Manila, Jan. 30 -- Almost 3 million people gathered and participated in the activities for this year's Chinese New Year celebration in Manila on Jan. 29, an official said Thursday.

In a statement, City Administrator Bernie Ang said the annual celebration was successful, orderly and peaceful as reported by the concerned authorities.

Among the highlights of the event was the 25-minute musical fireworks and drone show that was held at the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Bridge opposite Jones Bridge, which served as the viewing deck.

A program that preceded the Chinese New Year countdown drew an estimated crowd of nearly a million on Jones Bridge and surrounding areas, including the esplanade, riverside and the Chinatown area.

Meanwhile, the ...