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The Philippine government has for the first time declared a national holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Thousands of Filipinos took part in the celebrations in Manila’s Chinatown. CCTV correspondent Barnaby Lo has this report.

Well, it may seem like it’s quiet and uneventful around me right now, but yesterday, on the eve of Chinese New Year, it was one huge street party in Manila’s Chinatown.

It’s the biggest Chinese New Year’s celebration in the Philippines in years… Dragon dance, charms, people, etc.

The Philippine government has for the first time declared a national holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

They spent weeks rehearsing… learning the Chinese language… and have even mastered the Chinese national anthem.

Thousands of other Filipinos also took part… learning what they can about Chinese culture… hunting for their favorite Chinese delicacies… and some, even getting their share of the dragon fortune.

CCTV correspondent Barnaby Lo said, "It’s the year of the water dragon, and both the local Chinese in Manila and Filipinos believe it’s going to be a very lucky one..."

CCTV correspondent Barnaby Lo said, "It’s the year of the water dragon, and both the local Chinese in Manila and Filipinos believe it’s going to be a very lucky one. But if you want even better fortune, all you have to do, they say, is make a wish and hit this gong."

It’s a belief shared by many Filipinos, who have seen the rise of the Filipino-Chinese community… which, although is just a tiny fraction of the population, has become one of the richest and most influential… an influence that this New Year’s celebration has proven undeniable.



The Philippine government has for the first time declared a national holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

But even as thousands filled the streets of Manila’s Chinatown on the eve of the Lunar New Year, most Filipinos still opted to spend the long weekend visiting family… or going on a vacation… as they take part in the world’s biggest holiday rush.

As early as last Friday, bus terminals, airports, and ports were already jam-packed with passengers going out of town. But tomorrow, classes resume and people go back to work so today is a busy day again as people travel back to the city.

The Philippine government has for the first time declared a national holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The Philippine government has for the first time declared a national holiday to celebrate the Lunar New Year.