Smart 5G now covers more of Bacolod City ahead of the MassKara Festival. The festival runs from October 1 to 18, with its major events on October 16 to 18. Smart Communications, Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT, is a telco partner of the celebration and has turned over Smart Home WiFi 5G Max devices to the organizers.
Smart 5G coverage added across the city
The Smart 5G expansion is meant to support the expected influx of tourists, residents, creators, and festival participants during the celebration.
“Our 5G expansion in Bacolod strengthens our network capacity as the city comes alive for MassKara, helping residents and visitors stay connected as they experience the festival and share their moments with family and friends. With Smart 5G, we enable our subscribers to experience the difference of faster, more reliable connectivity, whether they are livestreaming the street dance competitions, video-calling loved ones, or discovering the many activities happening across the City of Smiles,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and OIC for Smart.
Smart Home WiFi 5G Max devices turned over
The turnover supports connectivity needs during the festivities, including internet access for festivalgoers. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya received the devices, joined by Smart representatives Ed Tinio, Assistant Vice President and Visayas Cluster Head; Art Lamayo Jr., Senior Manager for Negros Island Region; and Art Labrador, Customer Development Manager for Bacolod.
What to expect at MassKara Festival 2026
This year’s festival carries the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma.” and an expanded lineup of activities. The street dance competition takes place along Araneta Street, while the arena competition is held between the bridgeways of SM City Bacolod. Concerts and entertainment events will also be staged at the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Megaworld, and other venues in the city.
The program also includes Electric MassKara, Miss Bacolod MassKara 2026, MassKareppin, MasskaRap Battle, Choreographers Showdown, PetsKara, Drum and Lyre Corps Competition, SingKara, Super KidsKara, and MassKara Hataw Sayaw sa Plaza.
Subscribers can visit Smart’s “Experience the Difference” zone for activities built around video streaming, video calls, and mobile gaming over 5G. Smart customers can also buy products and exclusive offers at the zone, with a chance at exclusive perks and freebies.
Ookla recognition for mobile video experience
Ookla named Smart the country’s best mobile video experience for the second year running, citing Speedtest Intelligence data from the first half of 2026, when Smart recorded the highest Video Score of any mobile operator in the Philippines.
Network expansion beyond MassKara
The Bacolod upgrade is part of a wider program to strengthen Smart’s network in tourism and economic destinations nationwide.
“MassKara brings together people from different communities to celebrate Bacolod’s culture, creativity, and spirit of joy. By strengthening connectivity in the city, we are helping residents, businesses, and visitors stay connected during and beyond the festival,” added Manaloto.
Smart was recently recognized by global network intelligence firm Ookla for Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the second consecutive year, based on Speedtest Intelligence data for the first half of 2026.
The operator posted the highest Video Score among mobile operators in the country, a benchmark we can follow as the Bacolod upgrade goes to work, and a result that follows recent drive tests of the network.
For more information on Smart 5G, visit Smart’s official website.
Emman Tortoza
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
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