MassKara Festival 2025

17/04/2026

VIA MAYOR GREG GASATAYA | On behalf of the entire City of Bacolod, congratulations on your incredible Top 10 finish and on sweeping the awards at Lin-ay sang Negros 2026, Ysa!

You stood on that stage and showed Negros exactly what a Bacoleña is made of: true beauty, a big heart, sharp intellect, and a radiant smile that spreads joy and strength. Your haul of awards is a testament to your hard work and undeniable presence.

Thank you for carrying the name of Bacolod with such grace and for being an inspiration to our youth. You represented the City of Smiles perfectly, and we are all proud of you!

Congratulations, Ysa! 🤍🧡💙

16/04/2026

Bacolod bets on Ysabella Wuthrich to end pageant drought in Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026

BACOLOD CITY — Hope is rising for the City of Smiles as Ysabella Wuthrich, this year’s Lin-ay Sang Bacolod bet, sets her sights on reclaiming the crown and ending Bacolod’s long wait for a title in the prestigious Lin-ay Sang Negros pageant.

With the competition entering its crucial stages, Wuthrich is emerging as one of the strong contenders among the 32 “Radiant Pearls” vying for the coveted crown in the 2026 Pearl Edition. Her campaign carries not only personal ambition but also the pride of Bacolod City, which has not secured the title in recent years.

Pageant organizers describe this year’s competition as a celebration of strength and natural beauty, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Negros. Candidates showcased both elegance and power during the swimwear segment, symbolizing resilience and depth—qualities that define a true “Babayeng Negrosanon.”

Support continues to pour in for Wuthrich, with backers rallying online as voting for the People’s Choice Award intensifies. Organizers reminded the public that only heart reactions will be counted, with voting set to close on April 17 at 12 noon.

“Let’s show GUGMA for Ysa,” Miss Bacolod MassKara Organization urged, calling on Negrenses to unite behind Bacolod’s representative as she pushes for a spot in the winners’ circle.

The competition continues today, April 16, with the Corporate Day and Preliminary Q&A at Ayala Malls Activity Center, where candidates are expected to demonstrate wit, advocacy, and stage presence. The journey culminates on April 17 at the Panaad Park and Stadium for the grand coronation night.

This year’s edition is spearheaded by Director Rodney Ascalon, alongside a team of organizers and creatives committed to elevating the pageant’s standard and showcasing Negros Occidental’s culture and tourism.

As the finals draw near, all eyes are on Wuthrich—Bacolod’s hopeful who carries with her a city’s dream of bringing the crown back home.

HEART THIS PHOTO, LINK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DWfFMw6c2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

15/04/2026

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩!💥

Like the majestic canyons shaped by the relentless flow of nature, a 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 is a masterpiece of resilience and breathtaking depth.

Our 32 Radiant Pearls trade the serenity of the shore for the raw power of the earth in their swimwear, showing us that true beauty is both an art and an unstoppable force!

It’s time to choose your favorite pearl. The power is in your hands! Help your favorite candidate secure a spot in the winner’s circle by showing your support.

👑 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄’𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃: 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒!

📌 Here are the mechanics:
❤️ Give a HEART reaction on the photo of your favorite candidate.
❤️ Votes will be based strictly on heart reactions only.

🗓️ Voting starts today and officially closes on April 17, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please refrain from engaging in any fraudulent online activities. The use of auto-reacts is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. Let’s keep the competition fair and the brilliance real!

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐒 🗓️
Witness the journey of our pearls at these official events:

• April 16 | Ayala Malls Activity Center
𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐐&𝐀

• April 17 | Panaad Park and Stadium
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Don't miss a single moment of this historic year!
1. 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 & 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 for exclusive updates.
2. 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐒 below! Let’s hear your Negrense pride! 📣

Lin-ay Over-all Coordinator: Stephanie Sorbito
Creative Director: Rodney Ascalon
Assisted By: Terry Conlu
Photo: EP Studios
Set Design: Bagtas
Overall Production: Team Acids Production

Special thanks to:
Governor B**g Lacson
Negros Occidental Provincial Government
Atty Rayfrando P. Diaz II- Provincial Administrator
Charina Magallanes-Tan - Panaad sa Negros Festival Executive Director

LSN Candidate #29
YSABELLA WUTHRICH
Bacolod City

13/04/2026

VIA PNA | Bacolod City showcases its three iconic celebrations for a unique pavilion experience at the 30th sa Negros Festival, which opens Monday (April 13, 2026) at the Panaad Park and Stadium in the city.

