Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Thursday night led the lighting of the gold-themed money tree at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, kicking off a series of celebrations for the Chinese New Year and the 430th anniversary of Manila Chinatown.
Prominent figures from the Filipino-Chinese business community, led by Manila Chinatown Development Council Executive Director Willord Chua and Chinatown Barangay Organization President Jefferson Lau, joined Lacuna in underscoring the significance of Manila Chinatown as a prime tourism destination and a hub for trade and commerce.
Lacuna emphasized that the event, a first in Manila, serves as a platform to celebrate the rich history and culture of “Chinoys” while recognizing their substantial contributions to Manila and the broader development of the nation.
“Like our hardworking Filipino-Chinese fellow citizens, we should all strive not just for material things, but for the overall progress of our city,” said Lacuna in Filipino.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Manila Chinatown over the years, Lacuna credited the area’s influence in establishing Manila as a must-visit destination for local and international tourists.
Accompanying the mayor were City Administrator Bernie Ang, Rep. Joel Chua (3rd district), and third district Councilors Fa Fugoso, Tol Zarcal, Terrence Alibarbar, Maile Atienza, and lawyer Jhong Isip.
Key figures from the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila, such as Charlie Dungo, City Engineer Armand Andres, and City Electrician Randy Sadac also graced the occasion.
The event’s highlights included the traditional eye-dotting ceremony of colorful lions led by Lacuna, Ang, and Chua, preceding a vibrant lion dance.
This symbolic ceremony, known as the last step before awakening and empowering the lion, added cultural depth to the celebration.
The festivities continued with a grand “money tree” illumination and a captivating fireworks display.
Encouraging local tourism, Ang invited visitors to explore Chinatown and participate in a series of activities culminating in the Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 9.
Shedding light on the significance of the Money Tree, Chua explained its role as a feng shui symbol traditionally believed to stimulate the flow of money and foster increased prosperity.