First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will be the guest of honor in various charity and civic events during the highlights of the 43rd Masskara Festival this coming weekend.

On Oct. 21, she will grace the Masskarade Ball, a charity event that will benefit the H.O.P.E. Foundation’s “Operation Smile” medical mission, at the SMX Convention Center, as well as the tree-planting activity at the Megaworld’s The Upper East township on Oct. 23.

Festival director Pinky Mirano-Ocampo said on Thursday the First Lady would attend these events before the Masskara arena dance competition at the Paglaum Sports Complex in the afternoon of Oct. 23, the final day of the festival.

According to organizers, “The Bacolod City Masskarade Ball: A Charity Dinner” would also feature the brightest stars and personalities in the country.

Edith Villanueva, the chairperson of H.O.P.E Volunteers Foundation, Inc., expressed her appreciation for the collaboration “that is so timely and meaningful as we celebrate the Masskara Festival.”

On Oct. 23, Araneta-Marcos will be at the Upper East Avenue Tree Island for the tree-planting and township visit.

Earlier, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he has extended the invitation to the first couple while his son, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, has also invited presidential son, Ilocos Norte First District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, to attend the festival.

“I have personally invited the President and the First Lady and their family. Mayor Javi(er) has also invited his close friend, Congressman Sandro,” he added. (PNA)