Traffic Advisory: MMFF Parade to Impact Manila Roads on Dec 21

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to celebrate its 50th edition with a grand Parade of Stars on December 21 in Manila. This event is a highlight leading up to the festival’s official opening. The parade will feature colorful floats carrying celebrities from the 10 official entries participating in this year’s festival.

The official entries include “The Kingdom,” “Topakk,” “Espantaho,” “And The Breadwinner Is…,” “Uninvited,” “Hold Me Close,” “Green Bones,” “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” “Isang Himala,” and “My Future You.” Each float is expected to showcase vibrant designs that reflect the themes of these films, adding to the excitement of the event.

 Atty. Don Artes, the Concurrent Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF, stated that this year’s parade aims to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences, marking five decades of the festival’s history. He emphasized the importance of safety measures, noting that at least 3,000 personnel from various agencies, including the MMDA, Manila City Government, Office of the Civil Defense-National Capital Region, and Philippine National Police, will be deployed along the parade route to manage crowd control and provide a smooth flow of activities.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM, starting from the Kartilya ng Katipunan. The route will cover approximately 12 kilometers, passing through several key streets in Manila. The procession is expected to last around two and a half hours. Upon arrival at the Manila Central Post Office, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the stars, followed by a music festival, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

To manage traffic during the event, temporary lane closures and a stop-and-go scheme will be implemented from 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM along the parade route. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. Specifically, the southbound lane of MacArthur Bridge will be closed to traffic. Vehicles are advised to take Dasmariñas Street, turn left at Juan Luna Street, left at Plaza Cervantes, right at Quintin Paredes, proceed to Jones Bridge, and then right at Magallanes Drive to reach their destinations.

The MMFF has been a major cultural event in the Philippines since its inception, showcasing Filipino creativity and talent in the film industry. The 50th edition not only celebrates this legacy but also looks forward to the future of Philippine cinema. The Parade of Stars serves as a prelude to the film festival, which officially opens on December 25, featuring a lineup of films that cater to diverse audiences.

As the festival commemorates its golden anniversary, organizers are keen on delivering a memorable experience that honors the rich history of Filipino filmmaking. The public is encouraged to participate in the festivities, enjoy the parade, and support the local film industry by watching the featured films during the festival run.

In addition to the parade, the MMFF will include various events such as film screenings, awards nights, and other activities aimed at promoting Philippine cinema. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to appreciate the depth and diversity of Filipino films.

As the date approaches, excitement continues to build among fans and participants alike. The 50th MMFF Parade of Stars promises to be a grand celebration, reflecting the enduring spirit and passion of the Philippine film industry.

For more information on the parade route, traffic advisories, and festival schedules, the public is advised to follow official MMFF and MMDA channels. Staying informed will help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.