• ROGER D. BELTRAN
The stage is set for an exhilarating night of charm and talent as fifteen dashing contenders gear up to vie for the prestigious Ginoong Bacolod 2023 crown.
The eagerly awaited pageant is scheduled to dazzle audiences on the evening of October 14, starting at 8 p.m., at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Gymnasium, Fortune Towne Campus, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.
This year’s competition promises to be more intense than ever, with winners not only securing the coveted title of Ginoong Bacolod Masskara 2023 but also vying for the titles of Ginoong Bacolod Inter-Continental and Ginoong Bacolod Eco-Tourism. Event producer Rudy Robles shared that the pageant will also recognize the first and second runners-up.
The night will be filled with excitement as special awards will be presented to the most outstanding contestants in various categories, including Best in Production Number, Best in Regional Costume, Best in Talent, Best in Trunkini, and Best in Formal Attire. Mr. Congeniality and Most Photogenic will also be awarded. Furthermore, corporate awards will be bestowed during the event.
After rigorous auditions, screenings, and final deliberations, the organizing committee revealed the names of the talented candidates representing different barangays.
Aspiring to become the next Ginoong Bacolod MassKara are Arbie Didal, 22, representing Brgy. Sum-ag; Ralph Aljohn Barreto, 22 (Brgy. Mansilingan); Joshua Benedict Fajardo, 24 (Brgy. Sum-ag); Jordan Luces, 25 (Brgy. Vista Alegre); Roseandy Descutido, 20 (Brgy. 35); Louie Asupan, 24 (Brgy. Singcang-Airport); Quer Largavista, 19 (Brgy. Taculing); Jules Andre Poblador, 24 (Brgy. 31);
Jeffrey Co, 20 (Brgy. Granada); Julius Sasi, 25 (Brgy. Cabug); Robin Organo, 23 (Brgy. 12); Sunday Matthew Bedayos, 25 (Brgy. 7); Jaz Breantte Inventor, 20 (Brgy. Estefania); Mark Mondejar, 22 (Brgy. Banago); and Nole Duqueza, 22, representing Brgy. Mandalagan.
The competition is part of the 44th MassKara Festival celebration, which kicked off on October 1. The event is proudly presented by RD Robles Production and Entertainment Services Inc., led by Rudy Robles, and Bago-CARES (Citizens Actively Responsive to the Environment and Society), founded by Renz Reyes, who also serves as the Mr. Elite Philippines Regional Director for Negros.
Reyes announced that this year’s winners will be given the opportunity to compete on both national and international platforms.
The excitement began with the sashing ceremony on September 28 at the Bacolod City Government Center, where the candidates were officially introduced to the public.
Behind the scenes, the dedicated Ginoong Bacolod staff, including Reygan Lachica Oplas and Gilbert Villarus Ventrura, are tirelessly working to ensure that every aspect of the event is executed flawlessly, with Rudy Robles overseeing the production’s overall success.
In a show of social responsibility, the Ginoong Bacolod candidates and RD Robles Production & Entertainment Services, in collaboration with Bago-CARES, will hold a blood-letting activity on October 8, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Barangay 17 Hall, Bacolod City. This initiative underscores the pageant’s commitment to giving back to the community.* Reygan Lachica Oplas photos
