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Lunar New Year: Manila celebration reaffirms PH-China ties

Article (news)

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Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

The historic district of Binondo transformed into a sea of people Monday night as a massive crowd gathered to witness a spectacular fireworks display and drone show in celebration of the Lunar New Year.By the evening of February 16, Jones Bridge was already packed with onlookers as Filipinos and Chinese-Filipinos alike waited for the stroke of midnight.Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan graced the event, emphasizing the deep-rooted history between the two nations.&quot;For thousands of years, we’re close neighbors and friends,&quot; Quan stated. &quot;As the Chinese often say, ‘close neighbors are better than distant relatives.’&quot;He noted that China has remained the Philippines&#x27; largest trading partner over the last decade, reinforcing a bond built on mutual respect. &quot;Neighbors and friends should always like each other, help each other, respect each other, and learn from each other,&quot; the Ambassador added.Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the diplomatic efforts to strengthen the ties between the neighboring countries.&quot;It’s very important sa amin dito sa Maynila, tayo sa Maynila,&quot; Moreno said, stressing the significance of the celebration to the capital. &quot;Let there be peace in our home, in our family, in our community, in our City, in our country, and in our neighboring countries. Peace is hard to find... but with peace there is progress.&quot;For many attendees, the heat and the thick crowds were a small price to pay for the experience.For some, attending with loved ones turned the event into a rare bonding experience.Jhon Abril from Makati went to Binondo to witness the fireworks and drone show for the first time with his wife’s relatives.&quot;Para lang ma-experience namin yung New Year ng Chinese para kumain na din,&quot; he shared. Despite the bustle, he said the trip was worth it for his child, “Maganda naman... na-enjoy lalo na yung anak ko.&quot;Meanwhile, Arlene Pichay, a seasoned attendee who returns to Binondo every year, described this year’s show as the best one yet.&quot;Palagi kami nandito sa Binondo taon-taon... napakagandang experience na makapanood kami ng ganitong klaseng fireworks,&quot; she said.Pichay admitted that navigating the area is never easy, but the tradition remains special.&quot;Kahit na masikip mahirap pumunta dito... pero lagi kami pumupunta taon-taon ang sarap-sarap manood ng fireworks tapos Chinese New Year talaga,” she added.The Manila Police District (MPD) last reported that approximately 30,000 people filled the streets of Binondo and Escolta for the countdown.Meanwhile, MPD also said that last year’s festivities saw a staggering 2 million visitors throughout the entire celebration period.

The historic district of Binondo transformed into a sea of people Monday night as a massive crowd gathered to witness a spectacular fireworks display and drone show in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

The historic district of Binondo transformed into a sea of people Monday night as a massive crowd gathered to witness a spectacular fireworks display and drone show in celebration of the Lunar New Year.