MMFF parade of stars rerouted from Roxas Blvd. to city hall, Quiapo

The Parade of Stars on Dec. 23 for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will deviate from its usual route, kicking off at Manila City Hall instead of Roxas Boulevard and ending at Plaza Miranda.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday advised motorists that affected roads would be cleared. Illegally parked vehicles would be towed in the morning to give way to the parade in the afternoon.

“We want to bring the parade closer to the people. Friday is Quiapo Day and we will end at Plaza Miranda. People don’t have to go to [Rizal] Park. We’re bringing the MMFF to them,” Bong Nebrija, MMDA supervising officer for operations, said on Sunday.

“We will soon publish alternate routes. It’s the Friday before Christmas so the traffic will really snowball when the floats stop at Plaza Miranda. We’re preparing the traffic scheme so it won’t cripple the traffic on Quezon Boulevard,” he added.

From Manila City Hall on Natividad Lopez Street, the parade will turn right on Taft Avenue going to Jones Bridge.

The parade route will continue on Quintin Paredes, then turn right on Reina Regente Street, right on Claro M. Recto Avenue, then left on Rizal Avenue.

It will then turn right on Fugoso Street, right on Quezon Boulevard and finally stop at Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church.

The 42nd MMFF has launched a cinematic revolution or #reelvolution with a new set of executive committee and selection criteria with emphasis on story quality and technical excellence.

This year’s entries are “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2,” “Die Beautiful,” “Kabisera,” “Oro,” “Saving Sally,” “Seklusyon,” “Sunday Beauty Queen” and “Vince & Kath & James.” –Erika Sauler