From left: Bacolod City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan show signed contracts, signifying the start of a landmark public-private partnership project for the redevelopment of Bacolod’s iconic Manokan Country
One of the Philippines’ longest festivals —MassKara— was also the most awesome one as SM City Bacolod celebrated over two weekends of fun and celebrity sightings.
SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez enjoy a lively moment with MassKara dancers at SM City Bacolod’s AweSM Inasal Fest, one of the many mall events held during the MassKara Festival 2023
SM City Bacolod celebrated the MassKara Festival in its own unique and exciting way, joining in the festivities weeks ahead.
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From left: Columnist Pepper Teehankee, lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Negrense chef JP Anglo, influencer Tim Yap, and chef JJ YuloPower couple Small Laude and Philip Laude visit Banco De Oro (BDO) at SM City Bacolod. SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (center) visits with Bacolod’s SM Foundation scholars, sharing life lessons, particularly those passed down during his mentorship with the late SM founder, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr.
1. MassKara Mall Decorations: SM City Bacolod adorned its premises with vibrant and eye-catching MassKara-themed decorations, including colorful masks, garlands, and festive adornments. These decorations created a lively ambiance, truly capturing the spirit of the festival.
SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan attends the MassKarade Ball with Cultural Center of the Philippines President Margie Moran
From left: Columnist Pepper Teehankee, influencers Small Laude and Tim Yap, and Negrense chef JP Anglo. (L-R, back): Lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, businessman Philip Laude, and chef JJ YuloInfluencer Tim Yap grooves with the MassKara dancers at SM City Bacolod
2. MassKara Performances: The mall also hosted live performances featuring MassKara dancers and musicians to entertain and captivate visitors. These performances included the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, an illustrious 75-piece ensemble. They turned SM City Bacolod into their concert hall, treating music-loving Negrenses to timeless symphonies and contemporary Filipino compositions. This balance between tradition and innovation is a testament to the orchestra’s adaptability and cultural significance.
MassKara Street Dance Hall of Famer, Barangay Granada, is this year’s MassKara Festival street dance champion anew. Photo grabbed from Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez’s Facebook accountCultural Center of the Philippines President Margie Moran talks about their mission to share the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s musical excellence with kababayans through provincial showsFrom left: Billiards legend Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez face off in an exhibition 10-ball billiards game at SM City Bacolod
3. Bacolod ChickenInasal Fest Conversations: SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, who was captivated by the Negrense food culture, hosted a Bacolod Chicken Inasal lunch for Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, celebrated chefs JP Anglo and JJ Yulo, influencers Small Laude and Tim Yap, businessman Philip Laude, lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran, and columnist Pepper Teehankee. Their conversations about how Bacolod City should be the food capital of the Philippines will be uploaded online by SM Supermalls.
From left: Influencer Small Laude, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and businessman Philip Laude converse at a luncheon in Bacolod City as special guests for the 44th MassKara FestivalActors Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo entertain their fans at the Viu MassKara mall show at SM City BacolodThe heat is on as (L-R): Columnist Pepper Teehankee, influencers Tim Yap and Small Laude, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan take charge of grilling Bacolod’s iconic dish, Chicken Inasal
4. MassKara Parade of Smiles: Drawing countless admirers, including Tan, who chaired the board of judges, the MassKara Parade of Smiles was a dazzling display of artistic craftsmanship by the different barangays. Elaborately designed masks adorned the faces of performers, each telling a unique story and reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bacolod. The parade enchanted spectators and celebrated the boundless creativity of the city’s talented artisans.
SM City Bacolod’s eye-catching decorations authentically capture the MassKara festival’s essenceSM City Bacolod embellishes its surroundings with vibrant MassKara-inspired ornaments, creating a lively festival atmosphere
Tan noted the warmth of the Negrenses and their unwavering support for SM. “We have always believed in not just building malls but creating extraordinary spaces that foster connection, timeless memories, and opportunities for growth. Bacolod City has become an integral part of the SM family, and we are honored to be part of this incredible journey.”
