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.

(L-R): Bacolod City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan signed the lease agreement for the redevelopment of the iconic Manokan Country. SM turned over P131M in advance rental payment after the signing.

SM City Bacolod celebrated the MassKara Festival in its own unique and exciting way, joining in the festivities weeks ahead.

1️. 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.

2️. 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.

Tim Yap grooves with the MassKara dancers at SM City Bacolod.

3️. Bacolod Chicken Inasal 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.

4️. 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.

(L-R, front): Columnist Pepper Teehankee, influencers Small Laude and Tim Yap, and Negrense chef JP Anglo. (L-R, back): Lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran, Steven Tan, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, businessman Philip Laude, and chef JJ Yulo

Small Laude (left) and husband Philip Laude (right) in conversation with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (center) at a luncheon in Bacolod City as special guests for the 44th MassKara Festival. Photo by Daniel Tan

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.”

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