These are pictures of what Chinatown looks like during Chinese New Year.


The streets were so crowded that even the Lions were stuck in traffic. Hehehe..




Tikoy (sticky rice cake that symbolizes unity), a staple every Chinese New Year has undergone many changes. From the plain white to brown to various flavored versions

Red = Strawberry
Violet = Ube
Yellow = Banana/Pineapple/Corn
Green = Pandan

Now, tikoy comes in different forms. (Pig, Fish & Gold Bar shaped)

The schedule of events were as follows:
3:30 P.M. - Parade of Floats - Assembly in front of Post Office
6:00 P.M. - Chinese Filipino Cultural Show
8:00 P.M. - Fireworks



The crowd in Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz gathered earlier than usual for the 5th day of the Chinese New Year celebration. Drums & chang-chang played as dragon and lion dances performed on the street amidst the popping firecrackers.



Mayor Lito Atienza, Congressman Miles Roces and Honorable Ali Atienza were the special guests that evening. They awarded the cash prizes to the winners of the contests from the past 3 days.




Scholars of Mayor Atienza performed the Chinese Filipino cultural dances.





The celebration was ended with a spectacular fire works display.
This has been the longest celebration since I can remember and there are still 2 days to go before Chinese New Year.

Just before 12nn, Philam Life Insurance brought out their surprise for the Chinese New Year



The 1,000 feet Dragon. (I found out that this was an attempt to break the Guiness record for the longest dragon dance)




It was about twice as long as Quintin Peredes St. And shooting this was really a challenge because it was hard to see where the head & tail was.




It got confusing even for those involved.

It was a festive atmosphere here in Binondo this morning. People were in red shirts, the chinese restaurants were packed, stores, market places & groceries selling Tikoy, fruits and lucky charms opened earlier than usual and were busier than usual. Drums ang chang-chang can be heard in the background as Dragon and Lion dances are performed in different parts of chinatown.



GMA 7's morning shop "Unang Hirit" shot their Chinese New Year segments in Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz. Lynn Ching & Drew Arellano complete with back-up performers hosted the segments amidst a growing crowd.


Lucky Charms


Carvajal Market Place


"Kiat-Kiat" - lucky money plant

Day 4 featured the Little Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Contest. Kids in their cute costumes showed off their singing, dancing and declamation skills that night followed by a fashion show sponsored by Robby Rabbit.


Backstage

Day 3, Valentines Day featured the Mandarin Love Song Competition.
The contestants were from the Chinese schools in the district.


This is how it looks every night in Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Day 2 of the Chinese New Year celebration featured Interpretative Chinese Modern Dance Competition by various schools in the district.