TAGUIG CITY — Bacolod City is gearing up for a series of major events in the coming months, as Mayor Greg Gasataya announced upcoming activities for the MassKara Festival on October and Batang Pinoy 2026 along with the first-ever simultaneous “Parade of Stars” of the Metro Manila Film Festival this December.
Speaking during the opening of Bacolod Day at the 40th Negros Trade Fair at SM Aura in Taguig City, Mayor Gasataya highlighted the city’s upcoming events and initiatives, which are expected to draw visitors and delegates to Bacolod.
“This will be a very busy quarter for the City of Bacolod, and this will redound to the benefit of the people of Bacolod and, as much as possible, every business in Bacolod and Negros Occidental,” Gasataya said.
The mayor also expressed gratitude to the Association of Negros Producers for organizing the annual Negros Trade Fair.
He likewise announced that Bacolod City is among the Top 5 finalists for this year’s Most Business-Friendly City award given by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Thank you for all the support you’ve been giving to Bacolod City. We are very excited cause in the next three months a lot of things are happening in Bacolod,” he added.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who joined the mayor during the event, encouraged Bacolodnons to prepare for an influx of visitors, as an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 athletes and delegates are expected to arrive in Bacolod for Batang Pinoy 2026.
“Brace for more chicken inasal,” Gregorio said, referring to the anticipated influx of athletes, coaches, officials, and delegates from more than 200 local government units for the national youth sports competition.
“This will be a very, very big event. As I was telling the mayor, please make sure the inasal will be enough,” Gregorio added. Also present during the event were Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Manuel Frederick Ko.
Joining them were Bacolod City Councilors Jason Villarosa, Al Victor Espino, Homer Bais, Caesar Distrito, Em Ang, Celia Flor, and Bobby Rojas; Councilor Israel Salanga; Liga ng mga Barangay President Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen; and representatives of various city departments.
The 40th Negros Trade Fair brings a vibrant Bacolod experience to mallgoers and spectators, as the City of Smiles showcases its culture, local products, creativity, and iconic MassKara spirit.
Designed as a welcoming space where tradition meets contemporary Bacolod, the city’s booth features locally made products and crafts, creative enterprises, culinary stories, and visual elements inspired by Bacolod’s rich heritage and unmistakable smile.
For exhibitors like Emgee Po-Jimenea, the trade fair serves as an avenue to explore new opportunities and expand their market reach. Po-Jimenea is among the small and micro entrepreneurs showcasing Filipiniana creations made from locally sourced fabrics.
“This year is the best year for our brand so far. I look forward to more Ilonggos and the warm support of the Manila crowd for our products,” she said. The 40th Negros Trade Fair, organized in coordination with the Association of Negros Producers, runs until September 27, 2026, at SM Aura in Taguig City. (BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)
