Organizers said preparations are complete for the MassKara Festival 2026 Streetdance and Arena Competition, which will bring together elementary, high school and barangay contingents on at the SM City Bacolod grounds, Oct. 17 and 18.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. said this year marks the return of a three-category competition after several years, with seven elementary schools, four high schools and eight barangays joining the festival showdown.
Competing in the Elementary Category are Sum-ag Elementary School, Education and Training Center School II, Handumanan Elementary School I, Vista Alegre Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School and Montevista Elementary School.
The High School Category will feature Abkasa National High School, Jovito Sayson National High School, Bacolod City National High School and Progresso Village National High School.
Eight contingents will compete in the Barangay Category: Bata, Alangilan, Barangay 10, Handumanan, Barangay 13, Barangay 6, Taculing and Mandalagan.
Event director Nestor Guillaran is leading preparations under the supervision of longtime Streetdance and Arena Competition chairperson Dr. Baldomero Defensor.
Organizers said coordination has been ongoing among government agencies, contingents, security personnel and other stakeholders to prepare the new arena venue at SM City Bacolod.
The Arena Competition was transferred from the Paglaum Sports Complex after organizers assessed the previous venue as no longer suitable for this year’s event.
Guillaran and the organizing team have been working with SM City Bacolod, the Philippine National Police and other agencies on crowd management, performer movement, security and technical requirements.
Production manpower has also been increased to manage the expected volume of performers and spectators during the two-day competition.
Blockings and rehearsals will begin on Oct. 7.
Stage mounting and installation of technical requirements will start on Oct. 13, followed by technical rehearsals on Oct. 15.
The Streetdance and Arena Competition will then take center stage on Oct. 17 and 18 as part of the MassKara Festival 2026 celebration.*
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