The champion dancers of Bacolod City's famed MassKara Festival captivated thousands at one of the Philippines' largest cultural events, showcasing the enduring spirit and artistic prowess of the Negrenses.
From MassKara Champions to Sinulog Stars
On Sunday, January 19, 2026, the Barangay Tangub MassKara dancers delivered a stunning performance at the Sinulog Festival's street dancing and ritual showdown in Cebu City. This contingent, which secured the championship title in the Bacolod MassKara Festival's street dance and arena competition back in 2025, proved their excellence once again on a prestigious national stage.
The group, composed of 60 dynamic dancers and over 100 dedicated propsmen, paraded with immense energy from Mango Avenue all the way to the Cebu City Sports Complex. Their vibrant costumes and synchronized movements infused the entire event with a burst of color and the unmistakable joyful energy of the MassKara Festival.
A Celebration of Culture and Perseverance
Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, who accompanied the delegation, emphasized the performance's deeper significance. He stated that the dancers did more than just entertain; they showcased Bacolod's rich culture, perseverance, creativity, and vibrant energy. Their participation served to enrich the overall Sinulog experience and strengthened the valuable cultural exchange between the sister cities of Cebu and Bacolod.
Barangay Tangub Punong Barangay Noli Villarosa echoed this pride, expressing his happiness at the warm reception from the Cebuano crowd. "I was happy seeing how Cebu enjoyed the performance, and our MassKara dancers really did well," Villarosa said. The delegation also included Tourism Officer Teresa Manalili and her staff, highlighting the city's full support.
International Recognition and Future Performances
The group's exceptional performance was met with tangible recognition. The Sinulog Festival organizer granted a financial provision of P1.5 million to support the city's dancers, a testament to the impact of their presentation. As one of over 40 guest contingents, the Barangay Tangub group successfully brought the lively essence of Bacolod's most famous festival to the heart of Cebu.
The journey for these cultural ambassadors is far from over. The MassKara dancers are scheduled to perform next at the Cathay International Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong from February 15 to 20, 2026. This upcoming engagement promises to bring Bacolod's infectious festival spirit to an international audience, further promoting Filipino culture on the global stage.