Guests can get a glimpse of the Festival, Festival, and the Chicken Inasal Festival in one destination.

Negros Occidental's "festival of all festivals", which runs until April 19, presents the best of the culture, arts, heritage, and products of the province's 32 cities and municipalities.

Panaad is the Hiligaynon word for vow or promise. | Nanette Guadalquiver; 📸: Bacolod City Tourism Office

12/04/2026

A Smile That Defines a City:
Wuthrich Lights Up Festival Costume Stage

Radiating charm and unmistakable warmth, Lin-ay Sang Bacolod bet Ysabella Wuthrich sashayed onto the stage, embodying the very essence of Bacolod as the famed “City of Smiles” during the Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 Festival Costume Competition.

Her vibrant ensemble, masterfully crafted by artist Carlos Durana, paid homage to the city’s cultural identity. The costume featured well-loved Bacolod icons, brought to life through a cascade of colorful and striking masks—an unmistakable nod to the world-renowned MassKara Festival. Adding depth and heritage to the design, the iconic black-and-white flooring pattern of the Bacolod City Public Plaza was seamlessly incorporated, completing the look with a touch of timeless local identity.

Yet beyond the intricate details and bold artistry, it was Wuthrich’s natural smile that left the strongest impression.

Effortless and genuine, her expression became the highlight of her performance—capturing the heart of the city she represents.

In that moment, Wuthrich did not just wear a costume—she became the symbol of Bacolod’s identity, proving that the brightest feature of the City of Smiles is, and always will be, its people.





📸A-Listed Media/ Jessie Miag-ao

10/04/2026

BACOLOD BET SHINES AS MUSE OF THE MEDIA IN LIN-AY 2026 KICKOFF

BACOLOD CITY — The much-anticipated Lin-ay sang Negros 2026 officially opened with its Press Presentation and Talent Competition, setting the stage for a celebration of beauty, purpose, and Negrense pride, now for 30 years.

Among the early standouts was Lin-ay Sang Bacolod, Ysabella Wuthrich, who was hailed Muse of the Media (City Category) — a recognition given to candidates who demonstrated substance, and strong engagement with the press.

In her interaction with members of the media, Wuthrich underscored resiliency as a defining value. She encouraged individuals to embrace their uniqueness, reminding the audience “not to fit in, but to stand out,” emphasizing that everyone is born to claim their place in the world despite life’s challenges.

The opening event not only highlighted the candidates’ talents and advocacies but also reaffirmed the pageant’s role in shaping young women into voices of influence and inspiration across Negros Occidental.

The festivities continue with the Festival Costume Competition on Sunday, ahead of the opening of Panaad 2026 on Monday, April 13.

06/04/2026

Presenting the Official Portrait of our Lin-ay Sang Bacolod 2026

LSN Candidate #29
YSABELLA WUTHRICH
Bacolod City

Draped in luminous pearls, Ysabella Wuthrich embodies elegance and grace in this Pearl Year of one of the region’s most celebrated beauty pageants—Lin-ay Sang Negros.

A vision of poise and purpose, she carries not only beauty but the pride of Bacolod City, shining with quiet strength and timeless charm as she vies for the crown.

06/04/2026

Presenting the Official Portrait of our Lin-ay Sang Bacolod 2026

LSN Candidate #29
YSABELLA WUTHRICH
Bacolod City

Draped in luminous pearls, Ysabella Wuthrich embodies elegance and grace in this Pearl Year of one of the region’s most celebrated beauty pageants—Lin-ay Sang Negros.

A vision of poise and purpose, she carries not only beauty but the pride of Bacolod City, shining with quiet strength and timeless charm as she vies for the crown.

LSN Candidate #29
YSABELLA WUTHRICH
Bacolod City

24/03/2026

In a celebration of leadership grounded in culture and creativity, Gugma President Rodney Mitz Ascalon marks another year of life, continuing to shape Bacolod’s vibrant artistic landscape.

Known as a true champion of the arts and a steadfast patron of creatives, Ascalon has long been at the forefront of initiatives that amplify Bacolodnon talent—most especially during the MassKara Festival, where smiles are not just worn, but masterfully created.

