Gray parade: Expect heavy traffic in Manila, Pasay, Makati

MINI MISS U A Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray doll, also dressed in the now-famous “lava” gown, is the latest creation of Alvin Ocampo who makes miniature versions of celebrities in his free time. Gray is in the country for her welcome parade on Feb. 21. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will literally stop traffic when she goes around parts of Metro Manila for her official homecoming parade on Thursday, Feb. 21.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that to give way to the event, it would implement a stop-and-go scheme along major roads in Pasay, Manila and Makati.

The parade will start at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila at 2 p.m., it added. The route, however, has yet to be disclosed.

Roads on which traffic will be affected are Diokno Boulevard, Atang dela Rama, Vicente Sotto Street and Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City; T.M. Kalaw and Taft Avenue in Manila; and Gil Puyat and Ayala Avenues in Makati City.

Clearing operations

The MMDA said it would conduct clearing operations along the route ahead of the parade to remove illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.

More than 200 traffic enforcers would also be deployed to secure the motorcade route.

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen—the fourth Philippine representative to be crowned Miss Universe—returned to the country on Saturday in preparation for Thursday’s event.

Gray is expected to attend another event in her honor on Feb. 23.