Chinese New Year

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! 

(Might help if you read this article. Click link.)

January 29, 2012 is Chinese New Year

There is a mixture of  foreign influences in the Philippines. Notice Starbucks Coffee (Western) in the background.  And of course,  the tree behind me and the event itself  which are very Chinese.

Chinese New Year has become a well-celebrated occasion in the Philippines.

Today is a holiday in the Philippines. Here's an official statement from the Malacañang Palace:

“The Chinese nationals all over the world will celebrate Spring Festival, popularly known as the Chinese New Year, which is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines by both Chinese Filipinos and ordinary Filipinos as well; and the joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people; 23 January 2012 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest." Read full article here.

I cannot remember exactly when our government declared the Chinese New Year as a national holiday in our country but I have been speculating on some issues behind this proclamation. Evidently, Filipino-Chinese diplomacy in the Philippines becomes stronger and stronger each day. All roads lead to capitalism of course. The wealthiest businessmen in the Philippines are Chinese. Lots of them actually are. And because Chinese population is considerably large in the country, from past to present and most certainly in the future, many Filipino families will continue to have Chinese roots in their lineage. Thus our culture will become more heterogeneous. No wonder why we are celebrating Chinese New Year today.