CHRISTMAS won’t be the same as the previous years in the southern tip of the capital region, as the highly anticipated star-studded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Parade of Stars goes to Muntinlupa City on December 23.
In coordination with Metro Manila Development Authority, the local government led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will be hosting this year’s preawarding activity of one of the biggest movie festivals in the country.
The MMFF Executive Committee decided to do hold the parade beyond the traditional route along Roxas Boulevard in Manila and Pasay.
MMFF Chairman Thomas M. Orbos said in the official announcement of the 43rd MMFF entries in November that the committee greenlighted Muntinlupa’s invitation to host this year’s festival.
Fresnedi thanked them because the parade will be one of the highlights of the city’s 100th founding year celebration.
Expecting a huge crowd to witness their favorite showbiz personalities aboard the floats of their respective film entries, Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau has announced the road-blocking schemes for the parade route and advised motorists to take alternative routes.
As planned, the MMFF Parade of Starts will jump off from Muntinlupa Sports Complex going to Buendia St. and Centennial Avenue. It will pass through the extents of the National Road from Barangay Tunasan to Alabang. The parade will also enter the Filinvest City via the Corporate Avenue and Bridgeway. It will end at Filinvest Event Grounds/Block 30 for a short program.
After the event, the floats will be transferred to the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
To give way to preparations, temporary closure of the National Road will be implemented at noon onward.
For security measures, the Muntinlupa City Police Department (MCPD) advised the viewing public to avoid bringing prohibited items during the parade proper. The following items are not allowed: Firearms, explosives, bladed weapons, metallic objects, bags and water canisters.
Children below 4 feet, pregnant women and persons with wheelchair, crunches and cranes are not allowed to participate, the MCPD added.
The official entries for this year’s MMFF include Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad of Star Cinema and Viva Films; Ang Panday, Star Cinema and CCM Productions; All of You, Quantum Films and MJM Productions; Deadma Walking, T-Rex Productions; Siargao, TEN17P; Haunted Forest, Regal Films; and Ang Larawan, Culturtain.
They are expected to surpass the festival’s total earnings of P373.3 million last year.