Atienza leads Chinese Mooncake fest today

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is expected to lead the festivities in Binondo today as the Filipino-Chinese community celebrates the traditional Mooncake Festival.

Atienza said the festivities for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, more popularly known as the Mooncake Festival, would begin at 4 p.m. at downtown area of Manila City, particularly along the corner of Avenida Rizal and Recto Avenue.

"We are calling on everyone to participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, which is one of the most colorful Chinese festivals being celebrated in the country, especially in Manila," Atienza said.

In a statement, he added that the celebration is also in honor of the Chinese cultural heritage of Filipinos. Manila holds the distinction of being the city in the country with a Chinatown district, which also happens to be its center of commerce, trade and finance.

The mayor will be joined by 3rd Manila District Rep. Miles Roces who said, "Manila Chinatown is one of the most colorful places not only in Manila but in the whole country."

To mark this occasion, Manila’s city officials will hold a parade that would pass through Ronquillo Street, play the traditional Mooncake Dice Game and would hold a program at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in front of the Binondo Church. –Evelyn Macairan