MANILA, Philippines – Ringing in Chinese New Year is no mere monkey business. Just like true titas, we take time to prepare for another extended holiday. (Read: delivering tikoy, cleaning the house and giving out red envelopes.)
But there’s more to it than good luck and good food. It’s a celebration of Chinese culture, and what better way to do so than attending the Spring Film Festival in Shangri-la Plaza? Now in its 10th year, the festival will again bring a wonderful lineup of acclaimed Chinese films. From a young girl dreaming to be a part of the Beijing opera to a group of rebellious senior citizens trying to audition for a Japanese TV competition, the festival showcases 10 stories depicting traits that make Chinese culture interesting. Besides running acclaimed films from Jan. 29 to Feb. 7, there will also be Chinese painting exhibits and cultural workshops throughout the week. Admission is also free (a big plus for millennials), so just kick back, relax and get your Chinese culture fix all in one stop.
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The 10th Spring Festival is organized by Ateneo de Manila University’s Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies together with the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Confucius Institute, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Credit Suisse, and the cooperation of Ateneo Celadon and Shangri-La Plaza. For tickets, please call Shang Cineplex at 633-2227.