Mandaluyong marks cityhood

Mandaluyong Mayor Neptali Gonzales II kicks off the 60th Liberation and 11th Cityhood Anniversary today with a wreath-laying and commemorative ceremony at the Kalentong Liberation Marker in Gen. Kalentong street.

Special guest Senator Mar Roxas will grace the early morning ceremony which honors the soldiers who fought and died for the freedom of Mandaluyong during the Japanese occupation.

Festivities continue at 1 p.m. with the city’s first "Lugaw Festival." Mandaluyong lays claim to having the best lugaw (porridge) in town distinct for its unique blend of flavors. Many will compete for the best tasting porridge during the "Lugaw-Cooking Contest" at the A.T. Reyes Park (CityHall quadrangle). Participants will also be judged according to the food preparation and presentation, health and sanitation and vendor-vendee relationship. Winners will receive a cash prize of P10,000 (first), P8,000 (second), and P5,000 (third).

Meanwhile, over 5,000 people from various contingents — composed of city government officials and employees, barangay leaders, businessmen, students, and different socio-civic organizations will join in the annual civic and military parade. This culminating activity starts at 3 p.m. at the Don Bosco Mandaluyong school grounds and ends at the Dambana ng Mga Alaala in Maysilo Circle.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid the expected heavy traffic brought about by these day-long activities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Gen. Kalentong St., and New Panaderos, Shaw Boulevard, Bonifacio street, A. Luna, Rev. Aglipay, western portion of Boni Avenue, and Maysilo Circle.

Vehicles bound for Sta. Ana coming from EDSA and Shaw Boulevard are advised to use J.P. Rizal in Makati. If they opt to pass through Mandaluyong, they may take Libertad or Samat towards Barangka Drive, straight to Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge and on to Sta. Ana via J.P. Rizal.

EDSA-bound motorists coming from Manila are advised to take Haig St. to Gomezville, exit at Luna Mencias-Shaw Boulevard. San Juan and Manila-bound motorists may still take the westbound lane of Shaw Boulevard. If they wish to avoid Shaw, they should turn right at Ideal street (Shell station in front of Puregold), left at Lee street, then left at Calderon, right at M.H. Del Pilar, left at Araullo St., then take Guerrero, exit at Haig, left to Kalentong and right at Sevilla Bridge.

Other liberation day activities are the Boxing Competition on Feb. 12, followed by a mass wedding at the city hall grounds on Feb. 14.