Makati closes Ayala Avenue, Paseo for grand parade

Manila, Philippines - Both lanes of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas will be closed to traffic at noon today as Makati prepares for its “grand parade” tomorrow to mark the city’s 341st foundation day, an official said yesterday.

Makati spokesman Joey Salgado said that at noon today, both lanes of Ayala Avenue will be closed from Makati Avenue up to Herrera street, while both lanes of Paseo de Roxas from Sedeño street to Dela Rosa street will also be closed.

Tomorrow at noon, the road closures will be extended to the stretch of Ayala Avenue from Gil Puyat Avenue to Metropolitan street, and from Kamagong street to Gil Puyat. The parade along Ayala Avenue starts at 3 p.m.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay will lead city and barangay officials and residents, leaders of the Makati business and diplomatic communities, and civic and professional organizations in the parade.

Meanwhile, Salgado also announced that Makati’s 341st Foundation Day celebration has been extended for another month with the launching tomorrow of the 30-day Makati Grand Sale 2011. The launch of the sale will take place with the holding of the grand parade along Ayala Avenue.

Salgado said the Makati city government in cooperation with the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc., has organized the month-long bargain sale bonanza for local and foreign shoppers to serve as a showcase for the city’s best products and services to strengthen its position as a premier urban tourist destination in Asia.

Participants in the grand sale include Makati’s first-rate commercial establishments, such as Ayala Malls, Rustan’s, SM, Rockwell Powerplant, Cash & Carry, and Waltermart. Also participating are the Philippine Travel Agencies Association and Mastercard.