Camille Naredo

People are seen near the Rizal Monument in Manila on February 5, 2025.

People are seen near the Rizal Monument in Manila on February 5, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

LUNETA

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Thousands of Filipinos are spending the New Year&#x27;s Eve at the iconic Rizal Park, Luneta with their loved ones — a tradition for some that spans decades and transcends generations.</p><p>All the way from London, Jane Knighton Randall, 65, chose to return to the Philippines to welcome 2026 at the Rizal Park with her family down to her grandson and great grandchildren.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/31/44-pct-of-filipinos-expect-quality-of-life-to-improve-in-2026-survey-1229">READ: 44 pct of Filipinos expect quality of life to improve in 2026 -- survey</a></div><p>&quot;&#x27;Pag nandito ka parang wow, bongga.. No. 1 ang fireworks saka itong fountain ang magaganda,&quot; she told ABS-CBN News, Wednesday afternoon.</p><p>&quot;Iba talaga yung nandito ka sa Pilipinas. Iba rin &#x27;yung enjoyment sa ibang bansa, iba rin po dito. Iba yung ambiance iba yung kaligayahan,&quot; she added.</p><p>Her grandson, Robic Cunanan, revealed that it was her Lola Jane who first brought him to Luneta when he was young, until it became a tradition every New Year&#x27;s Eve and New Year&#x27;s Day.</p><p>Now 24, he wants his daughter, three-year-old Sierra to carry on the custom.</p><p>&quot;Masaya po kasi rito. Gusto ko po taon taon dito po kami,&quot; he said.</p><p>Leslie Mesano, who arrived at the park early in the morning together with her kids, mother, and sister, said it is also their tradition to welcome the New Year and spend January 1st at Luneta.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/12/31/world-bids-farewell-to-2025-a-year-of-trump-truces-and-turmoil-0939">READ: World bids farewell to 2025, a year of Trump, truces and turmoil</a></div><p>&quot;Syempre po &#x27;yung bonding, &#x27;yung tradition namin na buo tayo lagi tapos &#x27;yung love po nararamdaman natin,&quot; she stated.</p><p>&quot;Para po may family bonding kami magkakasama saka buo kami. Para maexperience rin nila na lumaki sila magkakasama kami,&quot; said Rosario Ortega, 37, who packed merienda and dinner for her family as they await the New Year.</p><p>The National Parks Development Committee that manages Rizal Park reported 11,849 park goers as of 6 p.m., Wednesday. </p><p>They expect up to 70,000 individuals will flock to the park on New Year&#x27;s Eve to participate at the New Year Countdown and fireworks display.</p><p>&quot;Hangga&#x27;t maaari huwag na tayong magpasok ng metal, sharp objects dito po sa ating parke. No smoking po bawal din po tayong manigarilyo and also pag inuman alcoholic drinks po dito sa loob and observe claygo rin po,&quot; NPDC Facilities Engineer Grace Nacu advises park goers.</p><div><br/><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cOFCAyGMu1k?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Thousands of Filipinos are spending the New Year's Eve at the iconic Rizal Park, Luneta with their loved ones — a tradition for some that spans decades and transcends generations.</p>

Thousands of Filipinos are spending the New Year's Eve at the iconic Rizal Park, Luneta with their loved ones — a tradition for some that spans decades and transcends generations.

'Keeping traditions alive': Filipinos across generations celebrate New Year's Eve at Luneta

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'Keeping traditions alive': Filipinos across generations celebrate New Year's Eve at Luneta

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 31, 2025 08:57 PM PHT

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Luneta

Rizal Park

New Year's Eve

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