The winners of the Lion Dance Competition held at the Greenhills Mall in San Juan City were announced recently.

The declared champion was the Rui/Binondo Phoenix Dragon Lion Dance Group, who received P100,000 cash. 

The first runner-up was the Philippine Wei Feng Dragon Lion Dance Group, P80,000; Philippine Yong Sheng Dragon Lion Sports Association, 2nd Runner-up, P50,000; and the Quezon City Dragon Lion Dance Team, 3rd Runner-up.

Other winners of special awards: Rui/Binondo Phoenix Dragon Lion Dance Group, People's Choice Award and Excellence in Costume and Props; and Philippine Wei Feng Dragon Lion Dance Group, Excellence in Music.

“The purpose of this event is to showcase the richness of our culture and heritage. It's very vibrant. I want to share the concept," said Gaius Uy,  founder of Huang Lion and Dragon Dance Group.

Hosted by KC Montero, the mall's atrium was lively as 10 skilled teams showcased their abilities in six lion dance categories.

"Ginawa ko ang event na ito para ma-unite ang lahat ng Chinese community. Lahat ng lion dance community para ma-build yung relationship natin sa isa't isa. (I created this event to unite the Chinese community through the lion dance. I want to build relationships with one another)," he added.

Gaius stated that the event also aims to showcase the richness of culture, celebrate the Lunar New Year, and welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake.