MANILA -- Shoppers surged to Bocaue, Bulacan on Tuesday, a few hours before the calendar turns to 2025, for last-minute fireworks purchases to welcome the incoming year.

Some of them bought in bulk because they believe that larger fireworks would bring greater luck.

But there are also some who feel the pinch due to the price increase of fireworks this New Year's Eve.

"Masakit sa bulsa ngayon, mataas [ang presyo]. Ang kuha namin noon sa kwitis, P7-P8 lang, ngayon P12 na. Syempre 'yung iba, hindi afford 'yung mga ganyan," Ana Leger said. 

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Others also thought that since it's the last day of the year, vendors would lower their prices.

"I was expecting na baka cheaper pero ang lumalabas parang pamahal ng pamahal. Ang diskarte ko, kinausap ko 'yung katabi ko, sabi ko hati tayo. Instead na kumuha ng 100 pieces, biyak kami, tig-50," Jason Daz said.

Shoppers flock to Bocaue, Bulacan to buy fireworks ahead of the turn of the New Year, December 31, 2024. Karen De Guzman, ABS-CBN News

Despite this, many still went shopping due to the traditional belief of making noise to drive away any bad luck at the start of the new year. 

Many stalls are nearing the end of their sales and are expected to close by 10:00 p.m.

"Ang balak po talaga namin is maubos 'yung mga paninda namin ngayong taon. Kapag magre-restock po kasi ngayon, mas mahal na po namin maibebenta," vendor Jenny Gimeno said. 

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) patrols the area to ensure public safety. Warning signs, fire extinguishers, and water are strategically placed next to the stalls in preparation for any emergencies.