Our big day at MassKara Festival began at Sukro around 2 p.m., where we rested for all of ten minutes before launching into the adventure. First stop? Ayala Mall, where Bacolod decided to welcome us with torrential rain and a cozy traffic jam. Lacson Street was closed for the festival, so we improvised, taking a scenic route via BS Aquino Drive and Gatuslao Street. By the time we made it to Ayala, the covered parking was at maximum capacity, and our truck, Rhaenyra (yep, she’s named after the Queen herself), had to endure the open lot, braving the rain and wind.

Inside, our mission began: Operation Belt Bag. Ralph’s old one was at the end of its rope, and we weren’t leaving without a replacement. Mission accomplished. Then, I played rescue ranger, stocking up on Ralph’s meds because, of course, he forgot to pack them. Quick Starbucks stop after that, squeezing ourselves into the crowded cafe for a caffeine hit. Outside, they were setting up a concert stage in the rain, and every cable and speaker was getting soaked—a scene that was both tragic and entertaining.

When we finally got back to Sukro, our 5 p.m. yoga plans were…laughable. Ralph was not feeling it, and after that mall marathon, neither was I. So we settled into the room to “rest,” which mostly meant staring at our phones until hunger hit again. Close to 9 p.m., we ventured out to Bacolod Steak House, not just for the food but for the strategic parking close to the Lacson Economic Strip.

Here’s where things took an interesting turn. I ordered my beloved Peppered Steak, and Ralph spotted a 600+-peso Angus Rib Eye on the menu. Perfect, right? Except when it arrived, it wasn’t the small portion we expected but a huge, full-sized rib eye—a 2,500-peso masterpiece. Ralph polished it off without a second thought, and, honestly, zero regrets. My steak was fantastic too, so no complaints there.

We killed some time with cocktails—probably too strong given the giggles and mumbles that ensued—and then grabbed our umbrella to brave Lacson Street. Rain was still coming down, but the street was alive. We met up with Joanne Alagao, managing a band on 17th Street, and ran into Erica Dalucanog and her DJ boyfriend. Despite the rain, the energy was high, and we roamed the wet, packed streets like festival warriors.

Eventually, we called it a night, returning to Sukro, soaking wet but happy and ready to do it all over again (minus the rib-eye surprise, maybe). Because if you’re going to survive MassKara this year, you better be ready for a wild, rain-drenched ride!