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| Lion and Dragon Dance |
: The Chinese New Year, a significant part of Philippine culture for centuries, is celebrated by Filipinos from all walks of life, especially those of Chinese descent, whom we call Tsinoy or Intsik. The Lion and Dragon Dance, a traditional Chinese performance, is a key highlight of these celebrations. The lion symbolizes courage, the dragon represents power, and their dance is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
In Binondo, a district in Manila, a vibrant and colorful celebration happens every Chinese New Year to welcome prosperity and abundance in businesses established by the Tsinoys. The majority of the community comes from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China.
Centuries has passed. They have endured wars and conflicts in their little community, Chinatown in Binondo, and communities established in other places in the Philippine archipelago. But today, their businesses thrive in Binondo and have conquered almost all commerce and industries, becoming business leaders.
Our Philippine culture is greatly influenced by the Tsinoys, as evidenced by the food we serve during holidays, beliefs in luck through Chinese astrology or horoscope, Chinese martial arts, Chinese feng shui, Chinese arts, and architectural designs and structures. Today, all of these influences are alive in Binondo, particularly in the famous street of Ongpin—the center of the Chinese New Year celebration in the country.
: Tsinoys have been elected to serve the country even in politics and governance. Beyond their business interests, they have proven themselves effective public servants, becoming truly Filipino by heart. Their ancestors were Chinese immigrants to the Philippines, and they now have a massive influence in Philippine politics, with several prominent figures of Chinese descent holding key positions. Filipinos patronize their brand of leadership, which often reflects the values and principles of Chinese culture.
My journey in Binondo started in 2013. Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning was a meaningful and joyful experience. That began a beautiful fusion of Chinese and Filipino culture, an immersion that enriches our understanding of the country's deeply rooted Chinese influence.
Five years later, Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance was a celebration of success, thanksgiving for an incredible year that has passed, and greater optimism for the current year. That's the essence: becoming better and bolder every year.
According to Chinese culture, this year of the Pig brings wealth and prosperity through the beliefs and symbols one must possess. This has been adopted by most Filipinos, and every year, we strive to become a better version of ourselves and free ourselves from obsolete beliefs. Every new year is a renewal and a vow through the lists of resolutions. We may believe in luck, but our faith and personal devotion to a higher source also bring success and prosperity in life.
As we celebrate a new year with optimism and grace, our dreams and hopes may become brighter this year and beyond. Let's look forward to the future with hope and positivity, embracing the opportunities and challenges that come our way.
In Binondo, a district in Manila, a vibrant and colorful celebration happens every Chinese New Year to welcome prosperity and abundance in businesses established by the Tsinoys. The majority of the community comes from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China.
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| Grand Parade at Ongpin St. in Binondo |
Our Philippine culture is greatly influenced by the Tsinoys, as evidenced by the food we serve during holidays, beliefs in luck through Chinese astrology or horoscope, Chinese martial arts, Chinese feng shui, Chinese arts, and architectural designs and structures. Today, all of these influences are alive in Binondo, particularly in the famous street of Ongpin—the center of the Chinese New Year celebration in the country.
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| Fruits and lucky charms |
My journey in Binondo started in 2013. Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning was a meaningful and joyful experience. That began a beautiful fusion of Chinese and Filipino culture, an immersion that enriches our understanding of the country's deeply rooted Chinese influence.
According to Chinese culture, this year of the Pig brings wealth and prosperity through the beliefs and symbols one must possess. This has been adopted by most Filipinos, and every year, we strive to become a better version of ourselves and free ourselves from obsolete beliefs. Every new year is a renewal and a vow through the lists of resolutions. We may believe in luck, but our faith and personal devotion to a higher source also bring success and prosperity in life.
As we celebrate a new year with optimism and grace, our dreams and hopes may become brighter this year and beyond. Let's look forward to the future with hope and positivity, embracing the opportunities and challenges that come our way.
© 2019 Del Cusay