October 29, 2024 – Barangay Granada has once again captured the hearts of Bacolod City, claiming the title of Grand Champion in the Masskara Festival 2024 Street Dance and Arena Competition with a remarkable back-to-back win—becoming the only barangay to achieve double grand slam in the festival’s history. This legacy is one that will leave a mark on the Masskara Festival history and the people of Bacolod.

Barangay Granada’s preparation for this year’s competition began early in August 2024, with Barangay Captain Armando “Kap Nogi” Vito and his team diving headfirst into the rigorous planning, screening, and procurement of materials for their costumes and props. “ Ang pinakauna gid nga challenge amo ang budget. Nakita man ninyo nga kadamo gid sang amon props kag manpower, gani ang financial aspect isa gid ka dako nga hindrance, shared Kap Nogi. With expenses reaching over PHP 3.4 million, the team still faced a gap despite sponsorships, a PHP 700,000 subsidy from the city, an additional PHP 1.4 million allocation from the barangay and an additional PHP 200,000 from the Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Granada.

The team, composed of over 300 individuals led by their choreographers Joedem Casabuena, Mark Philip Lamirez, Romnick Rafael—including 220 props men, 60 dancers, and 60 designers led by Chritopher John Puerta and Joenel Casabuena, came together under a common goal: to raise the level of performance to new heights. Their theme, focused on the 45th sapphire celebration of the Masskara Festival, was designed to transcend local expectations and connect with a global audience. “Our choreographers and artists aimed to bring Bacolod Masskara to the world, delivering a performance that was world-class,” said Kap Nogi. “We didn’t just want to win; we wanted to inspire and leave a legacy. Ang pinaka-goal namon amo nga mas labawan ang kada performance nga naagyan namon.”

The success of Barangay Granada’s performance also stemmed from their commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. This year, their dancers were a mix of veterans from 2014-2016 and fresh talents from recent years. Auditions were held to ensure that only the most deserving individuals represented the barangay, with roughly 80 percent returning from previous years.

As the dust settles on their historic victory, Kap Nogi shared a message for other barangays aspiring to claim the title: “Before you commit, put your heart and mind into it—not just for victory, but to create an unforgettable experience. Make sure you have a vision supported by finances, council, and the community. When all these pieces come together, anything is possible.”

(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)