Quezon City Chinatown to hold New Year festivities

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City government is eyeing to lure more tourists to visit its own Chinatown as it is set to hold a Chinese New Year celebration on Jan. 26.

Ambassador Huan Xilian will join Mayor Joy Belmonte and other officials in ushering the Year of the Metal through a series of activities that will be held along Banawe street, the heart of Quezon City’s Chinatown.

Also expected to attend are officials and members of various private-sector led groups, such as the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Quezon City Association of Filipino Chinese Businessmen and the Quezon City Chinatown Development Foundation.

Among the activities lined up include traditional dragon and lion dances, Chinese music and arts performances and a wushu martial arts exhibition.

The city’s own symphonic band will also perform various musical renditions, followed by a firework’s display and a concert headlined by singer Rico Blanco and the Climax Band.

Added attractions include a Chinese deli food and trade bazaar, Chinese cooking demonstrations and predictions from feng shui master Wong Seng Tian.

In 2013, the city government installed two arches along Banawe street and designated the area as the Chinatown of Quezon City.

The area was also designated as one of the city’s tourism districts.