Traffic snarled in Sta. Mesa district due to 'Bourne' shooting

Traffic in Manila's Sta. Mesa district was snarled Saturday due to the shooting of scenes for the upcoming spy thriller "The Bourne Legacy." Many vehicles were stuck near a mall in Sta. Mesa as the film's crew shot "establishing shots" for a car chase scene, according to a report on "Balitanghali." Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner were not at the scene as of Saturday noon, the report added. The report also quoted film producers as saying Weisz and Renner "enjoyed" their shooting in Palawan province. Weisz and Renner particularly enjoyed their stay at El Nido, the report added. Last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority had advised motorists a major road in Manila's Sta. Mesa district, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, will be closed to traffic for "The Bourne Legacy." It said the affected streets will be closed to traffic effective "1 a.m. onwards" of Feb. 4, 5, and 11. "Ramon Magsaysay Blvd westbound from Araneta Ave. to Pureza St. will be CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. Counter flow will be implemented along Eastbound RM Blvd. Private and heavy vehicles are advise(d) to take alternate route. (This is due) to (The) Bourne Legacy filming," it said. It said eastbound motorist coming from Legarda/Nagtahan/JP Laurel Streets shall go straight at A.H. Lacson St., right G. Tuazon St.; or take A.H. Lacson St., right España to destination. Westbound motorists coming from San Juan, Cubao and Mandaluyong may take Old Sta. Mesa, left Valenzuela St., right Paco/Sta. Mesa Road, right President Quirino Ave. to destination. "Expect heavy traffic," the MMDA said. — LBG, GMA News