New Year’s countdown at SRP set

By: Wenilyn Sabalo - 1 year ago

Cebu City Councilor and Tourism Commission Head Jocelyn Pesquera speaks in a press conference for the New Year’s Countdown dubbed “Ball Drop and Crown Rise.” With her is Councilor Joel Garganera (right), head of the council’s Committee on Peace and Order.

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu City government, led by its Tourism Commission, is inviting all Cebuanos to the first-ever New Year’s Countdown dubbed “Ball Drop and Crown Rise” featuring a firework display with live performances at the South Road Properties (SRP) from Saturday, December 31, 2022, until 2 a.m. of Sunday, January 1, 2023.

Cebu City Councilor and Tourism Commission Head Jocelyn Pesquera said the event would serve as a prelude for the Sinulog celebration in January 2023 and a symbolic celebration of the city government’s success in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re gonna party; we’re gonna celebrate, and welcome 2023 with a bang,” Pesquera said, noting that during the event, the entity behind the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressways agreed to also light the bridge during the event.

Councilor Joel Garganera, head of the council’s Committee on Peace and Order, said the fireworks display is expected to last about 10-15 minutes; the display worth P3 million is sponsored by the private sector, while the city government shelled out P2 million to cover the production costs.

Free buses will be deployed at Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmeña to provide free transportation for spectators.

Admission for the event that will also feature artists Kurt Fick, Cueshe, and DJ Jennifer Lee is for free.

A total of 200 security personnel, including the city police, traffic personnel, and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, will be deployed during the event, while motorists are advise to take alternative routes in going north and south during the event.

Motorists who plan to use CCLEX, however, may still use the SRP in going to Cordova Island.

/bmjo