Fireworks sold alongside fruits in Chinatown

With just two more days left in 2012, firecrackers were sold alongside other items believed to bring good luck in the New Year. In Manila's Chinatown district, firecrackers were sold at makeshift stalls beside those selling round fruits and figurines.

Many of the items being sold included sparklers and luces, but many of these had no label indicating their ingredients. Also, there was no sign from the vendors indicating there would be no testing of the merchandise in the area, which is crowded at this time of the year. The government has been discouraging Filipinos from lighting firecrackers to welcome the New Year, due to the risks firecrackers pose to public health. Figures from the Department of Health indicated that as of Saturday, more than 160 had been injured due to firecrackers. On the other hand, other vendors along Ongpin Street in Chinatown sold alternative noise-makers, such as large "torotot" (horns). Firecrackers are still sold in the area as many Chinese Filipinos believe the sound of firecrackers would drive away evil spirits. — LBG, GMA News