Manila announces liquor ban on Sto. Niño feast 

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced the implementation of liquor ban and closure of several roads in Tondo and Pandacan districts from Jan. 14 to 15, for the celebration of the Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) feast, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

“The Office of the Mayor released Executive Order No. 3 Series of 2023, which ‘orders a ban on the sale of all alcoholic beverages in the areas within the territorial jurisdiction of Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish and Sto. Niño de Pandacan’ from January 14 to 15, 2023,” the city government said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

It also stated the strict implementation of City Ordinance No. 5555, which prohibits the “sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in public places such as streets and alleys”.

Meanwhile, Mayor Honey invited the public to join the festivities, including the Lakbayaw at 8 a.m. on Jan. 14, Saturday, at Plaza Hernandez, Tondo, Manila; and Buling-buling at 1 p.m., same day, at Liwasang Balagtas, Pandacan, Manila.

In line with the celebration, the local government also announced road closures and alternate routes.

It said the lanes of Jesus St. from Quirino Ave. to Palumpong St., Jesus St. to Beata St., Jesus St. to T. Claudio St., E. Zamora St. to Hilium St., and ML. Carreon St. to Pedro Gil St. will be closed on Jan. 14, from 6 a.m. onwards, to give way to Buling-Buling 2023.

For those driving from Pritil using N. Zamora St. should turn left to Moriones St. on way to Juan Luna St.

The city’s traffic sector advised the public to use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion.

Vehicles using J. Nolasco St. going to Tondo Church should turn right to Morga St., straight to Tuazon St. and Wagas St., or left to Asuncion St. to CM. Recto Ave.; and vehicles from CM. Recto Ave. and Asuncion St. should turn left to Lakandula St.

Lakbayaw is the annual street procession in Tondo, Manila where thousands of devotees carry Sto. Nino images and chant “Viva Sto. Nino”. It was themed “Hiling mo. Isayaw mo kay Sto. Niño,” this year.

Buling-buling is an annual street dancing event in Pandacan, Manila, and is celebrated every third Saturday of January.