Expect Heavy Traffic on December 19 as MMFF Parade Makes Its Way Through Makati

(SPOT.ph) December traffic in Metro Manila is already a special kind of punishment. As if Christmas parties, payday rush, and mall-wide sales aren’t already bad enough, why not throw in a major road event on a Friday?

That’s exactly what motorists will have to deal with on December 19, as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) rolls out temporary lane closures in Makati City for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 51st Edition Grand Parade of Stars. Traffic adjustments will be in place from 12:01 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Major roads affected include Macapagal Boulevard, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia), Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, J.P. Rizal Street, and A. Reyes Avenue. Instead of full closures, MMDA will intermittently stop traffic on specific lanes to allow the parade to pass, then reopen them once the floats move through.

The parade will start along Macapagal Boulevard, then pass through Buendia, Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, J.P. Rizal Street, and A. Reyes Avenue before ending at Circuit Makati. MMDA estimates the procession will last around one hour and 40 minutes, covering 8.4 kilometers in total.

According to the MMDA, Macapagal Boulevard is expected to see major disruption, as its northbound lanes will be occupied by movie-themed floats, tents, the holding area, and the main stage. Crowds are also expected to gather along the southbound side.

To manage both traffic and crowds, MMDA will deploy around 1,000 personnel, including traffic enforcers, motorcycle units, mobile patrols, towing teams, road emergency responders, and clearing crews. After the parade, performances will be held at Circuit Makati, which means traffic congestion in the area may continue well into the night.

Also read: Heads Up, Commuters: You Can Get Free LRT and MRT Rides Until December 25

For drivers coming from Macapagal Boulevard, Mall of Asia, or Cavite, the MMDA is recommending specific reroutes.

One option is to turn left at Seaside Boulevard, right at Diokno Boulevard, then proceed straight to Atang De La Rama Street, turn right at Vicente Sotto Street, left at Jalandoni Street, and finally right at Pedro Bukaneg Street.

Another alternative from the same area is to take Diokno Boulevard, turn right at Gil Puyat Avenue Extension, then left at Jalandoni Street and right at Pedro Bukaneg Street.

Motorists traveling via EDSA and J.P. Rizal Avenue are also advised to divert. One suggested route is passing through Rockwell toward Kalayaan Avenue, which will be converted to one-way traffic for the event.

Another option from J.P. Rizal Avenue is to take A. Mabini Street, turn left at Zamora Street, then right at Commando Bridge to reach your destination.

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