Top 7 Places to Go and Welcome 2012 in the Philippines

Party on until it's 2012 in these great New Year's Countdown events happening in the Philippines.

2012 is just around the corner and that means it’s party time once again. If the idea of spending the New Year at home seem to sound a bit too boring and tiring for you, not to worry. Below are the best places to go to celebrate the New Year with a bang.

7 Best Places to Go to Welcome 2012

1. Eastwood Mall, Quezon City

First up on the list is the annual New Year’s Countdown happening at the Eastwood Mall’s Open Park. While waiting for 2012 to roll in, partygoers will be treated this year with a series of performances from local artists like the Philippine All Stars, Billy Crawford, Urbanation, Amber Davis, the Dawn, and Mr. Pure Energy–Gary Valenciano–along with his sons, Paolo and Gab.

The highlight of the 2012 Countdown at Eastwood Mall is the Star Drop which lands at the stroke of midnight. It is then followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Very much like the famous Ball Drop at Times Square in New York City.

Donation boxes will be provided around the mall area where you can drop your donations for the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Event Details for Eastwood Mall’s New Year’s Countdown

2. The Peninsula Manila Hotel, Makati City

If you want to welcome 2012 in style, then head over to the Manila Peninsula as they host their most anticipated event of the year–their annual Gala Ball.

Set within their spectacular lobby, guests to the Gala Ball are treated to a sumptuous buffet feast prepared by the hotel’s world-class chefs as they enjoy the music provided by a 12-piece live band. At the stroke of midnight, the lobby will be filled with balloons and confetti as guests toasts to the New Year with a glass of fine champagne.

Event Details for the Gala Ball at the Peninsula Manila Hotel

3. SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Up next on our list of places to go to welcome 2012 is SM Mall of Asia–the largest mall in the Philippines. Reputed to have the best fireworks display, the countdown festivities at SM Mall of Asia is one of the few events that will be featured live on local television over GMA Channel 7, who will be hosting the event.

A two-minute fireworks display will be held every hour, finishing off with a 15-minute fireworks spectacle. To get the best view, make a reservation in any of the restaurants located around the mall’s Music Hall area. Don’t worry if you’re far from the stage. Huge projector screens will be strategically set up adjacent to the mall to make sure that you don’t miss any of the action.

Just like at Eastwood, donation booths will be set up throughout the entire mall where you can drop by and make a donation for the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Event Details of 2012 Countdown at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

4. Boracay

Thanks to the tropical climate in the Philippines, you can welcome 2012 while partying in the beautiful beaches of Boracay. Bars and restaurants will be opened until the break of dawn while you get entertained by the amazing exhibition numbers of fire dancers before the night sky lights up with a fireworks display launched from the sea.

5. Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Ayala Avenue in Makati City is often packed with vehicles and pedestrians rushing around to get to their offices. On the last day of 2011, the streets will be packed with a different kind of traffic. The government of Makati City will be staging a huge street party entitled “Magical, Musical Makati 2012″ and will be hosted by ABS-CBN Channel 2.

In addition to the usual fare of food booths, performances by the channel’s resident artists, and a fireworks display to greet 2012, there will also be a raffle draw where one very lucky person will get a chance to take home a brand new car. Now that’s definitely a great way to welcome 2012.

Event Details for the Magical Musical Makati 2012

7. Republiq, Newport Mall, Pasay City

What better place to go and welcome 2012 than at Republiq, the largest and most happening club in Metro Manila. While there may not be any fireworks here because of its close proximity in the airport, the energetic emanating within the club and from the New Year Eve’s party host, Tim Yap, will be more than enough.

Event Details Republiq New Year’s Eve Party

So, there you have it. Have a fun and prosperous 2012!

Photo by Eugene Flickr Creative Commons

What are your plans for welcoming 2012? Share with us your plans and help others get ideas on where they can welcome 2012 in your area.