"Thousands gathered across Cebu and Pasig cities on Wednesday night to welcome the New Year. Aerial footage shows crowds of locals and tourists filling public spaces as fireworks lit up the sky. In Pasig, the display was followed by a huge drone show, while Cebu City officials described their own efforts as the largest musical fireworks display ever staged in the city. Visitors from abroad joined Filipinos in the celebrations, many choosing Cebu as their New Year destination, with some from India calling Cebu "the best place to celebrate the New Year." Event host Elvira Ocana said her hopes for the year ahead focused on both stability and social responsibility. "I hope everyone will have a productive year [...] good health [...] and that the country prioritises helping the less fortunate," she said. As the countdown ended, several spoke about their New Year wishes - including the fight for justice after the flood corruption scandal in November -with some local officials accused of siphoning off cash. "My New Year’s resolution is that the corrupt officials in our government should be removed so that the entire Philippines will live in prosperity," said local visitor Danilo Marcelo. "My wish is for our justice system to be better and also justice for the flood control scandal," said Ara Marcelo, while another attendee, Stacey, said she hoped those responsible for corruption would be jailed. "They deserve it," she added. Government investigators have vowed a crackdown, and pledged to hold those involved accountable - and recover the lost funds. In Cebu, the celebrations at Plaza Independencia also marked the official opening of the Sinulog season. The annual festival, held later in January, is one of the Philippines’ most significant cultural and religious events, centred on devotion to the Santo Nino."