BACOLOD CITY — The vibrant energy of Bacolod reached its peak as Barangay Tangub was hailed Grand Champion in this year’s MassKara Festival 2025 Arena and Streetdance Competition – Barangay Category.
This year’s competition opened on a high note with a special appearance by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who lauded Bacolod for keeping the spirit of MassKara alive through creativity, culture, and community pride.
In a fresh twist, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. reversed the traditional sequence of the competition—starting with the Arena Competition, followed by the Street Dancing Parade, and culminating in an evening of merrymaking and the announcement of winners at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Barangay Tangub’s performance, “The Evolving Spirit of MassKara,” paid tribute to 46 years of Bacolod’s resilience and joy. Under the creative direction of Choreographers Joedem Casabuena and Mark Philip Lamirez, and Mask Designer Christopher John Puerta, the group captivated both the judges and the crowd with dynamic choreography, vibrant costumes, and a compelling narrative that embodied the essence of the festival.
Barangay Tangub took home ₱1,000,000 in cash, plus ₱20,000 each from DITO Telecom and Mang Inasal, alongside multiple special awards — Best in Mask & Costume, Best in Music, Best in Theme/Concept, and Most Disciplined Contingent.
Taking the 1st Runner-Up spot, Barangay Bata delivered a colorful and heartfelt performance that celebrated unity and everyday Bacolod life. Led by Choreographer, Mask & Costume Designer Ronelo Mabilog, they earned ₱500,000 plus ₱10,000 from DITO Telecom and the award for Best in Introduction.
Meanwhile, Barangay 29 claimed 2nd Runner-Up with their radiant performance “Sidlak,” directed by Choreographer, Mask & Costume Designer Segundo Jesus “Panoy” Cabalcar Jr. They also won Champion in Community Dance and Champion in Merry Making, taking home ₱300,000 and ₱5,000 from DITO Telecom.
The competition also recognized Barangay Tangub as First Runner-Up in Merry Making, while Barangay Bata earned Second Runner-Up in the same category.
Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon expressed his pride and gratitude for the participating contingents and the enduring MassKara spirit:
“MassKara has always been more than just a festival—it is a reflection of Bacolod’s soul. Rain or shine, our people continue to smile, create, and celebrate life together. This is the true essence of Gugma and the heart of every Bacolodnon.”
This year’s MassKara Arena and Streetdance Competition once again proved that Bacolod’s strength lies in its people—their artistry, unity, and the ever-present smile that continues to define the City of Smiles. (news by BCPIO, photo by DR. Ronnie Baldonado)
Tags: bacolod, masskara, festival, streetdance, competiton, barangay, estefania, winner, champion, school, category