The traditional Chinese dragon dances have long been part of the festivities in the Philippines.
But this year, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had cast a shadow over the vibrant tradition.
The ban on large public gatherings and street parties to curb the spread of COVID-19 has been a big blow to hundreds of dragon dancers in the country.
William Ruiz Ty, head instructor and coordinator of the Philippine Dragon Snake Athletic Association said they are badly affected by virus-related restrictions, because their main income comes from Chinese New Year celebrations.
"Our bookings this Chinese New Year dramatically declined. We only received a few bookings, no commitment yet. But our permanent client already booked us for next year," Ty told the Manila Bulletin in Filipino.
Manila and Caloocan have banned dragon dances, street parties, and parades traditionally being held to celebrate Chinese new year.
Meanwhile San Juan said it will regulate the festivities on Feb. 12.
Asked how the restrictions affected their troupe, Ty said “badly” - as all of their clients already canceled their bookings.
"It had a big impact on us and we feel really sad because this is the first time Chinese New Year celebrations have been banned. But if it's for the benefit of the people, I guess it's okay," he also said.
"All of our clients who booked us canceled. There were also clients from the north and south who requested us to perform there, but we all know that it's impossible since public celebrations are forbidden," Ty added.
However, despite economic challenges and pandemic fears, Ty - who oversees over 20 performers - is still brimming with optimism "The tradition of lion and dragon dance is still surviving," he said.
Meanwhile, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCCI) said that millions of pesos in losses are estimated as the pandemic halts the celebration of Chinese New Year.
"Kasi itong Chinese New Year, hindi lang naman talaga Chinese New Year lang to. Ngunit ito'y Lunar New Year (This Chinese New Year is not only celebrated by the Chinese. This is Lunar New Year). It is observed not only in China, but in Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, almost every other country in Asia," FCCCI president Henry Lim Bong Liong said in a radio interview.