.
The dance fitness competition will award P50,000 to the champion, while 13 candidates will compete for the ZumDigras Queen title.
Pet owners will also have their own celebration through Petskara at Robinsons Bacolod on Oct. 10, featuring games, an all-breed fun match and a fashion show for pets wearing outfits made from recycled materials.
Children and families will gather for Kids Day Out: SuperKidsKara! at the Bacolod City Government Center on Oct. 11, with activities centered on play, creativity, teamwork and inclusion.
Bacolod Gugma Foundation president and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the sectoral programs are intended to give more residents opportunities to participate in the festival.
“Making MassKara matter means making sure that every Bacolodnon has a place in the celebration,” Ascalon said.
He said the activities will provide platforms for barangays and different sectors to showcase their talents, products and community identities.
The sectoral programs form part of MassKara Festival 2026’s “#MassKaraForAll” initiative, which seeks to broaden participation in the annual celebration.*
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