BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – This city is poised to captivate residents and tourists this December with the return of the Christmas Night Market on Calle Real and a grand New Year’s Countdown at Muelle Loney.
Scheduled from December 13 to 15, the Christmas Night Market will illuminate Calle Real, coinciding with the ceremonial lighting of Iloilo City’s holiday decorations.
The night market, which drew an estimated 16,000 visitors last year, will feature over 100 vendors selling food, toys, and thrift items, according to Architect Wilfredo Sy Jr., the technical lead for the city’s MICE Center.
“To enhance the shopping experience, we’ll organize the vendors through a zoning system for better crowd management,” Sy said.
Cultural performances will also be staged nightly.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the New Year’s Countdown at the Cesar Drilon Bridge in Muelle Loney on December 31.
A 15-minute fireworks display, choreographed by international pyrotechnic competitor Dragon, will be the evening’s centerpiece.
Leny Ledesma, executive assistant for special projects of Mayor Jerry Treñas, disclosed that the city will be spending less than P1 million of its allocated P3 million budget for the show.
“The display will be synchronized with music for a truly spectacular experience,” Ledesma added.
The countdown festivities, starting at 9 p.m., will also feature a mini night market. Traffic rerouting and road closures will be implemented to ensure public safety and convenience./PN
