MassKara Festival 2026 is translating strong public turnout into higher earnings for Bacolod’s food vendors, with sales across two major food park sites reaching P21.5 million from Oct. 1 to Oct. 18. The amount has already exceeded the combined P17.06 million recorded throughout the entire 2025 festival, with three more days of food park operations along the Lacson Tourism Strip still to be counted.
The latest figures point to the festival’s growing role in supporting local commerce alongside its cultural celebrations. Sales across the two sites increased by 26.1 percent, equivalent to P4.44 million more than last year, according to the reported totals.
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Food Parks Record Higher Sales Across Bacolod
The Bacolod City Public Plaza generated P12,355,582 in sales during the 18-day period, slightly above the P11.87 million recorded there in 2025. Meanwhile, the food park at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds earned P9,148,605, up 76.3 percent from P5.19 million last year.
Food kiosks management head Christopher Mallo said the crowds attending the celebration help create income opportunities for small businesses.
“Beyond providing food and refreshments, these kiosks create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to generate income during one of Bacolod’s biggest annual celebrations,” Mallo said.
Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon also pointed to the economic role of the event, saying its value extends beyond entertainment and cultural activities.
“MassKara Festival is more than a celebration of smiles and culture — it is also an opportunity to create livelihood and strengthen local businesses,” Ascalon said.
Lacson Tourism Strip Sales Still to Be Counted
Organizers said the current figures exclude sales from the three-day operations along the Lacson Tourism Strip. Heavy foot traffic is expected to contribute to the final total, although the overall economic impact will only be announced after all reports have been consolidated.
The results highlight how major festivals can create opportunities for local entrepreneurs when visitor spending reaches businesses on the ground. As Bacolod awaits the final figures, the more meaningful measure of MassKara’s economic value will be how much of that activity translates into income for vendors and continued support for the small businesses that help keep the city’s economy moving.
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