The traditional Banawe Chinese New Year celebration will be back in Quezon City on Jan. 22 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will make its much-awaited return to welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit.
The Quezon City government through its Tourism Department, headed by Tetta Tirona, will lead the celebration to be held on P. Florentino Street and Banawe Avenue.
People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines 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 and Quezon City Chinatown Development Foundation chairman Charles Chen and District 1 Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde.
The traditional event was put on hold due to the pandemic, but it will now be making its festive return with several face-to-face events and interactive activities after Mayor Joy Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 53, reconstituting the organizing committee for the Chinese New Year Celebration.
The Quezon City government passed City Ordinance No. 2453-2015, formally designating the QC Chinatown in Banawe as one of its tourism districts, thus improving its accessibility, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing its infrastructure and amenities.