Rains fail to dampen MassKara celebration

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BACOLOD CITY — Rains failed to dampen the spirits of young MassKara dancers as they performed from the arena to the streets ahead of the final day of this city’s biggest festival over the weekend.

Showing grit and resilience that marked the birth of MassKara 46 years ago, learners from seven public elementary schools braved the nonstop downpour clad in colorful masks and costumes in the return of the arena and street dance competition school category after six years.

In a statement on Sunday, Mayor Greg Gasataya paid tribute to the school children behind the masks for “carrying the spirit of Bacolod in every beat.”

WINNING FORM Learners from Estefania Elementary School dance under the rain along Araneta Street on their way to snaring their second title in the arena and street dance competition school category and taking home P750,000 champion’s cash prize in 46th MassKara Festival in Bacolod City on Oct. 18, 2025. PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD GUGMA FOUNDATION

“To every dancer who stood in the rain and still lifted their head with pride, know this — your efforts will never be taken for granted. We see your sacrifice, we feel the weight you carry and we stand with you as a people who know the strength it takes beneath that mask,” he said.

On Saturday afternoon, the arena competition was held at Paglaum Sports Complex, after which the contingents danced their way to the Bacolod Public Plaza, where the winners were announced in the evening.

Estefania Elementary School (ES) bested the six other contingents for its second title, along with minor awards for Best in Theme/Concept and Best in Music. It first won the championship in 2019.

For the performance dubbed “Dancing in the Rain, Through a Child’s Eye,” Estefania ES received P920,000 in total cash prizes, including the P750,000 champion’s cash prize, P150,000 participation incentive, and P20,000 from DITO Telecommunity.

Teacher Jackelyn Montes, one of the choreographers, credited their success to the collaboration among teachers, parents and learners.

“Everyone was very welcoming, like one big family. That made it easier for us to guide the children,” she said.

Paglaum Village ES was adjudged first runner-up while Asuncion L. Lizares ES was second runner-up, bringing home cash prizes of P300,000 and P200,000, respectively.

Paglaum Village ES was also awarded Best in Community Dance, Most Disciplined Contingent and Best in Introduction Video.

The Best in Mask and Costume award went to Asuncion L. Lizares ES.

The 19-day festival was set to culminate with the arena and street dance competition barangay category, featuring contingents from 10 villages — 6, 7, 11, 13, 21, 29, 39, Handumanan, Tangub and Bata.