Heavy traffic seen in MMFF kick-off parade

MANILA, Philippines - It’s two days before Christmas and motorists in Metro Manila should expect traffic all around, especially as the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) holds its parade of stars today.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists of heavy traffic today as thousands of people are expected on the streets.

Neomie Recio, MMDA traffic engineering department head, said they are preparing for a standstill traffic scenario along EDSA and other chokepoints in Metro Manila.

More than 600 traffic enforcers would be deployed along EDSA and in areas where heavy traffic is expected, she added.

Some roads in Manila will also be closed today to give way for the MMFF parade of stars, which will be joined by lead actors and actresses of the eight festival entries.

The parade will start at the Manila City hall, right to Taft Avenue and straight to Jones Bridge/Chinatown and Quintin Paredes and Reina Regente streets before taking another right turn to Claro M. Recto avenue.

It would continue with a right turn at Fuguso Street and another right to Quezon Blvd. up to Plaza Miranda.

The MMDA said all vehicles coming from Taft Avenue (northbound) should take an alternate route using Ayala Blvd., straight to Legarda, left at Claro M. Recto, right at Nicanor Reyes (Morayta) and right at España Blvd. to proceed to their destinations.

For all vehicles coming from Caloocan area, motorists are advised to take a right turn at Mayhaligue street and a left at Tomas Mapua street before going to Plaza Sta. Cruz or MacArthur bridge for their destination.

MMDA defends Mocha’s film fest ambassador post

Meanwhile, the MMDA defended former sexy starlet Mocha Uson, a supporter of President Duterte, after she received flak for her appointment as ambassador of this year’s MMFF.

Tim Orbos, MMDA officer-in-charge and chairman of the MMFF, said he personally recommended Uson to the MMFF executive committee (execom) to become the first ever MMFF ambassador, along with Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Mia Concio.

He said Uson, a controversial blogger defending the Duterte administration, was chosen as ambassador as she “embodies the change” that the Filipino people need as far as the film industry is concerned.

Asked to expound “what change” the MMFF officials want for the Filipino movie industry with Uson’s help, Orbos said “to challenge the norm.”

Uson and the MMFF execom got flak from netizens.

“I think we have many personalities who are so much deserving for the role. Sorry,” Facebook user Eleamore Fajardo said.

Facebook user Victor Decida congratulated Uson sarcastically, saying she deserves her post but said she should be appointed as the secretary of a “Department of Blogger.” – Jose Rodel Clapano