Bacolod Municipal Council acknowledges Gugma Foundation as the new organizer for the MassKara festival.
In Bacolod City, the performing arts scene and cultural advocacy have a prominent figure in Rodney Mitz Ascalon. He is currently leading the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. as its president and serving as the Festival Director for the MassKara Festival 2025[1][2][4].
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., whose name derives from the Hiligaynon word for love, was officially accredited by the Bacolod City Council as the new organizer of the MassKara Festival[2][4]. Ascalon, who is also the festival director, emphasizes that Gugma represents more than just love; it also symbolises service, sacrifice, and giving without expecting anything in return[2].
Ascalon's notable achievements in the performing arts scene include leading the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, being an award-winning dancer, choreographer, and cultural advocate, and founding "The Artians," a group focused on nurturing creative talent within the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod community, where he was also a core member of the USLS pep squad and JB Dance Company[2].
As festival director, Ascalon aims to bring a calm, steady hand and a visionary mind, blending tradition with bold innovation[5]. He is supported by a strong core team, which includes Atty. Hannah Lea Tañoso Dela Torre, Joanna Angelica Ortillo, Edsel Prado, and Christine Panes-Ceraspe[6]. Edsel Prado is in charge of accounting and finance, while Christine Panes-Ceraspe oversees administration and secretariat operations to streamline the foundation's internal coordination[6].
The Bacolod City Council has accredited the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. as the new organizer of the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City[3]. Rodney Mitz Ascalon expects the mayor to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the foundation this week[2].
Rodney Mitz Ascalon, 45, is a graduate of Mass Communication at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod[7]. In 2022, he earned national recognition as a Best Live Events Director nominee at the Aliw Awards[5]. Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the City Council committee on law, made this statement[3].
References:
- Bacolod City News
- SunStar Bacolod
- The Philippine Star
- Manila Bulletin
- The Freeman
- SunStar Bacolod
- SunStar Bacolod
- The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., under the leadership of Rodney Mitz Ascalon, intends to create a unique lifestyle experience by blending tradition with innovation for the upcoming MassKara Festival 2025, which they will oversee as organizers.
- In conjunction with the home-and-garden sector, Christine Panes-Ceraspe, a part of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation's core team, will responsibly manage administrative and secretariat operations to maintain harmony within the foundation's internal coordination. Meanwhile, Edsel Prado handles finance and accounting for the organization.
