Manila lines up Christmas festivities

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza announced yesterday a two-week schedule of activities marking the annual observance of Christmas season, starting with the traditional Simbang Gabi.

"Everybody is free to join the festivities. We welcome all Manilans to celebrate Christmas with us at the Rajah Sulayman Park," Atienza said.

Most of the activities will be held at the redeveloped Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate with the famed Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company kicking off the two-week-long festivities at 7 p.m.

On Day 2, the schedule of activities includes Krismascot, a grand parade of mascots along Roxas Boulevard from United Nations Avenue to Rajah Sulayman Park at 3 p.m.

On Sunday at 6:30 p.m., the mayor will host a Christmas party for Manila barangay chairmen also at the Rajah Sulayman Park, where it will later be converted to an after-dinner dance affair serenaded by Bobby Soul of the original Platters backed up by RJ and the Riots.

For the rest of the following week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday), every 5:30 p.m. at the Rajah Sulayman Park, City Hall will hold a Christmas caroling contest dubbed as Himig Pasko Paligsahan 2005 to be participated in by Manila schoolchildren choirs from the city’s public elementary and high schools.

At mid-week (Wednesday), 7 p.m., the UP Singing Ambassadors will hold a concert also at the Rajah Sulayman Park.

On Christmas Eve (Saturday) at 7 p.m., Atienza and city residents will be serenaded by the renowned cultural group Pangkat Kawayan at the Rajah Sulayman Park.

Post Christmas Day performances at Rajah Sulayman Park will resume on Tuesday (Dec. 27) at 7 p.m. with a cultural presentation by the PUP Bagong Himig Chorale back to back with Sandiwang Kayumanggi Dance Troupe.

Next day, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.

The Tiongco Brothers will hold their own concert also at the Rajah Sulayman Park.

The New Year countdown on Dec. 31 in the city will have a big bash along the entire stretch of the multi-colored Roxas Boulevard Baywalk, where Manila residents will be treated to a grand fireworks display to greet the New Year.

City Hall and GMA-7 will also host non-stop partying at the Rajah Sulayman Park. Party begins at 10 p.m. as top bands and artists spice up the celebration.