QC Tsinoys shun ‘crackers in New Year party

MANILA, Philippines—Firecrackers originated in China, but a group of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs wants to show the public that these dangerous noisemakers are not necessary to welcome the Lunar New Year. The Quezon City Chinatown Business Association Inc. (QCCBAI) will do away with firecrackers in their countdown Wednesday night to welcome the Year of the Sheep.

Instead of a grand fireworks display, the highlight of the celebration will be a “Torotot Festival” where revelers are encouraged to come up with original designs for horns and trumpets. The QCCBAI promised to give away cash prizes for the three most creative “torotot.”

“The celebration does not only aim to strengthen the relationship between the Chinese and the Filipino people, but above all begin an advocacy of banning fireworks during Christmas, New Year and other special occasions to avoid environmental degradation and pollution,” QCCBAI president Willy Coyukiat said.

The businessmen said they support a total firecrackers ban like the one enforced in Davao City. The Chinese New Year countdown in Quezon City will be held starting 7 p.m. at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Area at the corner of Banawe Street and Quezon Avenue.