BATANG MAYNILA

This week, we will be marking two important occasions. In this regard, allow me to greet in advance, our Chinese-Filipino brothers and sisters on the occasion of the Chinese New Year celebration on February 12 and everybody, a Happy Valentine’s Day this coming Sunday, February14. Much as we want to mark the special occasion of the Chinese New Year with the kind of revelry it deserves, we in the city government are constrained to issue an order not only imposing a liquor ban but also more importantly, to cancel any and all activities from February 11 to 12, relative to the celebration of the new lunar year. We are doing this with a heavy heart and only because we want to avert a possible surge of COVID-19 cases. Holding activities that will draw huge crowds like parades, dragon and lion dances, and lighting of firecrackers in the streets have been disallowed as these will put to waste all the sacrifices that the city and people of Manila have put up with these past many months. I am banking on the kind understanding of our dear Chinese-Filipino community members, especially considering that even China has canceled its Lunar New Year celebration for millions of its people whom it discouraged from coming home for the Chinese holidays. Traditionally in Manila, the Chinese community celebrates the occasion from February 11 to February 17, 2021, with the peak time on Chinese New Year’s Eve on February 11 and the Chinese New Year’s day on February 12. The activities during the New Year celebration, if not cancelled, can be surely an easy medium for COVID-19 transmission, thereby endangering the health, well-being, and safety not only of residents but also their visitors who will join them in the celebration.

There is therefore a compelling need for the city to cancel any and all activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year not only to avoid the fear envisioned above but also in order not to put in vain all initiatives the city has already undertaken during this pandemic. This cancellation is all the more compelling due to reports of a new COVID variant entering the country. I am very thankful to our Chinese-Filipinos for understanding that the health of the populace should come first. Just the same, “Kung Hei Huat Chai!”

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In the meantime, I am inviting those who wish to make their loved ones happy but do not have the budget to visit “MayniLove” at the Mehan Garden near the Manila City Hall. This open-air Valentine venue is open to the public daily, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and up to February 15, 2021. Admission is free. Needless to say, the wearing of face masks and face shields are required and those who refuse to follow the regulations will be denied entry. We have also assigned counters to ensure that the gates are closed once 50 percent of the total capacity of the area is reached. Inside “MayniLove,” items are on sale,  there are gift and food stalls, and a live band entertains the visitors. The lights, the music, and the ambience will certainly put you in the mood for love. Our holograms, 3D art walls, and of course the LOVE sculpture serve as our centerpiece in the love venue. With the people of Manila wanting to celebrate Valentine’s Day at no cost foremost in our mind, we have decided to set up a beautiful place where the visitors may enjoy while we are also helping create livelihood and job opportunities at the same time. By the way, the “Maynilove” is not only meant for lovers, spouses, partners, couples, or those who are in the courtship stage. It may also be enjoyed by friends, families, and co-workers. I trust that given the many months we have been battling the pandemic, everyone would have already known the importance of basic health protocols and following simple rules and regulations for safety purposes. I am inviting one and all to pay our “MayniLove” a visit and enjoy the sights and sounds. It is the city government of Manila’s little Valentine’s gift for all. My Valentine message is for one and all to spread love, not hate. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!!!

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Gaya ng paulit-ulit  kong sinasabi, kailangan ko ang tulong ninyong lahat. Walang magmamalasakit sa Maynila kundi tayo ding mga Batang Maynila. Manila, God first!

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For updates on latest developments in the city of Manila, please visit my Facebook account – “IskoMoreno Domagoso.”