Residents and tourists welcomed the New Year with joy and color across several areas in Northern and Central Luzon, even as firecrackers remained banned in some cities.

In Baguio City, families gathered to watch scattered community fireworks displays as they welcomed the New Year. Many enjoyed their media noche while watching the bright lights in the sky. Children were seen smiling as they watched the colorful fireworks, which lit up the city despite the strict ban on firecrackers.

In Guagua, Pampanga, some residents used luces and aerial fireworks to mark the New Year. Families also prepared Kapampangan dishes and traditional lucky food, such as prosperity bowls and 12 round fruits, for their media noche.

In Laoag City, some youth made noise by riding motorcycles and forming short motorcades along the streets. They said this was a safer way to celebrate compared to using firecrackers. Others used horns and torotots to welcome the New Year.

Crowds also went to Calayab Beach in Laoag City early on New Year’s Day. Families ate breakfast together, reheated leftover food from media noche, and enjoyed swimming and resting on the sand.

In Samal, Bataan, young people also welcomed the New Year by blowing torotots, adding to the festive mood.