BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, 21 OCTOBER 2026 — The masks were smiling, the crowd was singing, and Bacolodnons did not sleep. As major sponsor and official presenter of MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus turned the city’s Lacson Tourism Strip into a two-night party with its Hataw MassKara! activation, drawing thousands of revelers to non-stop music and celebrations on October 17 and 18 as the City of Smiles closed out its biggest festival of the year.
Headlining the stage of Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), were Filipino rock band Moonstar88 and P-pop girl group Showtime Baby Dolls, who kept Bacolodnons dancing from sundown well into the night.
Moonstar88 opened the weekend on October 17 with a set built for singing along. Fans belted out crowd favorites “Migraine” and “Torete” alongside lead vocalist Maysh Baay, and the band also performed songs from their newest album, “Habambuhay.” By the final chorus, the street itself seemed to be singing.
The crowd also went Ooh-La-Lah! as Showtime’s Baby Dolls took over the stage on Sunday night, with hundreds smiling and dancing with their viral hits “Oohh Lala Baby” and “Ikembot Mo.”
The pandemonium also erupted when Baby Dolls danced “Boom Kara Karaka” and “Tira Tira Dulce” on the Casino Plus stage, amusing the audience with their moves, flexing their talent in perfect unison.
Miss Casino Plus Bacolod
As part of her duties as the first-ever Miss Casino Plus, Bacolod’s Daniella Louisse Merelos also made the rounds to the gaming platform’s booths in the city, taking part in the free ice cream and photo opportunities with fans.
Merelos also handed out prizes to Bacolodnons who participated in the booth’s games, completing their Casino Plus experience.
More than being Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, Merelos said she wanted to “leave a legacy of happiness, inclusivity, and inspiration” to others.
“For me, MassKara is more than just a festival; it’s an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections,” the beauty queen said. Through her platform, the 25-year-old also wants to inspire people to support one another.
“I want people to remember not just the title I carry, but how I made them feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. Because at the heart of MassKara is a smile that brings people together, regardless of their background or culture,” she added.
“I want to encourage people to listen without judgment, support one another, and never lose the compassion that makes us uniquely Negrense. Because no matter how fast the world changes, I believe our greatest tradition is not just our culture, but the kindness we pass on to one another.”
Barangay Handumanan takes home Hataw MassKara Choice
No MassKara weekend is complete without the street dance showdown. At SM City Bacolod, eight barangay groups went head-to-head for the championship. Barangay Taculing sealed the title after 16 years, winning the coveted ₱1 million grand prize.
Barangay Handumanan placed second and took home the Hataw MassKara Choice award and a ₱80,000 prize from Casino Plus. The special award recognizes outstanding local talent and honors the creativity of the city’s barangay performers.
The following also clinched awards from Casino Plus for the “Merry-making Mini Dance Showdown” segment, winning special cash prizes from the gaming platform:
– Barangay Alangilan – P15,000
– Barangay 6 – P10,000
– Barangay Taculing – P5,000
All eight barangays also danced to Casino Plus’ MassKara theme song, creating a moment of community pride and unity.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation said the showdown “is a very important moment for the festival.”
“It means we are once again bringing together different generations and levels of performers and giving them a bigger platform to showcase their talent,” said Rodney Mitz Ascalon, the festival director.
“Behind every contingent is an entire community — dancers, choreographers, costume makers, parents, teachers, volunteers, and supporters,” Ascalon added. “This is what Making MassKara Matter means to us. We are not simply presenting a competition. We are investing in the people and communities that keep the tradition alive.”
Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma expressed his gratitude to the local media, the local government unit, performers, and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation for their continued trust and support to Casino Plus as this year’s official presenter of the MassKara Festival.
“MassKara is Bacolod’s gift of joy to the world, and we’re honored to celebrate it alongside the people who make it shine. Seeing thousands sing, dance, and smile together on Lacson Street is exactly what this festival, and our partnership with the City of Smiles, is all about,” said Spytma.
Casino Plus’ Hataw MassKara! was part of the platform’s support for MassKara Festival 2026, celebrating Bacolod’s music, culture, and community spirit.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY
In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:
Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.
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