Masskara festival 2009 officially opens
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia officially opened the MassKara Festival 2009 last night with a program at the Bacolod public plaza that was followed by fireworks and a concert sponsored by festival co-sponsor San Miguel Beer.
Addressing the crowd composed of early MassKara visitors and revelers, Leonardia said the next 19 days will be a family-oriented celebration with the Silver MassKara Festival Organization Inc. introducing revisions to ensure a party atmosphere all through-out the festivity.
He said it has been 30 years that Bacolod City showed its resiliency in overcoming challenges through thick and thin. “Today, our MassKara Festival is already the number one tourist attraction, an economic stimulant and the icon of Bacolod,” the mayor said.
MassKara is a treasure of Bacolod and the face of Bacolod, he added.
Leonardia acknowledged the several barangay captains who witnessed the opening ceremony.
Bamboo kiosks at the public plaza also opened early evening last night with already a countless number of patrons.
Festival director Eli Tajanlangit assured that nightly entertainment will be expected at the public plaza which is being repositioned this year as a family-oriented festival site.
The organizers have banned videokes in the food kiosks and have installed more lighting facilities around the plaza to encourage more families in taking part of the festivities.
Clean comfort rooms and proper wash areas have been installed at strategic areas in the plaza for the comfort and convenience of MassKara revelers.