MANILA – Close to three (3) million people gathered in Manila for the Chinese New Year celebration on January 29, 2025, marking a successful and peaceful event, according to City Administrator Bernie Ang.

The highlight of the festivities was a 25-minute fireworks and drone show at the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Bridge, offering a breathtaking view for attendees. Prior to the New Year countdown, nearly a million people packed Jones Bridge and nearby areas, including the esplanade, riverside, and Chinatown.

Another key attraction, the “Solidarity Parade,” featured 30 floats from the city of Manila and various Chinese-Filipino groups. Nearly 2 million people lined the streets to watch, with parade participants distributing “angpao” (red envelopes with money) and other symbolic items.

China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, joined Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on the lead float, both praising the efforts of authorities and volunteers who ensured the celebration’s smooth and orderly conduct.

ia/mnm

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Manila local government unit (LGU) announced on Sunday (June 23, 2024) that several roads will be closed on Monday (June 24, 2024) in observance of the city’s 453rd founding anniversary, known as Manila Day.

Starting at midnight on June 24, the following main roads will be closed to traffic: Onyx Street from Pedro Gil to Zobel Roxas, Zobel Roxas Street from Pablo Ocampo to Pasig Line, and Florentino Torres Street, also known as Dagonoy Street.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to reach their destinations and plan to avoid delays.

Earlier, Malacañang declared June 24 as a special non-working day in the City of Manila to allow residents to fully participate in and enjoy the celebration of this significant occasion.

“It is fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be allowed to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” stated Malacañang’s Proclamation No. 599, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Malacañang has declared June 24 (Monday) as a special non-working day in the City of Manila in celebration of its 453rd founding anniversary.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” reads Proclamation No. 599, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“I, Lucas P. Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by the authority of the President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., do hereby declare Monday, June 24, 2024, a special (non-working) day in the City of Manila,” Bersamin stated.

The City of Manila was founded by the Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on June 24, 1571.

(el Amigo/mnm)

On Monday, December 26, 2023, calendar printing shops along Recto Avenue, Manila, were abuzz with activity as they hustled to fulfill orders for the upcoming 2024 year calendars.

These establishments were diligently working to accommodate various customer needs, offering a range of prices based on specific designs and sizes, catering to both promotional and personalized preferences, including custom photo designs.

The bulk of orders flooding these printing shops predominantly originated from private companies, as they sought these calendars to serve as engaging giveaways.

In a brief interview with the owners of these printing shops, it was revealed that the calendars being produced are not only budget-friendly but also serve as a delightful and enduring gift throughout the entire year (2024).

(Benjamin Cuaresma/IAmigo/MNM)

MANILA –In a tumultuous turn of events on Wednesday (13 Dec 2023), the tranquility of Legarda Street in Manila was shattered as a major pipe rupture left approximately 6,400 Maynilad service connections in disarray. The incident submerged the entire area knee-deep in water, triggering a cascade of challenges for affected residents.

As emergency repair operations unfolded, the arterial roads experienced severe congestion, prompting closures to facilitate swift maintenance efforts. The resultant heavy traffic further compounded the woes of the community.

Responding promptly to the crisis, Maynilad dispatched water tankers to provide relief to the impacted residents, underscoring their commitment to mitigating the situation.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

Manila Police District (MPD) Director Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay and Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court of Manila Carolina Icasiano-Sison, lead the ceremonial destruction of non-drug evidence of several terminated cases at the grounds of the MPD headquarters quadrangle in Ermita, Manila on Tuesday (December 12, 2023).

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

Today (Tuesday, 12 Dec 2023) in Mendiola, Manila, several transport cooperatives gathered for a powerful protest in full endorsement of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization initiative. Firmly expressing their opposition to any deadline extensions on PUV consolidation, the United Front made their stance crystal clear on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has confirmed that the deadline for the consolidation of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) stands firm and will conclude on December 31, 2023. This unwavering decision aligns with the government’s commitment to advancing the PUV modernization program.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

Over a thousand individuals from diverse organizations converged at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday (02 Dec 2023) to partake in the inaugural Metro Manila AIDS Walk. The primary objective of the event was to enhance public understanding of the AIDS disease and strive towards its eradication by 2030.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

Manila Police District (MPD) Director Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, accompanied by MPD personnel, conducted on Wednesday (29 Nov 2023) a thorough inspection of Divisoria shopping centers and prominent public markets in Tondo Manila for public safety.

