Manila sets New Year’s Eve bash in Divisoria

The city of Manila will hold its New Year countdown with a 15-minute fireworks display, show biz personalities, a talent contest and a ‘’Battle of the Bands,” among others, at the market district of Divisoria.

“Salubong 2014-Countdown ng Masa sa Divisoria” starts at 6 p.m. of Dec. 31 and will include a contest dubbed ‘’Divisoria Got Talent,” with prizes ranging from P10,000 to P200,000, according to a City Hall official.

“Mayor Joseph Estrada lives up to his image as the true idol of the masses by bringing closer to the people of Manila what one would usually see and  watch at the malls and high-profile venues of New Year countdowns,” Diego Cagahastian, head of the city development information services, said in a statement Wednesday.

The festivities will also feature raffles, food trucks, photo booths, face painters, mascots and mimes.

Estrada earlier ordered the setup of a night market in the area and directed the police to clear it of illegal street vendors. Erika Sauler