After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Banawe Chinese New Year celebration will make its much-awaited return on Sunday (January 22) to welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit.
The Quezon City Government thru QC Tourism Department (QCTD) head Tetta Tirona will lead the celebration, which will be held at the corner of P. Florentino and Banawe Avenue. People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian will serve as guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Also expected to join the celebration are Quezon City Association of Filipino Chinese Businessmen Inc. (QCAFCBI) President Joaquin Co and Quezon City Chinatown Development Foundation (QCCDF) Chairman Charles Chen, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and District 1 Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde.
The traditional event was put on hold due to the pandemic, but it will now be making its festive return with several face-to-face events and interactive activities after Mayor Joy Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 53, reconstituting the organizing committee for the Chinese New Year Celebration.
“Ito’y isang paraan ng pagpapakita ng ating pakikiisa sa ating Filipino-Chinese community na katuwang natin sa pag-unlad at pagpapatibay ng ating siyudad,” said Tirona,
“Nagpasya rin tayong gawin ulit ang Banawe Chinese New Year celebration para maipakita ang unti-unting pagbalik natin sa normal mula sa epekto ng pandemya,” she added
A Chinatown float parade, dragon and lion dance performance, food festival and bazaar and fireworks display will serve as highlights of the event.
Among those who will perform during the program are the Philippine Kong Han Athletic Club Lion Dancers, Philippine Cultural Chinese 20-piece Orchestra, Chinese Cultural Dance Group, Philippine Institute of QC Children’s Glee Club.
Adding excitement to the event, singers Shiloh Choy and Shawn Tan will render solo performances while the Philippine Wushu Colleges and Clubs Association will conduct a wushu exhibition. Renowned Feng Shui Master Rev. Fr. Wong Seng Tian will also give his predictions for the Chinese New Year.
Rep. Atayde also extended his full support to the event by providing actor Enchong Dee as event host and singer/artist Katrina Velarde and singer/actor Gian Magdangal as performers. Atayde will also give a short message during the program while Sotto will give the closing remarks.
The Quezon City government earlier passed City Ordinance No. 2453-2015, formally designating the QC Chinatown in Banawe as one of its tourism districts, thus improving its accessibility, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing its infrastructure and amenities.