Makati prepares fireworks show

Foreign fireworks experts will light up the sky over Makati City for a full 20 minutes to welcome 2007.

Makati City and its private sector partners will also stage a New Year’s Eve countdown at the heart of the central business district with a "message of hope for all Filipinos."

The city government boasts that the fireworks show will be staged by La Mancha Productions, the same company that staged the 2004 fireworks display and the World Pyro Olympics, and will be put together by a team of experts from the United States, Germany, Australia, Italy and China.

Former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.’s monument located at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas where a number of protest actions were held this year will bear witness to an event which will officially close a fund-raising drive for victims of typhoons Reming and Seniang.

The eight-hour long celebration will likewise feature booths, a food festival, a musical concert, and a laser show.

Mayor Jejomar Binay said that aside from donations from corporations, people attending the countdown can also give donations to the typhoon victims at designated receiving areas.

"We hope that those of us who want to show their concern for our fellow Filipinos will join us on New Year’s Eve as a gesture of solidarity," he announced.

"Makati’s New Year’s Eve countdown is an opportunity for us to show that we Filipinos can count on each other in times of need. While there were incidents in 2006 that brought despair, there are more reasons to hope for a better year ahead."

The Makati countdown, he further announced, will feature street magician Eric Mana and performances by Grupong Pendong, Imago, Itchyworms, Jeazel Grutas Band, Rocksteddy, Sandwich and 6 Cycle Mind. — Michael Punongbayan