Quezon City resumes Lunar New Year festivity in Banawe

MANILA, Philippines — The traditional Lunar New Year celebration along Banawe Avenue in Quezon City will resume on Jan. 22 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Quezon City government announced yesterday.

City hall said the celebration to welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit would be held at the corner of P. Florentino street and Banawe Avenue.

The festivity will be led by the QC Tourism Department headed by Tetta Tirona.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian will serve as guest of honor and keynote speaker.

Also expected to join the celebration are Quezon City Association of Filipino Chinese Businessmen Inc. president Joaquin Co, Quezon City Chinatown Development Foundation chairman Charles Chen, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and District 1 Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde.

Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued Executive Order No. 53, allowing the resumption of face-to-face activities for the Lunar New Year celebration.

In Manila, a Chinatown Food Festival is being held in Binondo’s Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz as part of activities for the Lunar New Year.

A countdown and fireworks display will be held at Jones Bridge tomorrow.

New Year revelers are still reminded to comply with COVID protocols such as wearing of face masks in crowded areas.