Hey, 2014! A roundup of where to party on New Year’s Eve

Looking to welcome the New Year with a bang? Fireworks aside, here are a few parties, concerts, dinners, and open bars to help you shake off the bad juju of 2013 and buoy you through the first morning of 2014.

Countdown to 2014: The GMA New Year Special

Usher in 2014 by the sea, along SM Mall of Asia's Seaside Boulevard, with the rest of the Kapuso family, from 10:45 p.m. on December 31 to 1 a.m. on January 1. Jam with Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, Rocco Nacino, and more of your favorite artists to light up the night. Witness the dance numbers of the different festival traditions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, or wonder at the ornate indigenous costumes and modern designs at the fashion show.

Yuletide Feast at Le Bar

Gorge on the holiday spirit with Venison filet with Grand Huntsman sauce, spiced braised cabbage with buttered carrots and asparagus, Truffle shavings, and chestnut puree—just some of the items on the three-course meal to be served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., December 31, at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila's Le Bar. P3,300 per person, with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from the 3-in-1 concept restaurant. Party from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. with DJ Sanya Smith, Ornussa Cadness, and The Zombettes.

REPUBLIQ's Annual New Year's Eve Ball

Republiq Club and Viber teamed up to bring you a ball draped in purple, the color of 2014—and if you come in purple, you get free Viber shots. With music by Dj Ace Ramos Mars Miranda Martin Pulgar & Marc Naval, doors open at 11 p.m. of December 31. For inquiries and reservations: 0917.550.88.88 or www.republiqclub.com.

Toast! Solaire Countdown to 2014

Come in your best cocktail attire and sit down to a four-course dinner and heavy cocktails at Solaire's Grand Ballroom from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on December 31. At the dinner concert, participants will be serenaded by Concert Queen Pops Fernandez and Side A's Joey Generosa. But don't eat too much if you want to move to the retro dance hits played by Marmalade and Pure Sound's rendition of current dance hits. Club music starts after 12:30 a.m. There will be party gimmicks, including audience participation for the New Year's kiss with loved ones, so bring a special someone along. Ticket prices range from P4,500 (VIP Standing) to P10,000 (VVIP Reserved seating); available at Ticketworld outlets.

VASK New Year's Eve

Take in a delectable dinner from 6 p.m. and then countdown and party 'til the wee hours, or from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. at VASK in Bonifacio Global City. With performances by Jessica Milner, Adrian Cuenca, Chele Gonzalez, Herbie H. Dubb Walton, and Fernando Herreros, you can book a table at the DECK & CURVE or call 09178065292 or e-mail ask@vaskmanila.com. Entrance fees apply.

Discovery Suites: Have a Groovy New Year!

Hankering for 70s-era fun this 2014? Then the Discovery Suites Retro 70s Dinner and New Year's Eve Countdown Party might be your thing. The buffet commences at 22 Prime, while the dancing to the beat of the Human Race Band launches at the Columbus Room on the 42nd floor. A skyline view of the fireworks over Metro Manila awaits. International Buffet and Countdown Party ticket priced at P 2,650 nett per person. For reservations call (02) 719-8888 or 719-6822.

Tagaytay's Countdown Scene to 2014

Send off 2013 with unlimited wine, beer, soda, and juice for P3,500 per person at Taal Vista Hotel in breezy Tagaytay. Countdown Party commences at the Grand Ballroom at 6 p.m, December 31, with a buffet and a round of drinks. Expect musical performances by Onda Latina and DJ Gaile. For inquiries call +63 2 917 8225.

Eastwood City New Year Countdown to 2014

Watch Eastwood Mall's Open Park light up with its Dazzling Star Drop—their version of New York City's Time Square Ball Drop—followed by a grand fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. The party gets rolling at 6 p.m., punctuated by live performances from Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, South Border, Mitoy Yonting, and American Idol Season 11 Runner-Up Jessica Sanchez. Proceeds from the New Year Countdown merchandise will go to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Madame Ning's New Year's Eve Party

Party 2013 away at The Peninsula Manila's Salon de Ning with DJ Boyet Almazan. Themed around “The Great Gatsby,” for P2,000, you get a selected open bar and an excuse to stay up just before dawn. Party begins at 10 p.m., December 31, and ends at 4 a.m, January 1. Call 888-2888 (loc. Extension 6694) or e-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com or visit www.peninsula.com for reservations.

Hyve Nation's First and Skye's Third Annual NYE Party

Bring down the house with DJ DimSum on December 31, 10 p.m. at the Hyve Boutique Night Club at the W High Street Building. The first 500 people who arrive and whose names are on the guestlist enter for free, while the rest must pay the door price of P1,000. For guestlist concerns, please contact 09175529084. Meanwhile, on the Skye Roofdeck in the same building, at the same time, DJ Amadeus will be ushering in the new year as well. Same door price, but with a free Hennessy Coke. For table packages and reservations, please contact 4784284 or 09328567593. — Vida Cruz/BM, GMA News