• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
After a 5-year hiatus, the MassKara Festival Arena and Street Dance Competition school category made an epic comeback on Saturday amid non-stop rains, ending with Estefania Elementary School (EES) retaining their title.
EES, which held the title the last time the competition was held in 2019, was once again hailed as the overall grand champion during the awarding ceremony at Bacolod City Public Plaza on October 18.
With their performance, which allowed the audience to see the beauty of the festivity through a child’s eye, EES also bagged Best in Music, Best in Concept, Kapuso Choice, and 1st runner-up in the Merry Making awards, and received a P750,000 cash prize as they clinched this year’s trophy.
Meanwhile, Paglaum Village Elementary School, was hailed as 1st runner-up and received a P350,000 cash prize and bagged five of the minor and special awards.
Among the awards PVES received were Sunsilk Choice, Best in Community Dance, Most Disciplined, Best in Introduction, and 2nd runner-up for Merry Making awards. Each award has a corresponding cash prize of P30,000.
Asuncion Lopez Lizares Elementary School, hailing from Barangay Granada, went home as 2nd runner-up with P200,000 with their concept that highlighted the legacy of their barangay.
They also bagged Pocari Sweat Choice, Best in Mask and Costume, and was hailed as champion in Merry Making.
Despite being soaked in rain, the excitement and joy could be seen in the eyes and smiles of the participants, as they once again showcased their talent portraying the cultural identity of Bacolod in the arena and on the streets.
Two hours before the competition began, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya disclosed that the city initiated a meeting with the school principals to ensure the safety of the students.
“All the principals and the contingents said that they will pursue the competition whether rain or shine,” he explained.
Furthermore, as part of the city’s appreciation for their dedication to pursuing their performance despite the non-stop pouring of rain, participating schools will receive a P150,000 consolation prize on top of their recognitions, Gasataya announced minutes prior the competition proper.
The competition highlighted the resurgence of the school category, which was discontinued after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.*
