I can't resist going to Chinatown in Binondo, Manila to see the Chinese New Year celebration. The last time I visited Chinatown for the New Year celebration is in 2009. The Chinese New Year is the most joyous feast in Binondo and many people, tourists, and non-Chinese like me visit Binondo Chinatown to see what’s happening.
Ongpin Street, which is the main street of Binondo Chinatown, is well decorated. You will see that the Filipino-Chinese loves their New Year celebration.
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Ongpin Street, which is the main street of Binondo Chinatown, is well decorated. You will see that the Filipino-Chinese loves their New Year celebration.
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Entering Binondo Chinatown, you will be welcomed by this arch:
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Like the usual, Chinese New Year in Binondo is jubilant and noisy. Lion dancers were on Ongpin Street and visiting various establishments in Binondo Chinatown. Store owners let the lions in for good luck.
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There is also the fabled dragon carried by dragon dancers. The dragon kept on chasing a ball, which represents the moon.
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Chinese New Year in Binondo is not only about Chinese elements taking the center stage. I saw this big cross along Ongpin Street where Binondo Chinatown residents and visitors light josh sticks and say a prayer in front of the cross. Quite a blending of Catholic and Chinese elements in Binondo Chinatown.
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While I am walking along Ongpin Street, I saw a clump of people watching lion and dragon dancers dance in front of a certain restaurant. I saw these people preparing firecrackers:
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After the firecrackers, the lion dancers and dragon dancers continued their dance.
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I guess Charlie’s Tea House will have good luck for 2011.
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Hmmm...I saw this inside the tea house:
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Looks delicious! Maybe I will try eating at Charlie’s Tea House in the future.
Of course, good luck charms are selling like pancakes on the streets of Binondo Chinatown.
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Of course, good luck charms are selling like pancakes on the streets of Binondo Chinatown.
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I don't believe in good luck charms so I didn't bother buying one. The popular good luck charms are the ones depicting a rabbit, which is very suitable for the year of the metal rabbit.
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Porcelain rabbits for 30 pesos apiece.
I walked along Ongpin Street until I reached the other gate of Binondo Chinatown and this lion statue said, "good bye."
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Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read how to reach the new location of Consular Affairs Office when you applying for a Philippine passport.
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Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read how to reach the new location of Consular Affairs Office when you applying for a Philippine passport.
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