Bacolod City has unveiled the twin logos for the 2026 MassKara Festival, as preparations get underway for the 47th edition of the city’s annual celebration from October 1 to 18.
The new visual identities, introduced Friday, highlight different aspects of Bacolod and embody the festival’s “MassKara For All” concept and this year’s theme, “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma (Love).”
The two characters are named ’To Max and ’Day Kara, with their names inspired by the Hiligaynon terms ’To, a shortened form of Toto, and ’Day, derived from Inday.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the festival serves not only as a tourism attraction but also as a platform for residents to showcase their creativity, culture and hospitality.
“We are all excited for the MassKara Festival. It’s not just because of the tourists who come to Bacolod. Aside from that, this is the Bacolodnons way of showcasing their talents and also our hospitality and warmth,” Gasataya said.
The 2026 festivities will feature a new venue for the arena and street dance competitions, along with an expanded lineup of activities aimed at increasing participation among residents and visitors.
Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the changes seek to further establish MassKara’s unique character while opening more opportunities for various communities and sectors to participate.
“MassKara is more than a festival; it is a feeling, it is our identity and it is our way of sharing who we are,” Ascalon said.
Freelance illustrator Mark Lester Jarmin created the twin logo concept, which organizers described as a new creative direction for the festival that uses two distinct characters to reflect the celebration’s continuing evolution.
’To Max represents the familiar Bacolod cherished by its residents and proudly shared with visitors. His character embodies the “Share the Smile” message by encouraging people to rediscover and share the stories and experiences that make the city feel like home.
’Day Kara, meanwhile, has a Gen Z-inspired personality symbolizing Bacolod’s youthful energy and “gugma.” She represents the “Celebrate Gugma” theme by encouraging people to experience, embrace, share and celebrate the city and its culture.
When combined, the silhouettes of ’To Max and ’Day Kara form a heart, while the typography incorporates elements paying homage to the original MassKara logo created by artist Ely Santiago.
The festival’s main competitions are set for October 17 and 18, with the arena and street dance events to be held at the Reclamation Area within SM City Bacolod.