No classes in San Juan, Manila today

MANILA, Philippines - The city governments of Manila and San Juan suspended classes today to give way to the celebration of the Feast of John the Baptist and the Araw ng Maynila.

San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez issued Executive Order 02-05 directing school administrators to suspend classes at all levels in schools in the city for two days, starting yesterday, to give way to the city’s annual “Wattah Wattah” festival.

As part of the yearly celebration of the feast of John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, residents participate in the “basaan,” which involves throwing water on others. Gomez said the activity has become a tourist draw.

Meanwhile, Malacañang suspended classes at all levels and the work of government agencies in Manila today for the celebration of the Araw ng Maynila, for which Mayor Joseph Estrada has set up a series of activities.