简体中文
By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA – Thousands of Filipinos, mostly clad in red dresses and shirts walked the streets in the famous and said to be the oldest Chinatown outside of China, to welcome the Year of the Rat.
Early this morning, fire-breathing dancers swayed to the loud beating of drums, along the narrow streets of Binondo. Policemen have been seen in the streets to keep order and maintain traffic as revelers joined the Chinese in the traditional celebration.
“The Chinese have been in the Philippines for centuries and the Lunar Calendar is observed by a lot of people, from the Chinese to the Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese among others,” said Dr. Francis Chua, former Special Envoy for Trade to China.
Filipinos and Chinese-Filipinos flocked to Binondo to celebrate the Lunar New Year. (MMA)
He said nobody until the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bothered to celebrate the Lunar New Year and it was declared a working holiday. However, Dr. Chua said it was during the presidency of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III did they make the celebration a non-working holiday.
“Even Ambassador Huang Xilian found the celebration in Manila amazing,” Ambassador Chua said. He added future celebrations will be merrier as more Filipinos will enjoy the holiday because of the closer relations between the Philippines and China.
Fire-breathing dancers sway to the loud drums as Binondo celebrates the Lunar New Year. (MMA)
At Binondo, cakes made of sticky rice have been in demand in established bakeries and other outlets as of 8:00 A.M. today. Dragon dancers have flooded the streets, passing by business establishments hoping the owners would be generous in sharing the occasion’s blessings.
Even stores selling the traditional lucky charms have noted brisk sales. Restaurants have had long queues since this morning as Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese have made tasting authentic Chinese cuisine during holidays like this.
At the street corners of Binondo, one would see Buddhist and Catholic images, where Chinese and Filipino-Chinese offer prayers and burn incense and candles.
Even the big Sta. Cruz Catholic church is adorned with Chinese decorations in time for the Lunar New Year.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
