Rain soaked learners from seven elementary schools in Bacolod City wearing smiling masks and costumes in vibrant colors danced to the lively beat of the MassKara Festival music on Saturday, Oct, 18
Estefania Elementary School with a performance apply dubbed “Dancing in the Rain, Through a Child’s Eye” bagged the Grand Champion title in the MassKara Festival 2025 Arena and Steetdance Competition Schools Category.
This year’s competition began with the arena performances at the Paglaum Sports Complex before the contingents brought their performances to the streets.
Festival Director Rodney Ascalon said the format was changed to create a more engaging showcase of both arena and street performances.
It also marked the return of the arena and street dance competition schools category after six years.
Estefania Elementary School went home with P750,000 and ₱20,000 from DITO Telecom for the championship title.
The 1st Runner-Up was Paglaum Village Elementary School that won ₱300,00 plus ₱10,000 from DITO Telecom.
The 2nd Runner-Up was Asuncion L. Lizares Elementary School (ALLES) that won ₱200,000 plus ₱5,000 from DITO Telecom.
The winners of the minor awards were:
– Best in Community Dance – Paglaum Village Elementary School – ₱30,000;
– Most Disciplined Contingent – Paglaum Village Elementary School – ₱30,000;
– Best in Theme and Concept – Estefania Elementary School – ₱30,000;
– Best in Music – Estefania Elementary School -₱30,000;
– Best in Mask and Costume – ALLES – ₱30,000;
– Best in Introduction Video – Paglaum Village Elementary School – ₱30,000;
Special Awards winners were:
– Kapuso Choice Award – Estefania Elementary School – ₱30,000;
– Sunsilk Hairkada Head-Turner Award – Paglaum Village Elementary School – ₱25,000, and
– Pocari Sweat “Be at Your Best Moment” Award – ALLES – ₱30,000.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya also announced that participating contingents would receive an additional ₱150,000 each as a participation incentive.
Each participating school received ₱500,000 in subsidies from the Bacolod City Government to cover production costs, which are subject to liquidation for accountability.
Gasataya, in his speech, congratulated Estefania Elementary School for its inspiring victory, which he called “a testament to Bacolod’s creativity, teamwork, and the enduring MassKara spirit”.*