This October, Quezon City celebrates its 75th year of cityhood. October 12, 2014 marks the city’s Diamond Jubilee, and it looks like all six districts of Quezon City are gearing up for a lot of festivities.
Aside from commemorative events, the city will play host to arts festivals, concerts, health and wellness outreach programs, religious activities, and sports/fitness programs. There are a LOT of events lined up, but here are a few of the highlights that might interest the general public:
October 11: Quezon City Food Festival (9 am-midnight; Maginhawa Street)
The very first Food Festival in Quezon City intends to showcase Maginhawa Street as a major food hub and tourist spot while celebrating with the fun and festivities of a provincial fiesta. As a resident of the area, I’ve seen the transformation of the street from just an alternative road to get to UP to a major foodie spot, with friends and readers of this blog coming over just to go on major food tripping sessions. For a list of most of the restaurants in the area, check out Maginhawa: The Eat Street.
Food stalls will be set up along the street, and participating restaurants will open their doors to visitors. There’s no entrance fee, but 5,000 lucky visitors will be given special gift certificates and a commemorative plate which they can redeem at participating Maginhawa establishments. Take note that there are over 80 restaurants in the area and 120 exhibitors (and counting). Come hungry! :p
Here’s a handy FAQ prepared by the people behind the QC Food Festival. (Click image for larger view). For updates, like Quezon City Food Festival on Facebook.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: From midnight of Saturday, 11 October until midnight of Sunday, 12 October 2014, the entire Maginhawa Street from Masaya to Makadios Streets, and half of Malingap Street from Mapagkawanggawa to Maginhawa, shall be closed to all vehicular traffic. Traffic shall still be allowed to cross Maginhawa through the intersections of Mahusay, Magiting, Mahabagin, and Mapagkumbaba, which shall remain open. Homeowners from Maginhawa and Malingap Streets affected by the closure shall be issue Vehicle Passes to allow them access to their residences.
PARKING: Visitors and guests may park anywhere near the periphery of Maginhawa Street. Safety and security shall be provided by the barangays with jurisdiction over the area affected, the Quezon City Police District, as well as BSPO volunteers from other District IV barangays.
EXHIBITOR’S MAP: View on Facebook
October 11: Oktoberfest Concert (starting 7pm, Maginhawa Street)
By sundown, the QC Food Festival will also feature the San Miguel Oktoberfest concert. The stage for the concert is near the Covered Courts along Maginhawa. Here’s the band line-up:
October 11: Fireworks Display (midnight; all over QC)
By midnight, a pyrotechnic show will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Synchronized fireworks shows will also be held in Roosevelt-Del Monte (District 1); Sandiganbayan (District 2); Araneta and Anonas (District 3); Maginhawa and Tomas Morato Streets (District 4); Quirino Highway (District 5); and Mindanao-Tandang Sora Avenue (District 6).
Stock photo of New Year fireworks taken from our roofdeck in Maginhawa St.
October 11: La Loma Lechon Festival (Retiro, La Loma)
La Loma prides itself for being the lechon capital of the Philippines, where visitors can find rows and rows of lechon being sold in sidewalks. The La Loma Lechoneros will be organizing a festival celebrating lechon, usually considered the main star of fiestas and celebrations in the Philippines.
Dancers from six districts of Quezon City will entertain the crowd as they take to the streets in a friendly dance competition. The parades will be simultaneously held in the following areas:
- District 1: Roosevelt-Del Monte
- District 2: Sandigan Bayan
- District 3: Araneta and Anonas
- District 4: Maginhawa Steet and Tomas Morato
- District 5: Quirino Highway
- District 6: Mindanao Avenue
October 12: Launch of the Quezon City Airship (QC Memorial Circle)
A 60-foot long, helium-powered balloon will ascend the city skies at approximately 400 feet high – twice the height of the pylon in any part of Quezon City.
October 12: Zumba Fitness Outdoor Party (4 pm; QC Memorial Circle)
A high-energy celebration of fitness and fun community camaraderie with a goal to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Zumba party. The current record is held by India (6,671 people). The event aims to bring together 9,000 people to participate in at leas an hour of non-stop dance routines. Participants may pre-register at www.qczparty.com, or visit Facebook: qczparty
October 12: Diamond Celebrations at QMC (QC Memorial Circle)
Health and wellness advocacies, Parade of Floats around Quezon Memorial Circle, Palarong Pinoy, Concert at the Park, Fireworks Display
October 6-October 12: Super QC Sale (SM Malls)
All 8 SM Malls in Quezon City will be holding Super QC Sales. Various malls such as Robinsons Fairview and Robinsons Magnolia will also have sale promos in line with QC’s celebrations. On October 12, all major establishments will offer 75% discount to QC residents in the Grand Quezon City Sale
October 27-30: Book Fair (Quezon City Hall)
Book fair and story-telling events for day care students
November 29: QCIM Half-Marathon Night Run
Top runners from different countries are invited to compete in 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k races during the 5th Quezon City International Marathon. This year, the International Marathon takes on a different twist as it is set to start at 10 in the evening. At the end of the marathon, the QMC will light up as the lights and sounds show will be opened for the first time. For full details, visit: http://www.qcimrun.com/
MORE ACTIVITIES
Before the year ends, there will also be an International Film Festival at Trinoma, Underpass Photo Exhibit, HIV Awareness Campaign, Pride March, and unveiling of the Quezon City Museum.