Bacolod, you were aweSM!

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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. 

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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.

1️⃣ MassKara Mall Decorations: SM City Bacolod adorned its premises with vibrant and eye-catching MassKara-themed decorations, including colorful masks, garlands, and festive adornments.

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SM City Bacolod embellishes its surroundings with vibrant MassKara-inspired ornaments, creating a lively festival atmosphere.

These decorations created a lively ambiance, truly capturing the spirit of the festival.

2️⃣ MassKara Performances: The mall also hosted live performances featuring MassKara dancers and musicians to entertain and captivate visitors.

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

These performances included the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, an illustrious 75-piece ensemble.

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SM City Bacolod’s eye-catching decorations authentically capture the MassKara festival’s essence.

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.

3️⃣  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.

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(L-R): Columnist Pepper Teehankee, lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran, Steven Tan, Negrense chef JP Anglo, influencer Tim Yap, and chef JJ Yulo
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The heat is on as (L-R): Pepper Teehankee, Tim Yap, Small Laude, and Steven Tan take charge of grilling Bacolod’s iconic dish, Chicken Inasal.

Their conversations about how Bacolod City should be the food capital of the Philippines will be uploaded online by SM Supermalls.

4️⃣ 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.

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MassKara Street Dance Hall of Famer, Barangay Granada wins this year’s MassKara Festival street dance. Photo from Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez Facebook Page.

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.

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.”

Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.

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