"Party" kicks off night market

CEBU, Philippines - Live bands, videoke, barbecue and an array of dry goods.

This will be how it would look like tonight at the rooftop of Mandaue City’s new public market, at the back of the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Center.

The Mandaue City Government will finally push through with launching its night market activities which was stalled last week due to bad weather, market administrator Musolini Soliva announced.

Mayor Jonas Cortes will grace the opening ceremonies where a short program was prepared.

Soliva said that once the night market will becomes popular, it will be a regular activity.

Vendors in the night market include former eatery owners at the old market who failed to avail of stalls at the new market and around 17 ambulant vendors who are prohibited from doing business in the old market.

The City Goverment is waiving for the meantime the collection of rent from the vendors until such time the night market becomes popular, Soliva said.

Soliva also said vendors who conduct business during the daytime are welcome to join the night market provided they close their stores downstairs to avoid competition.

There are already 43 vendors who signify that will be joining tonight’s opening.

The nightly activities will start at 7:00 p.m. and will end at 3:00 a.m. Each vendor will have to clear the rooftop as this will be used as a parking area during the day. – /JPM (FREEMAN)