Mayor Joy Belmonte personally inspects Banawe Street days before the Chinese New Year.
MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to promote Banawe Street as a tourism destination, the Quezon City government has lined up a three-dazy series of activities, from Feb. 9 to 11, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
“These festivities signify our commitment to promoting Banawe as a place to enjoy our unique Filipino-Chinese heritage through a variety of cultural attractions. Local and foreign tourists can take part in many delightful activities during the three-day celebration,” Belmonte said.
Through City Ordinance No. 2453-2015, Banawe Street and its environs have been declared as the city’s very own Chinatown district, which is the largest in the world with an area of 5,919 square kilometers.
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On Feb. 9, a QC Chinatown Heritage Tour for the press and social media influencers will be led by noted Chinese tour guide Stanley Chi. The tour will explore landmarks in the area such as Sheng Lian Temple, the Buddhist Humanitarian Organization headquarters of the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship arcs called “Paifangs,” and the Wow Toy Museum, among others.
The tour will also include a food crawl to some of the hidden culinary gems of the QC Chinatown District.
Also lined up is the QC Chinatown Food and the Arts and Crafts Fair featuring different booths selling Chinese delicacies, lucky charms, and unique artisanal products. Lirah Bermudez will also enthrall visitors with a dazzling acoustic performance.
Banawe welcome gate spruced up for 3-day celebrations
A Lion and Dragon Dance through the different establishments in the area will kick off the second day, to be followed by the Chinatown Float Parade, Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Demonstration, and the program proper at 4 p.m.
Belmonte will deliver the welcome remarks while inspirational messages will be provided by Joaquin Co (president of the QC Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc.), Charles Chen (chairman of the QC Chinatown Development Foundation, Inc.) and Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro (president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.)
Musical performances by Jake Cuenca and Autotelic, together with song and dance numbers by the Philippine Cultural College and the Philippine Institute of Quezon City, will provide entertainment for visitors and residents. The acclaimed QC Symphonic Band will also be part of the program.
Mayor Belmonte walked through the Chinese heritage trail in the vicinity of Banaue street
Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto will deliver the closing remarks while a grand fireworks display will cap the event.
On Sunday, February 11, the celebration will culminate with the first-ever Chinatown Heritage Bike Tour, while visitors can still enjoy the food, arts and crafts fair.