The local government of Quezon City held a Spring Food Festival Bazaar and a Chinatown Float Parade as part of the celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, on Jan. 22, Sunday.
The activities were done in partnership with the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc., the Quezon City Chinatown Development Foundation, the Office of Congressman Arjo Atayde, and the Quezon City Tourism Department.
Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte led the welcoming remarks for the Year of the Water Rabbit, while Dr. Mary Gaw So, vice president of the QC Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc., led the invocation.
Congressman Atayde of District 1 delivered a special message during the event.
Mr. Joaquin Co, president of the QC Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc., and Mr. Charles Chen, chairman of the QC Chinatown Development Foundation, Inc., also gave their inspirational messages.
China Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counselor Zhou Zhiyong served as the keynote speaker. He was welcomed by Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year at QC Chinatown highlighted some cultural traditions such as a lion dance performance by the Philippine Kong Han Athletic Club. There were also wushu exhibitions by the Philippine Wushu Colleges and Clubs Association, while the Cultural Chinese Orchestra and Chinese Cultural dance was performed by the Philippine Cultural College.
The Philippine Institute of QC Children's Glee Club also serenaded the crowd and esteemed guests.
The event concluded with a colorful fireworks display.