Kung Hei Fat Choi

 

 

    Chinese New Year is not just a special non-work working holiday but a grand celebration with loved ones. It is celebrated by  us Filipinos too. As the vibrant Chinese dragon dance sways through the bustling street, have a feast as we savor the taste of tikoy (glutinous rice cake), and receive the angpao (red envelopes) stealthily, this holiday becomes remarkable of love and luck, filled with cherished moments as we bond with our families.

Let’s go back to 2011 on how it became a non-working holiday. In Proclamation No. 295, issued in November 2011, President Aquino stated that recognizing the Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday would enable both Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to partake in the festivities.

Even though it officially became effective in the year 2012, the Chinese or Lunar New Year has been a significant celebration in the Philippines for many centuries, likely dating back to the establishment of the first Chinese community in the country in 1594. This historical and cultural event has deep roots in Filipino traditions, reflecting the longstanding presence and influence of Chinese settlers in our country. With this influence, Feng shui also became well-known to Filipinos.

 

 

Until now, The Philippines and China remain engaged in a contentious territorial dispute over our West Philippine Sea. Despite these controversial political concerns, it is undeniable that the Chinese New Year has become a deeply rooted tradition in Filipino culture, celebrated not only by those of Chinese blood. People from different backgrounds come together to wish for a prosperous new year. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

 

 

Picture:

https://rove.me/to/philippines/chinese-new-year

i.am.eccentric_chic / Instagram

 

References:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1061008

https://www.bravosiargao.com/blog/chinese-new-year-celebrations-in-the-philippines.html

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/22/celebrating-chinese-new-year-as-a-filipino

https://www.philstar.com/business/2014/01/27/1283587/why-celebrate-chinese-new-year-look-philippine-china-economic-ties