June 24 marks the anniversary of the proclamation of Manila as the nation's capital (1571). It is celebrated with a parade, film festival and concerts held all over the city.

THE MANILA city government expects the week-long "Araw ng Maynila" celebrations to be as lively and colorful as the trademark polo shirts worn by Mayor Lito Atienza.

City Hall on Friday bared the series of events and activities in the capital which lead to June 24, the 431st anniversary of Manila's foundation by the Spaniards.

The theme of this year's celebrations is "Maynila, Mahal Kita."
"We want (the celebrations) to mirror the happiness and pride that Manileños now feel in their hearts as a result of the positive changes that we have introduced as part of our 'Buhayin ang Maynila' program," the mayor said.

Saturday night, the Star Search grand finals were held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, featuring performances by talents from various barangays in the city.

A testimonial luncheon to honor the city's outstanding taxpayers will be held at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas at City Hall on June 20.

This will be followed at 6 p.m. in the same venue by the Patnubay ng Sining and Kalinangan Awards, given every year to honor outstanding Filipino artists.

A four-day food festival will start June 21 along the seawall of Roxas Boulevard in front of the Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate. Hotels, cafes and restaurants in Manila will put up booths in the area.

On June 22, the awards night of the revived Manila Film Festival will be held at the Aquino Stadium.

At 8:30 p.m. on June 23, the Galician Cruciero monument will be unveiled on the plaza beside the Bureau of Immigration building. The 23rd Manila Jockey Club's Grand Copa de Manila horse races start at 4 p.m. at the San Lazaro Hippodrome.

In the morning of June 24, Atienza will lead city officials in inaugurating the renovated Plaza Sulayman. In the evening, a street party will be held at the renovated square, with a fireworks display and a free concert by the rock group Rivermaya as the main attractions.

That same night, a testimonial dinner will be held at the Manila Hotel to honor this year's outstanding Manileños.

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