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MassKarade Ball raises P1M for Typhoon Kristine victims

MASSKARADE BALL. Secretary and Festival Director for Cultural and Accredited Events Kuster Cadagat,  Councilor Thaddy Sayson, Bacolod businesswoman Chole Cuenca-Chua, Maria Margarita Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board; Katrina Ponce Enrile, administrator and chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority ; Councilor Jason Villarosa; Councilor Israel Salanga ; President and Festival Director for Finance, Admin, Concerts, Events, and Fair, Katherine Matiling; Jericho Redil, Treasurer, and Festival Director for Good Governance, Finance, Procurement, and Admin (l-r) at the s 2024 MassKara Ball “Sapphirus” Edition at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center in Bacolod City on October 25* BYF photo

About 1 million pesos was raised in cash donations for the GMA Kapuso Foundation, at the 2024 MassKarade Ball “Sapphirus” Edition on October 25 at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, Bacolod City.

The funds are part of a compassionate effort by the foundation to provide assistance to those deeply impacted by the recent calamity, particularly the Bicol Region. With this, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation initiated the program to help those typhoon victims.

Among the generous contributors were Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA); Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Managing Director of The Belo Group; Bacolod businessman Willy Au, and numerous Manila socialites who attended the ball.

Ayala Malls Capitol Central manager Sharon Ciocon, MassKara Festival chairman Jojie Dingcong, Art Association of Bacolod-Negros Treasurer Patty Jane Ong, and Seda Hotel general manager Kim Guimba (l-r)* CGS photo
Pal Larsen, Edouard Garcia, Miren and Bomber Zayco (l-r)* CGS photo
Mark Vargas and Bacolod fashion designer John John Ditching (l-r); right photo, Association of Business Women in Commerce and Industry country president – Philippines Phoebe David and AABN treasurer Patty Jane Ong (l-r)* CGS photos

“We are now making the most out of it, to be sensitive to what happened,” said Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez. “In the same manner, we would like to show that we share their anguish in these trying and difficult times.”

Other notable attendees included lawyer Annette Gozon-Valdes, president and CEO of GMA Films and the president of GMA Worldwide; Sparkle’s Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia; Margarita Nograles, COO of the Philippine Tourism Board; and Tina Cuevas, executive director and owner of the Sulo Hotel Riviera in Quezon City.

Jojie Dingcong, MassKara chairman and event chairperson, emphasized the significance of holding the festival amidst the challenges the country faces.

“Given the situation, we feel it is essential to continue celebrating MassKara Festival 2024 without ignoring what is happening in other parts of the country. We must come together with strength and purpose, which reflects the resilience of the Bacolodnons. We have endured numerous tragedies, from the Don Juan tragedy to recent events, yet this festival aims to be more than a celebration, it’s a conscious, purposeful event to support those in need,” Dingcong explained.

During the event, Nograles assured attendees that the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board is working tirelessly to assist those affected by the calamity and to support tourism projects in Bacolod City.

“I assure you of the continued support of the Tourism Promotions Board in your endeavors. Together, we will attract more visitors and ensure that the spirit of the MassKara Festival continues to uplift and inspire.”

Bacolod Tourism Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili, Tourism Regional Director- Western Visayas Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano, and Bacolod Councilors Jason Villarosa, Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Israel Salanga (l-r)* BYF photo
Bacolod businessman Dave Ranile, Manila-based businesswoman Mari Fernandez with Marriot Resorts World executives, BREDCO director Willy Au, Ria Fernandez, and Gigi and John Alonte, president of BREDCO (l-r)* CGS photo
Cristalle Belo-Henares with the MassKara dancers of Brgy Granada.* Andrew Altarejos photo

Enrile, who also attended last year’s event, congratulated Bacolod on the success of what she believed is the premier festival and pledged to donate to help affected families in Naga.

“But of course, let us not forget what’s happening in the rest of the country. Let’s continue to pray for those affected by Typhoon Kristine, but the fiesta must go on. I am personally pledging 500,000 pesos to GMA Kapuso for the people of Naga,” Enrile said.

At the 2023 MassKarade Ball, five beneficiaries were awarded scholarship grants. The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation also recognized the Friends of MassKara who have been supporting the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation and the MassKara Festival namely, Chloe Cuenca Chua, Jeanette Gonzaga, Gin Gin Locsin, Margrey Sy, Ginette Yanson Dumancas, Jerry Sy, and Leo Rey Yanson.

The Miss Bacolod MassKara candidates were presented, and a historical presentation on Bacolod City’s origins was shown. Other notable attendees included MassKarade Ball participants USEC Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Chief of Staff and Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation, Department of Tourism Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, and various sponsors of the Yuhum Foundation.

Bacolod Councilors Jason Villarosa, Israel Salanga, and Thaddy Sayson, and BYF officials were also present during the celebration.*

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