Social media personality and Casino Plus brand advocate Zeinab Harake Parks brought star power to Bacolod’s MassKara Festival 2026 on Friday, joining the highly anticipated electric float parade where thousands of cheering festivalgoers gathered for an evening of spectacle, entertainment, and celebration.
Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading PAGCOR-licensed responsible digital entertainment platforms, served as the official presenter and a major sponsor of this year’s festivities, its press release said on Sunday.
The gaming platform made a striking impression with its 21-foot emerald-and-gold float, which illuminated the parade route with an elaborate display of lights and festive design.
At the center of the showpiece was a jeweled masquerade mask featuring Whimsy, the official Casino Plus mascot. Neon-lit scrollwork and glowing mask motifs accentuated the float’s design, creating a dazzling spectacle against the night sky.
Riding on the float’s upper deck, Zeinab greeted cheering spectators and waved to tourists and Bacolodnons at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, joining the city’s vibrant celebration of smiles, culture, and community spirit.
Daniella Louisse Merelos, the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, also joined the parade alongside Zeinab, drawing cheers from the crowd as they waved to festivalgoers.
Named among the Top 5 finalists of Miss Bacolod MassKara, Merelos emphasized that her title is about more than glamour, calling it an opportunity to connect with people and participate in meaningful community experiences.
“MassKara is more than just a festival. It is an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections. I’m excited to experience the diversity, joy, and vibrant spirit that make Bacolod unique,” Merelos said in an interview with Casino Plus.
The 25-year-old added that she looks forward to participating in more Casino Plus activities throughout the festival, engaging with people from various backgrounds and cultures.
FAN EXCITEMENT
Thousands of Bacolodnons and tourists lined the Megaworld Upper East area as early as 5 p.m. Friday to secure viewing spots for the parade, which stands as one of the festival’s main highlights.
Among the early crowd was Audi Johnson, who set up foldable chairs with his wife and 3-year-old daughter, who was eager to see the lights.
“Last year, we were positioned near the end of the route, which was inconvenient because we couldn’t get a good spot and had to stand by the roadside. We feel much more comfortable here,” Johnson said, adding that he was most eager to see the Casino Plus float.
Meanwhile, Marvin Cadapan, a first-time festival attendee from Makati, shared his excitement after seeing Zeinab in person, noting that the social media star greeted him with a flying kiss as the float passed by.
“I was so happy because Zeinab noticed me despite the large crowd,” Cadapan said. “The Casino Plus float was very colorful and grand, so we had a clear view of Zeinab.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The festivities continued along Lacson Street during the Casino Plus takeover, where Zeinab joined the crowd for an evening of music, entertainment, and interactive activities. Attendees were treated to giveaways and major prizes, including JBL speakers and an iPad.
Beyond the grand parade and entertainment, the MassKara Festival serves as a vital platform for promoting Bacolod’s cultural identity and driving local commerce.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation highlighted the festival’s broad economic impact, noting that the influx of visitors benefits local hotels, restaurants, transport operators, street vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, and production crews.
“When visitors come to Bacolod, they support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production workers, and small businesses,” said Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon.
Ascalon explained that the festival’s theme, “Making MassKara Matter,” reflects a commitment to generating benefits that extend beyond event venues. “We want the smile to reach the communities and the people who work behind the scenes of this celebration,” he added.
Through its active participation in MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus continues to foster community engagement at one of the Philippines’ premier regional events, standing alongside Bacolod in honoring the creativity, resilience, and joyful spirit of the City of Smiles.*
[sibwp_form id=1]