Bacolod’s MassKara dancers wow the Macau crowd

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Philstar.com

February 21, 2026 | 5:02pm

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Barangay 29 MassKara Dancers of this city brought the spirit of the MassKara Festival to the Macau International Parade 2026 in celebration of the Year of the Horse from February 13 to 19.

Headed by Barangay Captain Leonard Pascua and SPMI President Benjie Torre, the delegation composed of 22 dancers represented the Philippines during the week-long event. The group’s performances were choreographed by Segundo Jesus Cabalcar, who showcased the colorful costumes and signature smiling masks that have come to define Bacolod’s MassKara tradition.

Organizers said the MassKara Dancers’ participation in Macau’s grand show and parade highlighted the continuing global reach of Filipino cultural festivals and provided an opportunity to promote Bacolod’s artistic heritage in the special administrative region of China, which was a former crown colony of Portugal until 1999.

The Macau International Parade gathered 33 performing groups from various countries that presented street performances featuring cultural diversity. For the Bacolod delegation, the invitation to participate in the event was both a culture exchange and a chance to foster tourism awareness through artistic presentations.

Local cultural advocates have expressed pride in the troupe’s selection – noting that international exposure helps strengthen the recognition of Filipino creativity. The MassKara Dancers performed alongside other global participants at three different sites, starting from Sai Van Lake Square and Rua Norte do Patane, with viewing spots along the route. 

Showcasing 19 lighted floats from Macau’s government departments and commercial establishments, the grand international parade converged at the seafront Macau Tower amid a drone and fireworks display.

Carrying the smiles, heritage and rhythm of Bacolod, the Barangay 29 MassKara Dancers’ performances embodied artistic excellence and cultural pride as they carried the broader Filipino spirit onto the world stage. 

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