Paglaum Sports Complex, Bacolod City
October 23, 2022
As a testament to his Administration’s commitment in revitalizing the country’s tourism industry amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally attended the much-awaited culmination of the world-renowned MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.
“Napakaganda ang nangyari dito sa MassKara Festival. Ramdam na ramdam naming lahat. Hindi lang ng taga-Bacolod kung hindi lahat na talaga handang-handa na ang mga kababayan nating Pilipino na bumalik na sa normal na buhay at ipagpatuloy ang ating mga ginagawa para pagandahin natin ang buhay ng isa’t isa, para pagandahin natin ang Pilipinas,” said President Marcos Jr. in his remarks as locals and tourists alike flocked to witness the conclusion of one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines.
As loud cheers greeted him upon his arrival, President Marcos Jr. conveyed his deepest appreciation for the Bacolodnon’s display of their warmest reception.
“Nung pagpasok ko biglang may nagsigawan eh. Akala ko kailangan ko nang sumayaw. Naghanap ako ng maskara, hindi ko pala kayang dalin. Malalaki na pala ‘yung maskara ngayon. Hindi na pupuwede ‘yung dati,” added the President.
After a two-year hiatus, colorful costumes and giant masks once again paraded the streets of Bacolod. Beginning 30 September 2022, various sports competition, street dances, food conventions, art exhibits and musical performances were held leading to the culmination of the festive celebration.
“Pagkatapos ng dalawang taon, may pagkakataon uli tayo na buksan ang ating mga pintuan sa lahat ng mga bisita na nanggagaling kung saan-saan. Hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kung hindi sa iba’t ibang bansa, para sila naman ay makita nila at mapamahal na rin sila sa Bacolod City at sa lahat sa mga tiga-Bacolod,” the President remarked.
MassKara, which literally translates to ‘many faces’, was created out of a crisis in the 1980s when the global price of sugar – Bacolod’s main agricultural crop – plummeted at a record-low. The MassKara Festival was then held to uplift the spirit of locals during those difficult times.
“Nabuhay ang MassKara Festival sa kahirapan at sa kalungkutan. At ang pagbalik ng MassKara Festival ngayon ay nanggaling sa kahirapan at sa kalungkutan. Ngunit, makikita na natin na iniwanan na natin ang kahirapan at kalungkutan at ipinakita na ng mga tiga-Bacolod na tayo ay bumalik na at masaya na naman ulit at bumalik sa ating mga labi ang ating mga ngiti,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his remarks.
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