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The Chinese New Year festivities in Manila drew an estimated three million attendees in Binondo, the Manila local government said.
The vibrant events, which ushered in the 'Year of the Wood Snake,' were celebrated with grandeur on Jan. 28 and 29, with Manila's leadership and its residents, especially the Chinese-Filipino community, at the heart of the activities.
Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto, and City Administrator Bernie Ang took center stage in leading the festivities.
Ang, who oversaw the two-day celebration, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and smooth execution of the events.
As the chair and vice-chair of the Manila Chinatown Development Council (MCDC), Lacuna-Pangan and Ang led in organizing this grand occasion.
The event garnered praise from Chinese organizations and embassies, all of which extended congratulatory messages for what they called the "grandest" Chinese New Year celebration in the country.
The celebrations took place in Manila’s Chinatown, widely recognized as the largest and oldest Chinatown in the world.
One of the celebration's highlight was the grand fireworks display at midnight on Jan. 28, when the city marked the arrival of the Chinese New Year.
Ang revealed that the 25-minute musical fireworks and drone show, which took place at the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Bridge near Jones Bridge, attracted an estimated one million people.
The site, serving as the program’s viewing deck, was teeming with excited spectators, not only on the bridge but across the riverside, the esplanade, and the surrounding Chinatown area.
Among those who attended the festivities were Congressman Joel Chua of Manila’s 3rd district, Manila-China Cultural Affairs Office (MCCAO) head Ati Co, and representatives from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
Other attendees included members of the Filipino-Chinese Youth Business Association, as well as Manila's Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts (DTCAM) chief Charlie Dungo and several other local government officials, including mayors from surrounding provinces like Calapan’s Mayor Malou Morillo.
On Jan. 29, the Solidarity Parade took place, further showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage.
Around 30 colorful floats, representing various city organizations and Chinese-Filipino communities, took part in the two-hour parade.
The parade was momentarily delayed as excited onlookers surged toward the floats to capture photos and selfies.
China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, who was on the lead float with Mayor Lacuna, expressed amazement at the overwhelming crowds.
The floats distributed "angpao" (red envelopes) filled with small token money and other festive gifts, much to the delight of the crowd.
The mayor expressed her gratitude to all those involved in ensuring that the celebration remained peaceful and well-organized.
She also took a moment to thank the Chinese-Filipino organizations for their contributions in organizing the event at no cost to the city.
She also extended her best wishes to the Chinese-Filipino community, on behalf of the city of Manila and its residents, for a prosperous New Year.
Meanwhile, Ang emphasized the significance of this year’s celebration, as it also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.