4-day food trip in Manila slated

Forget your diet at least for four days. This was the virtual message of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to the public as the four-day food festival kicks off on Friday in line with the city’s celebration of the 431st Araw ng Maynila with the theme "Maynila, Mahal Kita."

Atienza also advised motorists that the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard up to Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate would be closed to vehicular traffic from 5 p.m. onwards from June 21 to 24.

For the duration of the festival, the mayor said the entire area surrounding the plaza bounded by Remedios and San Andres streets would also be closed to vehicular traffic.

Atienza said the vehicular traffic would be rerouted to M.H. del Pilar for southbound and Mabini street. The northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard would remain open. The service road beside Roxas Boulevard from Pedro Gil up to Quirino Avenue will be allotted as parking space for the general public.

A food festival will be held along the seawall of Roxas Boulevard fronting Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate from June 21 to 24. Food and beverage establishments will put up booths in the area.

Atienza also noted that there will be Ati-Atihan groups performing on the first day of the event while live bands will perform nightly.

Atienza announced that the city’s week-long celebration would symbolize the happiness and pride "that Manileños now feel in their hearts as a result of positive changes, introduced by the Buhayin ang Maynila program."

The mayor noted that Manila will have a carnival atmosphere during the week-long celebrations, and invited the public to participate in the festivities.

Last June 15, the Star Search 2002 Grand Finals was held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, in which performances by the winning talents from various barangays in Manila were featured.

Today, a testimonial luncheon will be held at the Bulwagan Antonio Villegas at City Hall to honor the city’s outstanding taxpayers. Outstanding Filipino artists will also be honored.

The Calician Cruciero Monument will be inaugurated at around 8:30 a.m. on June 23. The monument is located beside the Bureau of Immigration building.

Manila Jockey Club’s Grand Copa de Manila horse races will be held at 4 p.m. at the San Lazaro Hippodrome on the same day. Atienza will lead city officials and residents in inaugurating the redeveloped Plaza Rajah Sulayman on June 24.– Cecile Suerte Felipe