Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan has announced that the festivities marking the Chinese New Year on Jan. 29, will officially kick off with the lighting of the Prosperity Tree at Plaza San Lorenzo in Binondo, Manila, on Friday, Jan. 24.
The public is invited to participate in this event, with a special focus on the vibrant Chinatown area of Binondo, renowned as the oldest Chinatown in the world.
She expressed pride in the 430-year-old Manila Chinatown, describing it as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
She emphasized that no visit to the capital city is complete without experiencing the unique atmosphere and rich heritage of Chinatown.
According to City Administrator Bernie Ang, who also serves as the deputy chair of the Manila Chinatown Development Council (MCDC), the Prosperity Tree (also known as the Money Tree) lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Jan. 24.
The event will be attended by city officials and representatives from various Chinese-Filipino organizations.
Ang disclosed that the celebrations leading up to the Chinese New Year have been organized in collaboration with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization (MCBO), which is led by chairman Jeff Lau.
Lau is also a candidate for councilor in Manila's third district under the slate of Mayor Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto.
City Administrator Bernie Ang also shared that the traditional Chinese New Year countdown will take place on Jan. 28 at 11 p.m. on Jones Bridge, culminating in the highly anticipated Grand Parade on Jan. 29.
The parade, set to begin at 2 p.m. from the old Post Office site, will pass through the historic streets of Binondo.