Thousands expected to attend QC New Year countdown

MANILA, Philippines - More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the New Year countdown that will be hosted for the first time by the Quezon City government on Dec. 31 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Mayor Herbert Bautista will lead local officials in the countdown that will be highlighted by a 25-minute fireworks display and a concert featuring some of the country’s top musical artists.

Tey Indiongco, Bautista’s executive assistant, said the city government tapped the same group mounting the pyrotechnics musical at the SM Mall of Asia for the fireworks display.

The event, which will start at 5 p.m., is part of the city’s effort to discourage the use of firecrackers during the New Year celebration.

Among those who will perform at the concert are rap artist Gloc 9, Shamrock, the Divas Club, Anti-Gravity band, Kissy Babes, B-Boys, and Runway: Earth, Wind and Fire.

The city will set up three giant screens in the area to enable the people to watch all the activities during the celebration.