BRINGING THE CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL TO DAVAO CITY

Chinese has a great influence on us, Filipinos most notably wisdom, courtesy, unity and interest in business.

We also celebrate the New Year because of them. During this special occasion, we set up 12 round fruits, give cash as gifts, and wear red or bright-colored attire just like a real Chinese family.

So, it’s no surprise that Filipinos join Chinese festivities with zest like the Spring Festival.

Here in Davao City, a festive 2023 Chinese

Spring Festival or Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration was hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao and co-organized by the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. - Davao Chapter at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao last Saturday.

The most important celebration observed by the Chinese, I was lucky that I was invited by Consul General Li Lin and

Madam Aiping Chiu along with celebrated guests like former president Rodrigo Duterte, who came in red polo together with Honeylet Avancena and Senator Bong Go; Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte; Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte, grandson of FPRRD and son of Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte; Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr.; Consul Hong Ming and DOT 11 regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan.

Also present were Chinese business community leaders, officials from the Davao business sector, and representatives from the city government of Davao.

Wondering why the affair was brimming with celebrated and noted personalities? This is because the Chinese community is among the most important members of the community in Davao City as they contribute a lot to the city in the health and business sectors.

“The special relationship between China and Davao City has long been in existence even before the western conquerors landed on our shores,” the mayor said in his message.

Food, drinks, and raffle prizes overflowed. Giving “ampao” and other gifts to the kids was also done as a tradition to ring in the Year of the Water Rabbit.

Of course, an important Chinese celebration wouldn’t be complete without a dragon dance and other performances.

“As we usher in the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone for your good health, family happiness, career prosperity, and good luck, in the Year of the Rabbit,” Lin said.

Indeed, the celebration reflects the friendship between China and Davao City.