Photo courtesy of Sean Antonio/Manila Bulletin
Thousands of residents and tourists gathered in Binondo and other key areas of Manila on Monday night, Feb. 16, in anticipation of the Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 17.
Festivities were held in major celebration hubs including Chinatown in Binondo and Escolta, drawing large crowds eager to welcome the Lunar New Year with traditional performances, cultural activities, and family gatherings.
Crowd Estimate (As of 10 p.m. on Feb. 16)
Based on monitoring by authorities as of 10 p.m. on Feb. 16, the estimated crowd count reached:
Chinatown (Binondo) – approximately 2,300 individuals
Escolta area – around 15,000 individuals
Escolta recorded a significantly larger turnout due to the main stage programs, cultural presentations, and wider open spaces accommodating more attendees.
Strong Security Deployment
To ensure public safety, the Manila Police District (MPD) deployed approximately 1,600 personnel across key areas in the city.
Additional augmentation forces were also provided by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to reinforce security operations.
Authorities implemented crowd control measures, traffic management, and continuous monitoring to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration.
Orderly and Peaceful Celebration
Despite the large turnout, police reported that the situation remained peaceful and orderly as families and visitors celebrated the Lunar New Year together.
Officials continue to remind the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and meaningful celebration.