COUNTDOWN ALL SET
MANILA, DECEMBER
29, 2011 (BULLETIN)
By ANNA LIZA T. VILLAS - Major roads in Makati City will be closed to
traffic for three days to give way to the celebration of the Makati New Year's
Eve Countdown on Saturday night at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue,
the Makati Department of Public Safety announced on Wednesday.
Closed to traffic which started last midnight until Sunday, January 1, 2012,
are portions of Ayala Avenue, from Paseo de Roxas to North Drive and from Fonda
Street to Paseo de Roxas; and Makati Avenue both lanes from Paseo de Roxas up to
Dela Rosa Street. No buses shall be allowed to enter through Ayala Avenue from
EDSA and Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay advised private motorists and public
transport vehicles to avoid the activity area and instead take the alternate
routes assigned by the city's Public Safety Department (PSD). The move was to
give way to the construction of the stage and party venue.
"We appeal for everyone's cooperation to make this celebration another
successful event. Let us welcome the New Year safely together with our family,
thankful for all the blessings we receive, and pray for peace, safety, and
prosperity for the entire country," Binay said.
The traffic rerouting was put in place to ensure order within the vicinity of
the countdown venue.
To ensure peaceful celebration of the event, Superintendent Jaime Santos,
Makati Police officer-in-charge, said at least 120 personnel will be deployed in
the area.
"Police visibility will be heightened not only in the main venue, but also in
other critical areas. Enough police will be assigned to key areas of the city,"
said Santos.
The police have also tapped traffic and barangay personnel to maximize the
security operations for the safety of revelers.
A big crowd from all over the city, together with local and foreign guests,
are expected to join the street party and watch the magnificent fireworks
display to welcome the New Year.
At least 15 units of Blackberry phones, three iPad units, and a P1-million
grand prize are among the prizes to be raffled off to participants during the
countdown party on Saturday night.
"We are inviting everyone to join us in welcoming the New Year with fresh
resolve and energy buoyed by a blooming hope that a better future awaits the
nation," Binay said.
The "Magical, Musical Makati 2012" countdown party will also highlight a
15-minute spectacular pyro-musical show to usher in the New Year.
"We aim to derive the utmost enjoyment of residents, visitors, tourists,
especially those who missed it for the past two years and are excited to again
take part in the festivities," Binay said.
It will be recalled that the local government cancelled the annual
celebration for two straight years.
In 2009, the event was deferred to give assistance to residents displaced by
a fire and help in the rehabilitation of its sister localities that were
hard-hit by typhoon. The following year, the event was again postponed due to
the oil leak problem in the basement of West Tower Condominium in Barangay
Bangkal.
The Mall of Asia Countdown is known for having the best fireworks
display every New Year's Eve. The Manila Bay's darkness and free-flowing wind
set an ideal backdrop for the grandest fireworks in Manila.
You can reserve for your media noche from any of the Mall of Asia Veranda and
SM by the Bay restaurants. The Ground Activities begin at 7pm, with the Main
Show on GMA 7 starting at 11pm 10pm. The amusement park will be open throughout
the night.
The New Year's Eve fireworks start with a two-minute display at 11pm 10pm and
a 15-minute fireworks display at 12 midnight.
This is open to the public.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2011 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved
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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE
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