
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.



“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.”



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.*