READY FOR PARTY. Manila City Administrator Bernardito 'Bernie' Ang (center) discusses the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration at the 'MACHRA Balitaan sa Harbor View' forum of the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association on Monday (Feb. 5, 2024). Around 1 million visitors are expected to join Chinese New Year celebrations in the city from Feb. 8 to 11. (PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)
MANILA – The Manila City government on Monday said around 1 million people are expected to join activities to celebrate Chinese New Year in the city.
During the Manila City Hall Reporters Association's Balitaan sa Harbor View forum, City Administrator Bernie Ang said the number of visitors is expected to troop to Binondo from Feb. 8 to 11.
“We have coordinated with the MPD (Manila Police District) to provide security, ensure the safety of those who will participate in the activities in celebration of Chinese New Year,” Ang said.
He added the celebration would be highlighted by 12-minute fireworks display at the Jones Bridge facing the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Bridge, commonly known as the Binondo-Intramuros bridge, at midnight of Feb. 9.
During the New Year's Day on Feb. 10, a parade will be held to be joined by up to 40 floats.
The parade will start at the Manila Central Post Office and will end at Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Parade participants composed of Filipino-Chinese groups are expected to give red envelopes or 'angpao,' which is believed to bring good luck both to the giver and the receiver.
Discounts in restaurants
Ang also encouraged establishments in the whole Chinatown area to participate in the festivities by offering special discounts since throngs are expected to visit the area to take part in the activities or even just as spectators.
On the other hand, Manila Chinatown Development Council executive director Willord Chua added that a rerouting scheme and traffic advisory will be issued by the MPD's traffic bureau to guide the motorists.
Aside from the Chinese New Year celebration, the city is also celebrating the 430th anniversary of the Binondo Chinatown, the oldest and the biggest Chinatown in the world which was established on March 29, 1594.
Boosting tourism
Meanwhile, Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization (MCBO) President Jefferson Lau reported the construction of a ‘pagoda' that will be as tall as an 18-storey building is now underway.
Once completed within one year, he said, the project, which located along Tetuan St. beside Gandara St., is expected to be among the top tourist destinations in the city.
A pagoda is a temple or memorial with a deep cultural and religious meaning mostly for the Chinese who go there to pay respects to the gods or worship, among other functions. (PNA)
