Avoid passing through Pandacan today

Motorists are advised to avoid Pandacan today because of expected traffic jams due to the annual Sto. Niño Festival, which will include a procession and street dances.

The Buling-Buling Street Dancing Festival is the highlight of the fiesta. By 3 p.m. today, the image of the Sto. Niño will be paraded around the community, complete with songs and dance.

The parade will start at Librada Avelino Street in front of the Zamora Elementary School and then pass through T. San Luis Street, turn right at Jesus Street, right at Labores Street, left at Hilum Street, left at Narciso Street, right at Palumpong Street.

The procession will end at Liwasang Balagtas, where a program will be held.

The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Office did not prepare an alternative traffic route because the roads for the procession are secondary streets.

"This celebration is one of the most colorful events in the city of Manila in honor of the Sto. Niño," said Mayor Lito Atienza. He said this tradition in Pandacan dates back to the 1800s. — Evelyn Macairan, Adolph Manimtim