Erap: Chinatown has done much for Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Former president and current Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on February 7 and 8 led the Chinese New Year countdown which kicked off revelries in Manila's Chinatown.

"For the third straight year, we are using the occasion of the Chinese New Year to celebrate our unity and solidarity. It remains a great source of pride and pleasure to remember the very first solidarity dinner that we had in 2014, because it was the very first such event jointly celebrated by the local government of Manila, and the entire Filipino Chinese community," Estrada said in a message at the start of the festivities.

"That event sealed our unity and set the tone for these past two years of joint initiatives, continuing dialogue, cooperation, and a shared commitment to reclaim and restore Manila’s old glory,” Estrada said.

He said the destiny of the oldest communities, Manila and Chinatown in Binondo, are intertwined, saying the Chinese district has contributed much to the capital city's development over the past century.

Binondo continues to contribute to Manila a business and tourism hub for Manilenyos, Estrada noted.

"Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa Manila Chinatown Development Council, sa inyong pakikiisa sa aking administrasyon at sa aking mga layunin hindi lamang para sa Chinatown, kung hindi sa buong Maynila. Special thanks, of course, to our Honorable Councilor Bernie Ang, who as vice chairman of the Council is working constantly to unite us for our common goals, foremost of which is to create even more opportunities for growth that will benefit all Manilenyos," Estrada said.

The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the four biggest Filipino-Chinese organizations for assisting Manila namely Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the  Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, the Philippine-Chinese Business Club, and the Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

"Nagpapasalamat din ako sa apat na pinakamalaking Filipino Chinese organizations sa ating bansa, dahil sa patuloy na suporta at tulong na ibinibigay nila sa aking administrasyon mula pa sa unang araw ng aming panunungkulan," Estrada said.

"You have all been very generous in sharing your valuable time and resources with our city. I assure you that you have been of great help in bringing Manila back on the road to progress and prosperity. Umaasa akong patuloy ninyong susuportahan ang aking administrasyon sa pangarap nitong bigyan ng bagong sigla ang Maynila," he added.

The Chinese New Year countdown was held beside the Manila-Chinatown Gateway Arch on Jones Bridge near Escolta Street.

The festivities commenced with lively musical presentations by invited performers and ended with a fireworks display.

The welcoming of the "Year of the Fire Monkey" also featured the traditional "tikoy cutting" and "dragon dance."