Mayor Celso Lobregat is finalizing plans for the soft opening of the Plaza del Pilar, the city's newest pasalubong center on Friday, October 1st kicking off celebration of 2010 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. The plaza, located across the Fort Pilar Shrine, is now being spruced up for the event. Demolition crew from the City Engineer's Office (CEO) yesterday cleared the scaffoldings that have been established around the area during the construction period.

Makeshift candle stalls constructed around the Fort Pilar area were also demolished yesterday paving the way for the transfer of the candle vendors to their designated stalls in Plaza del Pilar.

Mayor Lobregat said while the soft opening will be held on Friday, the candle vendors have started selling their wares and other items yesterday.

The grand opening is set on or before the Fiesta Pilar celebration on the 12th of October which is expected to be graced by Tourism Secretary Albert LIm.

An ordinance regulating the plaza's operation has been approved by the City Council. (Sheila Covarrubias)