Bacolod City mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, during the VIP and Sponsors’ Gala night, said it is important for Bacolodnons to give their all for this year’s MassKara event, which is held right after a two year halt brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to bring back what we have lost during the pandemic.  We should give our best effort in making it a successful event. All of us here, especially for the City of Bacolod, have much to gain if we hold this event in a very successful manner, which is why we are giving a lot of attention in making sure that the whole country, not just Bacolod knows about the festival,” Benitez said.

He also announced that he has personally invited President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. and the First Family to grace the festival in October.

Aptly, this year’s theme “Ibalik ang Yuhum” means to bring back the smiles, according to Benitez, is a signal for us to go back to how it used to be, to bring back the smiles and that we are back in business.

“For the business establishments, for the citizenry, for the Bacolodnons, this will be very special and the whole country is looking at us because we are the first to hold a festival in this pandemic time,” Benitez added.