Bacolod: This highly urbanized city unveiled the MassKara Festival 2026 twin logo on Friday, highlighting the celebration's 47th year with various dimensions of Bacolod this coming Oct. 1 to 18. Rooted on the "MassKara For All" concept, the logos of 'To Max and 'Day Kara are anchored on the theme "Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma (Love)."
According to Philippines News Agency, 'To is short for Toto, while 'Day is a contraction of Inday, both Hiligaynon terms used to address a young boy and young girl in this case. "We are all excited for the MassKara Festival. It's not just because of the tourists who come to Bacolod. Aside from that, this is the Bacolodnons way of showcasing their talents and also our hospitality and warmth," Mayor Greg Gasataya said during the festival launch at Roy's Hotel and Convention Center.
This year's festival features a new performance venue for the arena and street dance competitions and an expanded line-up of activities aimed at making the celebration more accessible to Bacolodnons and visitors. Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the 2026 celebration would boost MassKara's unique brand as it opens doors for broader participation across the sectors and communities. "MassKara is more than a festival; it is a feeling, it is our identity and it is our way of sharing who we are," he added.
The twin logo created by freelance illustrator Mark Lester Jarmin is described as the festival's first-of-its-kind creative direction that presents two visual faces of MassKara while reflecting the festival's evolving identity. 'To Max is depicted as a guide to the Bacolod people know, love and proudly share. He represents "Share the Smile" by encouraging people to rediscover and share the stories that make Bacolod feel like home.
'Day Kara, designed with a Gen Z personality, embodies the youthful energy and "gugma" of Bacolod. Her character brings "Celebrate Gugma" to life, not simply experiencing Bacolod, but feeling, living, sharing and celebrating it. Their silhouettes form a heart when viewed together, while the lettering pays homage to the original MassKara logo by artist Ely Santiago.
The festival highlights on Oct. 17 and 18 will bring the arena and street dance competitions this time, at the Reclamation Area within SM City Bacolod. The eight contingents in the village category are Barangay 6, Barangay 10, Barangay 13, Barangay Alangilan, Barangay Bata, Barangay Mandalagan, Barangay Handumanan and Barangay Taculing. In the school category, the competitors are Montevista Elementary School, Sum-ag Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School, Vista Alegre Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School-I and Education Training Center School-II.