The Divisoria shopping hubs, including Blumentritt and Pritil, have been identified for intensified monitoring in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas Season.

Simultaneously, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has issued directives to clear major roads and thoroughfares of vendors, ensuring smoother traffic flow.

To bolster public safety, Director Ibay affirmed the deployment of MPD complaint desks in shopping malls and public markets, guaranteeing police visibility to deter any untoward incidents during the bustling holiday rush.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna officially spearheaded the reopening of the historic Lagusnilad underpass on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, marking the end of a six-month-long rehabilitation period for motorists.

Commencing its restoration on May 2, 2023, the project, originally slated for completion in September, faced a two-month extension, attributed to technical challenges, including flood control, as acknowledged by the rehab project undertaker Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Timely for the festive season, the Lagusnilad underpass emerged as a welcome solution to ease traffic congestion in the heart of Manila, offering respite just as the city prepares for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

On All Saints’ Day, a fire incident occurred in Sampaloc, Manila, resulting in injuries to four firefighters.

The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday, November 1, had a notable impact on the community, as it it left at least 10 families homeless including the home of DZXL radio reporter Grace Mariano.

The initial alarm was sounded at 12:39 in the afternoon, alerting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Manila, as the fire ignited in a residential area situated at the intersection of Sisa Street and Calamba in Sampaloc, Manila.

A second alarm was swiftly raised at 12:46 p.m., with the BFP announcing that the fire had been brought under control between 1:31 pm and 2:21 pm.

Unfortunately, during the firefighting efforts, four firefighters sustained minor injuries when the second floor of the burning house, constructed from lightweight materials, unexpectedly collapsed.

At present, the BFP is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

IN THE early hours of Sunday morning, the triumphant Gilas Pilipinas team touched down in Manila, wearing smiles of victory.

The coaching staff, led by Tim Cone, and the players were met with a heartfelt welcome from the Philippine Sports Commission and the airport personnel at NAIA Terminal 1.

Their arrival, just before 1:30 A.M., set a festive atmosphere. Excitement filled the air as people eagerly sought out selfies and group photos, particularly with Justin Brownlee, whose remarkable 33-point second-half performance orchestrated Gilas’ astonishing comeback from a 20-point deficit against host China, resulting in a thrilling 77-76 victory and securing a spot in the gold medal round.

“I’m at a loss for words at this moment. You know, the guys worked incredibly hard, and we had some tremendous wins against Iran and China. The China game was epic, and then we played exceptionally well against Jordan,” expressed Cone during an interview broadcasted by One Sports. “When we needed it most, we saved our best for last and stepped up when it counted.”

Assembled only 12 days before the actual men’s basketball competition in the 19th Asian Games, Gilas faced numerous challenges, from player eligibility issues to adapting quickly to Cone’s system. In hindsight, the American coach observed significant growth among the players in the short time they spent together.

“It was a thrill to be with these guys and witness their growth in the brief time we had. It felt like our last dance together,” added Cone, who orchestrated the Philippines’ gold medal victory at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, on Friday night.

This gold medal marked the end of the Philippines’ 61-year drought in basketball titles at the Asian Games. It was the second international tournament victory for Gilas, following their triumphant gold medal campaign at the Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last May.

For Brownlee, this latest experience with Gilas ranks at the pinnacle of his basketball journey, given the historical significance of what the Filipino team achieved in China. “It’s got to be at the top, despite everything, with the history, over 60 years. It’s definitely up there. Man, that’s special. I’m just so happy,” beamed the 35-year-old Brownlee, who contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds in Gilas’ 70-60 victory over Jordan to secure the gold.
(ai/mnm)

MANILA Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Director Zenaida Viaje showcases a handheld device that will be used by the traffic bureau for the single ticketing system on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the MTPB office in Manila City Hall.

The office also received computer sets, a server, an uninterrupted power supply, and other accessories to support the ongoing implementation of the single ticketing system in Metro Manila.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

AMID the commanding presence of the Philippine National Police (PNP) team that was dispatched to the area to provide police assistance to the contractors, the demolition Thursday of shanties of about 25 families in Graneta Street, San Andres, Manila, proceeded smoothly, without any violent incidents.

Accompanied by PNP personnel, the contractors descended on the location and posted legal notices for the impending demolition of the property, according to police, this prevented any potential confrontations with the displaced residents.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)