Around 1.5 million were seen to join the Chinese New Year celebration in Manila Chinatown, Binondo from the grand fireworks display at midnight on Feb. 9 to Solidarity Parade on Feb. 10.

The number of people who attended went beyond the initial estimation of one million.

Chinese organizations and embassies continue extending their congratulatory messages to the leadership of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan for the successful holding of what they described as the grandest celebration of Chinese New Year in the city.

The 12-minute pyro-musical fireworks display held at the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Bridge on Feb. 9, was adorned by thousands of revelers who went to Jones Bridge that served as the viewing deck.

Meanwhile, during the "Solidarity Parade" that took place on Feb. 10, the crowds of about a million from the Lawton area patiently waited as they filled up the streets leading to Chinatown.

China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, who rode the lead float along with Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, Manila-China Cultural Affairs Office Head Ati Co, and  Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) President Cecilio Pedro, among others, expressed surprise and delight to the large crowds that lined up the streets to welcome the floats.

They threw "angpao" or red envelopes, t-shirts, snacks, and lucky charms to the celebrants.

The parade needed to pause several times due to the massive crowds that jostled to get near the floats and take pictures or selfies.

The parade was expected to last for 30 minutes, but organizers said it took four hours for the entire parade to get through.

City Administrator Bernie Ang said the two-day celebration was generally peaceful, orderly, and an overall huge success.

He added that the revelry precedes an even grander celebration of the Manila Chinatown's 430th anniversary in March.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by MANILA BULLETIN

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