The Chinatown district of Binondo, Manila is getting ready for the approaching spring festival, commonly known as the Chinese New Year.
Tikoys, fruits, and lucky charms are some of the items on sale in the streets of Ongpin and Binondo.
According to Boy Gonzales' report on Thursday, February 9, different flavors of tikoy can be purchased for P100, P200, P300, and P500, depending on the size.
Round fruits like kiat-kiat can be bought at P50 to 100 per kilo, grapes at P150 to P250, oranges at P100 per three pieces, and ponkan at P10 to P20 each.
Lucky charms like bracelets can be bought for P100 to P300 each, while precious lucky charms that are all gold-plated cost P300, P800, and P1,500 each.
Different types of plants, such as money trees, bamboo, and snake trees, are also being sold.
According to Binondo Police Station Chief PLt. Col. Rex Layug, the Manila Police District is enforcing strict vigilance for Chinese New Year attendees.
In a forum organized by the Manila City Hall Reporters Association last Monday, Manila Administrator Bernie Ang said one million people are expected to flock to Binondo on February 9 and 10.
“We have coordinated with the MPD (Manila Police District) to provide security and ensure the safety of those who will participate in the activities in celebration of Chinese New Year,” Ang said.
He also mentioned that a 12-minute fireworks show at midnight on February 9 would be the focal point of the festivities at the Jones Bridge, which faces the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Bridge, also referred to as the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge.
A parade showcasing 40 floats will be held on February 10. The said parade will start at the Manila Central Post Office and end at Lucky Chinatown Mall.
Filipino-Chinese parade participants are required to hand out red envelopes or "angpao" which are said to bring good fortune to both the donor and the recipient.
Established in 1594, Binondo has served as the center of Chinese commerce and migration in the Philippines for over four centuries.
To mark the occasion, the Manila City government organized a prosperity tree lighting ceremony at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo.