Under his guidance, the spirit of MassKara thrives beyond the season, empowering communities and sustaining platforms for local artists to shine.

And while the colors, masks, and rhythms evolve with time, one thing remains constant—we are not dropping the numbers, as the movement he leads continues to grow, inspire, and bring people together.

A celebration of another year, and a continuing legacy of culture, creativity, and community.

P.S. No Age Reveal here.

19/11/2025

On the Occasion of the 55th Milestone Birthday of Mayor Greg Gasataya

Today, we honor not only a leader, but a man whose compassion and dedication have shaped countless lives in Bacolod. Mayor Greg Gasataya stands as the heart and guiding spirit of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., embodying the true essence of public service rooted in love, humility, and genuine concern for the community.

Through his unwavering support and vision, he has become the steady force behind MassKara for All—ensuring that the festival’s story continues to evolve as a celebration of unity, resilience, and shared joy for every Bacoleño, regardless of background or circumstance. His leadership has allowed GUGMA sa MassKara to flourish, turning its mission into a movement that brings people together in the spirit of hope and positivity.

As he marks his 55th year, we celebrate not only his life, but also the impact of his service, his kindness, and his enduring commitment to uplift Bacolod City. His journey continues to inspire, reminding us that true leadership is measured by the love and inclusion we extend to others.

Happy 55th Birthday, Mayor Greg Gasataya— the man, the heart, and the driving force behind GUGMA and MassKara for All.

08/11/2025

“Love in Action”: Bacolod Gugma Foundation Extends Help to Fire and Typhoon Victims through MassKaralympics 2025

BACOLOD CITY — Living up to its name and mission, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) continues to embody Gugma — love in action — through its ongoing donation drive for Bacolodnons affected by recent disasters.

In the wake of the Barangay 27 fire and the devastation caused by Typhoon “Tino,” which placed Bacolod under a State of Calamity and affected over 25,000 residents, the foundation has mobilized resources and volunteers to bring immediate relief to the most vulnerable communities.

The foundation, in partnership with the MassKara Festival Committee, utilized proceeds from MassKaralympics 2025 — the annual sports and wellness arm of the festival — to fund its first wave of assistance.

On October 31 and November 1, the BGFI team turned over essential construction materials to Barangay 27 residents who lost their homes in the fire. The donation included:
• 20 cubic meters of mixing sand
• 60 bags of cement
• 1,500 pieces of hollow blocks

BGFI President and MassKara Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon emphasized that the project is an expression of the organization’s commitment to service.

“Gugma is more than a word — it’s a movement of love in action. Service is at the heart of everything we do. As long as there are Bacolodnons in need, Gugma will continue to respond,” said Ascalon. “This is the spirit of MassKara — hope, compassion, and solidarity in the face of hardship.”

MassKaralympics Head Jose David Diaz also expressed pride in how the sports initiative has evolved beyond competition into a vehicle for community impact.

“The energy and camaraderie we see in MassKaralympics mirror the resilience of Bacolod. Every game, every cheer, and every smile now carries a deeper purpose — to give back,” Diaz said. “This campaign proves that MassKara is not just a celebration, but a platform for collective action and care.”

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation has likewise opened its doors for ongoing relief operations for Typhoon Tino victims. Donations in kind and cash are still being accepted, with distribution efforts already underway in coordination with the MassKara Festival Office and partner barangays.

“There is still much work to be done,” Ascalon added. “We call on our fellow Bacolodnons, organizations, and friends of MassKara to continue supporting this cause. Together, we can rebuild and rise stronger.”

Interested donors and volunteers are encouraged to coordinate directly through the official MassKara Festival and Bacolod Gugma Foundation pages for updates and details on how to help.

07/11/2025

MASSKARA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 2025: Finalists’ Awarding and Exhibition

Bacolod City — The wait is nearly over! Tomorrow at 5 PM, Ayala Malls Capitol Central will host the award ceremony and exhibition for the MassKara Festival Photography Contest 2025, showcasing this year’s most captivating images.

The event will feature the winning and finalist entries, celebrating the creativity, storytelling, and vibrant spirit of Bacolod as captured through the lenses of talented photographers.

The exhibition promises a colorful display of artistry and culture, highlighting the unique charm and festive energy of the MassKara Festival. Photography enthusiasts, friends, and families are invited to witness and celebrate the city’s visual storytellers.

For updates and highlights, follow: