All-night street party, P1-M game to usher in 2013 in Makati City

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the city government and its partners in the private sector have made elaborate preparations for this year’s countdown. Photo from makati.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Bands, a P1-million game, 15 minute fireworks to cap Makati City’s countdown to 2013

Makati will end its 2012 and start its 2013 with a bang—a big, all-night street party.

With the theme “One World, One Makati,” Makati City will have its New Year’s Eve countdown at the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenues, featuring live bands like The Dawn, Silk Band, Sabor Latino, Hotdog, the Go Girls Asian Dance Revue, and Makati Countdown Big Band, and other performances, to be capped with a 15-minute pyrotechnic display at midnight to usher in 2013.

Attendees will also be treated to a futuristic laser dance, and a one-minute game to qualify for a chance to win P1 million. They will also be able to shop and dine at booths offering a wide array of Media Noche choices for the traditional New Year’s Eve meal. Six five-star hotels will also provide catering for invited VIP guests.

For the first time, there will be a a street dance challenge, the “One World, One Beat,” where Makati-based dance groups will show off their dancing prowess as they vie for cash prizes at stake.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the city government and its partners in the private sector, notably the Ayala Land Inc., and the Makati Commercial Estate Association, have made elaborate preparations for this year’s countdown. “This year’s Countdown will be different and certainly more exciting. We have laid-out a multi-level, non-stop entertainment designed to build up the crowd’s anticipation that will reach fever-pitch levels when the clock strikes 12 midnight,” Binay said.

According to Joey Salgado, the 20-minute fireworks display will be the highlight of the party. The police are preparing to manage a crowd of at least 35,000, the estimated number of people who attended the 2011 countdown to usher in 2012.

This year’s party will be from 7 pm of Dec. 31, 2012 to 2 am of Jan. 1, 2013.