MANILA – The city government of Manila has prepared different activities in celebration of Chinese New Year this January 29.
In a statement on Wednesday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna announced that the annual event will kick off on Friday, with a Prosperity Tree Lighting at the Plaza San Lorenzo in Binondo, the home to the oldest Chinatown in the world.
City Administrator Bernie Ang, deputy chair of the Manila Chinatown Development Council (MCDC), said the lighting of the Prosperity Tree, also known as Money Tree, is slated at 5 p.m. City officials and representatives from various Chinese-Filipino organizations are expected to attend.
Ang said the events lined up leading to the Chinese New Year are being prepared in coordination with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization (MCBO) headed by chairman Jeff Lau.
Meanwhile, MCDC executive director Willord Chua said the Chinese New Year countdown will be held on January 28 at 11 p.m. on Jones Bridge.
The Grand Parade, which will go around the Chinatown area in Binondo, will be on January 29 starting at 2 p.m. with the old Post Office site as the starting point.
Lacuna has invited the public to take part in the festivities that will run for five days.
Manila is where the 430-year-old Manila Chinatown located. The area takes pride in being a must-see destination for local and foreign tourists, adding that a visit to the capital city is never complete without experiencing the Chinatown area. (PNA)