Manila’s Tondo tones down New Year’s welcome amid pandemic

Manila’s Tondo district, known for its loud and colorful celebration every New Year, will be toning down its welcome for 2021 amid the pandemic.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, numerous people in the area used to have drinks with their neighbors out on the streets early in the day and hours before the New Year. However, with the ongoing health crisis, the streets of Tondo remained almost empty.

Several barangay tanod roamed the streets to remind citizens to practice health protocols, and for senior citizens and people aged 15 and below, to stay indoors.

Although drinking wasn’t prohibited, social gatherings were discouraged. 

Despite many health protocols in place, many residents continued to spread the joy for the upcoming New Year. Many bought round fruits and food for their Media Noche. Some even had their car washed since they believed it would bring them luck in the coming year.

Since the Metro Manila Council prohibited the use of firecrackers, residents resorted to using simple poppers and horns to usher in the New Year. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News