Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival began in the early 1980s during a time of crisis. As the country’s sugar capital, it faced dire economic times when sugar prices plummeted. With their livelihoods threatened, the city government needed a way to jump-start the economy and restore vibrancy to their residents’ lives.
Together with local artists, they held the first festival which showcased the joyful and resilient spirit of the Negrenses – earning them the name, “City of Smiles”, a fitting title for a people that can find happiness despite facing challenges. In this year’s Masskara Festival, loud musical revelry, pageants, street dances, and of course, parades featuring the iconic masques will flood Bacolod’s streets with joy. As a special treat, SKY will broadcast the festivities’ highlights, live on FREE VIEW, to share the colorful celebrations nationwide.
Yesterday, the city’s local schools held a Masskara dance competition – a great way for kids to have their own fun this fiesta season. Those who couldn’t watch the competition in person enjoyed the youthful spectacle in the comfort of their homes on a same-day 1 to 6 p.m. live telecast.
The city’s barangays will have their own chance to shine in their own Masskara dance competition today. Viewers at home can watch the 1to 6 p.m. live broadcast of the barangays displaying their dancing prowess.
In an exclusive event, SKYcable subscribers in the area can join SKYLife’s dance competition – with special performances lined-up by the local SKY team.
Don’t miss Bacolod City’s most joyous festival this season! Catch the live SKY FREE VIEW coverage on the following channels: Ch. 256 (HD) and Ch. 215 (SD) for SKYcable subscribers in Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan (San Jose Del Monte); and Ch. 760 (HD) and Ch. 27 (SD) for SKYcable subscribers in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod and Davao. Destiny Cable digital subscribers can tune-in through Ch. 256 (HD) and Ch. 215 (SD).