Brgy. Tangub’s “DOLPHY” Win MassKara 2026 Mega Puppets

The rain did not stop the smiles, creativity, and larger-than-life spectacle as ten artists brought some of the Philippines’ most beloved icons to life at Mega Puppets, a legacy MassKara Festival event held on October 14 at Megaworld The Upper East.

Under the theme “The Icons of the Nation, Reimagined the Bacolodnon Way,” the competition transformed celebrated Filipino personalities into towering puppets, blending artistry, cultural pride, and the unmistakable MassKara spirit.

Co-presented by Megaworld The Upper East and supported by Boysen, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Mega Puppets as one of MassKara’s signature creative showcases. City Councilors Em Ang and Bobby Rojas graced the competition.

Taking the championship was Barangay Tangub, whose portrayal of comedy legend Dolphy by artist Stephen T. Efundo earned the top prize of ₱30,000.

Barangay Singcang Airport secured first runner-up honors with artist Alon A. Puerta’s portrayal of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, winning ₱20,000. Team Baktas placed second runner-up with artist Ser John A. Puerta’s interpretation of boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, taking home ₱10,000.

The other participating artists brought an equally diverse roster of national icons to the streets: John Paul Piadoche of Barangay Pahanocoy as Regine Velasquez; Ferly T. Francisco of Barangay Estefania as Tessa Prieto-Valdes; Josh G. Destacamento of Barangay 11 as Catriona Gray; Alpha Grace D. Samillano of Barangay Taculing as Nora Aunor; Cliff Jason Lazada of Barangay 9 as Gary Valenciano; Brent T. Naranja of Barangay 10–Team TNP as Piolo Pascual; and Krisha Mae A. Mugar of Bacolod City College as Gloria Diaz.

The performances were evaluated by a panel of judges composed of Tisha Lyne Barco, Christine Torre, Barney Molina, Jaime Chua, and Rene Hinojales.

Even under the rain, the spectacle carried on—a testament to the passion of Bacolod’s artists and the festival’s enduring promise to share smiles and celebrate gugma, the Hiligaynon term for love.

Mega Puppets is part of the MassKara Festival 2026, anchored on the theme “Share The Smile. Celebrate Gugma.”* (MassKara Festival 2026 SMP)