The official MassKara website and the much-awaited Masskara music-video will be launched today at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Councilor Jason Villarosa, chairman of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Tourism committee, MassKara Festival Chairperson Atty. Pinky Ocampo and City Tourism Department head Teresa Manalili will lead the launching activity, after the traditional flag raising ceremony.
The Masskara MTV entitled “Smile Again,” starring Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto and actress-singer Sue Ramirez will be broadcasted all over the city through a mobile van to drum up excitement for the festival which will run from October 1-23.
Espanto is a Filipino-Canadian singer that rose to prominence when he joined The Voice Kids Philippines. Since then, he has produced platinum records and has dabbled in acting as well.
Ramirez, on the other hand, is a Negrense born actress and the girlfriend of Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, son of Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.
In a statement, Ocampo said the MTV will be one of the main features in the website and “we hope it will catch fire in social media and generate interest among Bacolodnons and Negrenses to participate in our festivities.”
“We tested the song with several groups of people and it elicited much excitement. It is very danceable and we are hoping that it will be included in audio streaming sites like Spotify,” Ocampo added.
“Smile Again” which was composed and produced by Red Events showcases sights and sounds of Bacolod. A remix version of the song that will be used for the Street Dance Competition will also be launched tomorrow while Espanto will perform it live in Bacolod on October 23.
The song’s inspiration comes from the resiliency of the people to smile amidst the challenges in life and gives significance to how MassKara Festival came about.
“After two years of missing out in one of the grandest festivals in the country, Bacolod is ready to smile again as we recover from the pandemic and under a new and dynamic leadership,” Ocampo said.
Meanwhile, the website will also feature official events that are included in the duration of the festival including gastronomic and historical tours that the city and the Province of Negros Occidental has to offer for both local and international tourists.
“Countless of cultural and sports activities have been lined-up and we are expecting thousands of participants and visitors to visit Bacolod next month, including big names in the sports and entertainment industries who will grace our events,” Ocampo added.*
