The Filipino-Chinese community’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations lit up cities across the Philippines, marking the start of the vibrant and prosperous Year of the Wood Snake.
In Manila, the festivities kicked off with the ceremonial lighting of the Prosperity Tree at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, led by Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and other city officials, alongside representatives from the Filipino-Chinese community.
Chinese New Year countdown was held at Jones Bridge, officially welcoming the year of the wood snake. The Grand Parade, which will go around the Chinatown area in Binondo, was held on Jan. 29.
In Quezon City, a major highlight is the grand reopening of QC Chinatown, hosting over 50 food stalls, cultural performances and art installations. Mayor Joy Belmonte led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 29, signaling a fresh start for the vibrant cultural and commercial hub. The area also hosted various performances, including a special appearance by Chinese face-changing artists, with fireworks capping the festivities.
Meanwhile, Baguio City’s calendar of activities included Media Fellowship Night, Barangay Gift Sharing event, The “Little Chinatown” celebration, A Grand Colorful Parade and a Dinner Awards Night.
The Filipino-Chinese community in Baguio continues to play a significant role in the city’s growth, especially in strengthening its trade, employment, and cultural identity.
In Iloilo, the celebrations included a ceremonial toast to kickstart the festivities at SM City Iloilo, with local officials and Filipino-Chinese leaders joining hands in a collective hope for a prosperous year. Cultural performances, including traditional drum beats by students from Sun Yat Sen High School were conducted. A Prosperity Tree and Zodiac Astrology Display were also in place.
Cagayan de Oro welcomed the Chinese New Year with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, featuring a traditional dragon dance to announce the opening of the city’s celebration calendar. The local government and the Oro-Trade Investments Promotions Center (ORO-TIPC) invited the public to join in various activities supporting Cagayan de Oro’s Filipino-Chinese community.
In Naga, the much-awaited Fiestang Chinoy on Jan. 29 was a colorful celebration featuring a parade, lion and dragon dances and cultural presentations.
Across the said cities, the Chinese New Year celebrations are not just a time to honor tradition, but also a chance to strengthen cultural ties and foster unity among the Filipino-Chinese community and the broader Filipino population.
From vibrant parades and dances to community outreach and eco-conscious celebrations, 2025’s Chinese New Year festivities have proven that the spirit of prosperity, unity and hope shines brightly in the heart of the Philippines.
