The streets of Bacolod City glowed with dazzling colors as seven competing groups from STI–West Negros University (STI-WNU) paraded from Megaworld The UpperEast to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) for the 2025 Christmas Festival of Lights on December 13, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Taking this year’s champion title was the Pink Vikings from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, reclaiming the crown they first won in 2015.
Defending champions Red Sentinels (College of Information and Communications Technology) and Blue Guardians (College of Education) finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Also competing in the street and arena dance competition were the Purple Wizards, Yellow Tycoons, Orange Erudites, and Green Titans, all adding to the event’s festive energy.
The annual festival, themed “Christmas for Kids,” featured colorful displays, joyful performances, and the true spirit of the holiday season, delighting spectators of all ages.
City Mayor Greg Gasataya joined the festivities together with Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, STI-WNU president Mark Molina, and councilors Jason Villarosa, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Em Ang, and Homer Bais.
The Mayor expressed gratitude to STI-WNU for its enduring efforts to bring joy to the city each year despite various challenges.
“This is a classic example that if each of us do our share and work together, we can achieve something meaningful for Bacolod City,” Gasataya said. He also highlighted the newly repainted BCGC façade, made possible through a free donation of services from Davies Paints Philippines.
Molina recognized the city government’s continued support through the City Tourism Office.
“STI-WNU has always been committed to supporting the Bacolod City government in whatever way we can, and tonight is one of those ways,” Molina said, noting how the MassKara Festival spirit helped the institution persevere after the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino, which left thousands of families homeless.
Various drum and bugle corps joined the celebration, including VMA Global College, one of the first participants in this year’s event.
The vibrant evening culminated in the highly anticipated Bacolod Christmas Projection Animation Display by EPSON, bringing holiday magic to life for children, families, and the entire community.*
