2025 MMFF Parade of Stars: MMDA releases traffic scheme, alternate routes
MANILA — Philippine traffic authorities announced a series of temporary lane closures, stop-and-go measures, and alternate routes ahead of the Metro Manila Film Festival’s 51st Parade of Stars, warning motorists to expect heavy congestion in parts of Makati City and nearby areas on December 19.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said traffic adjustments will be enforced from 12:01 p.m. until about 10:00 p.m. on Friday to make way for the annual parade, which traditionally signals the opening of the MMFF season ahead of Christmas Day screenings. The event is expected to draw large crowds eager to see celebrities riding decorative floats representing this year’s official film entries.
Under the plan, intermittent lane closures and stop-and-go schemes will be implemented along major roads forming the parade route, including Macapagal Boulevard, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, J.P. Rizal Street, and A.P. Reyes Avenue. Vehicles will be made to stop briefly on specific lanes to allow the parade convoy to pass, after which traffic flow will be resumed.
Makati City is serving as host for this year’s parade, which will traverse the city’s central business districts before ending at Circuit Makati. Organisers said the choice of venue reflects Makati’s capacity to host large-scale public events and its long-standing role as a cultural and commercial hub.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, who is also serving as overall chairman of the MMFF, expressed appreciation to the Makati city government for its support in staging the event. “The city government’s invaluable support and commitment to facilitate the smooth flow of the parade and ensure the safety of the people attending the parade is commendable,” Artes said.
The parade is being held under the MMFF theme “A New Era for Philippine Cinema,” which organisers said aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to promote Filipino culture and strengthen the local film industry under his “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
As part of the preparations, the northbound section of Macapagal Boulevard will be occupied by movie-themed floats, tents, the starting holding area, and the main stage. Spectators at the parade’s starting point will be accommodated along the southbound side of the road. Authorities said these arrangements are designed to separate pedestrian crowds from moving vehicles and reduce safety risks.
The MMDA said it will deploy at least 1,000 personnel to manage traffic and public safety during the event. The deployment will include traffic enforcers, motorcycle units, and mobile patrols, towing and impounding teams, the Road Emergency Group, the Public Safety Division, the Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and staff from the traffic engineering center.
To ease congestion, motorists have been advised to plan their trips ahead of time or avoid the parade route altogether during the enforcement period. The MMDA released a list of recommended alternate routes for affected areas.
For vehicles coming from Macapagal Boulevard, the Mall of Asia complex, or Cavite, motorists may take Seaside Boulevard, turn right onto Diokno Boulevard, and proceed straight to Atang De la Rama Street, then turn right at Vicente Sotto Street, left at Jalandoni Street, and right onto Pedro Bukaneg Street toward their destination. An alternative option is to turn right from Diokno Boulevard onto Gil Puyat Avenue Extension, then left at Jalandoni Street and right onto Pedro Bukaneg Street.
For motorists heading toward EDSA from J.P. Rizal Avenue, traffic will be rerouted via A. Bonifacio Street, left at Zamora Street, and right at Commando Bridge.
The parade will pass through Buendia Avenue, Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, J.P. Rizal Street, and A. Reyes Avenue before culminating at Circuit Makati. Organisers estimate the procession will run for about one hour and 40 minutes and cover a total distance of approximately 8.4 kilometres.
Following the parade, the public will have an opportunity to meet and greet the participating stars, with a programme and live performances scheduled at Circuit Makati to cap the event. The Parade of Stars has long been a major draw of the MMFF, combining traffic-disrupting spectacle with a festive atmosphere that signals the start of the holiday movie season.
The MMFF said this year’s parade is supported by several sponsors, including the City of Makati, Philippine Airlines, Pru Life UK, Playtime Entertainment, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Proceeds from the MMFF traditionally benefit various organisations within the local film industry, including the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Authorities urged the public to cooperate with traffic personnel on the ground and to remain patient during the temporary disruptions, stressing that the measures are intended to balance public safety with the smooth staging of one of the country’s most anticipated film-related events.
Sources
GMA Network. “MMDA releases traffic scheme, alternate routes for 2025 MMFF Parade of Stars.” GMA Network, https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/128766/mmda-releases-traffic-scheme-alternate-routes-for-2025-mmff-parade-of-stars/story.
GMA Network News. “MMDA: Lane closure, stop-and-go scheme in Makati on December 19.” GMA News Online, https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/969637/mmda-lane-closure-stop-and-go-scheme-in-makati-on-december-19/story/.
Tribune.net.ph. “MMDA to deploy 1,000 personnel, traffic schemes for MMFF Parade of Stars.” Daily Tribune, https://tribune.net.ph/2025/12/15/mmda-to-deploy-1000-personnel-traffic-schemes-for-mmff-parade-of-stars.
Philippine Daily Inquirer. “MMFF 2025 Parade of Stars set in Makati on Dec. 19.” Inquirer Entertainment, https://entertainment.inquirer.net/641884/mmff-2025-parade-of-stars-set-in-makati-on-dec-19.
Images used in this post are for reference only and are sourced from the MMDA official Facebook Page. This usage is intended with no copyright infringement.
