RETURN OF

After years of darkness and uncertainties, hues of red lanterns and Chinese melodies enveloped the city of Bacolod, welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit. What once was an empty street of January for two years was filled with contemplation, rest, and nurturing of body and soul. It suddenly became a flashback of the past festivities yet a foreshadowing of what is yet to come- not just for the Filipino-Chinese community in the City of Smiles, but for everyone when loud music from the sound systems hummed “Gong Xi Fa Cai.” 2023- a year of continuity after years of being stuck in the horrors of the pandemic. However, according to the Chinese traditional calendar, it is more than just a mere continuation after a long pause- it is a season of peace, positivity, and inspiration as the Year of the Rabbit is believed to radiate a calm and steady energy of the year. Thus, kickstarting luck and prosperity, a grand dragon parade filled the streets from Megaworld’s Upper East and continued the fire ablaze until Bacolod City Government Center while passing the numerous Chinese cuisines emphasizing roasted rabbits and an exhibit of Chinese traditional wear and crafts. The rabbit, as this year’s animal in the Chinese calendar, symbolizes peace and prosperity in Chinese culture which can positively impact one’s life. People born in this year are believed to be gentle and loving individuals, similar to how their silky and soft fur feels like.

For a Grade 12 student of the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos, Hannah P. Hibaler, this year’s Bacolaodiat festival enabled her to witness Chinese traditions and history, especially in the field of art. As she was passing by the grounds of SM City Bacolod, a Filipino Chinese event organizer approached her and her friends, who just came from a busy morning, asking if they would like to learn about Chinese Calligraphy. She immediately felt excitement alongside curiosity. Without a doubt, she took on the challenge, grabbed the brush, and opened her heart. “ I think we should try to explore other cultures. Not just the modern ones but also the historical traditions. I am not saying that we will forget our own culture. Conversely, I’m claiming that perhaps we could learn something great from them,” she said.

Hannah learned the history of Chinese culture embedded in the dying art of calligraphy by mastering the basic strokes- Dian, Heng, Shu, Gou, Ti, Wan, Pie, and Na, which formed a Chinese symbol “永” which translates to eternity or forever. For her, the essence of the Bacolaodiat 2023 was about introducing Chinese tradition, culture, and beliefs through every medium that promotes inclusivity. Hence, expressing the goal of the Lunar Calendar- harmony, balance, and stability while letting the bunny vibes conquer the city. When asked why she participated in the event, she wasted no time and uttered these words, “I guess I was easily convinced to join that event because I am very interested in Chinese Culture. These past few months I have been studying the Chinese Language. So, I was thinking that the event would benefit me, and it surely did since I had so much fun and learned. For her, it imprinted a life-long skill that not only involved Chinese traditions but honed herself into opening her soul to art, especially a dying one with the hopes of giving back life to its beauty.

The event gave a spotlight to the Filipino-Chinese community in Bacolod City in highlighting their celebration of New Year which emphasizes acts that lead to their beliefs of unmasking good fortune. Furthermore, the sense of enlightenment in the Buddhist tradition was uplifted through the Dharma Prayer at the Yuan Thong Temple. Other activities like the Lunar Music Festival, Mascot Parade, and Falcor Marketing’s Dog Fashion Show showcased both the Chinese and Filipino cultures, promoting cultural diversity in the community.

Unravelling the spirit buried for the past two years, this Bacolaodiat 2023 features the hope within every Bacolodnons for a glimpse of the prosperous months ahead. With the Year of the Rabbit’s festivities, greetings of xīn nián kuài lè correlate with kung hei fat choi in building a year of abundance.

UNO-R Starlight

For 11th graders, How did your first semester go? Any realizations after it ended?

If I’m gonna be honest, my first reaction was [redacted] pero okay lang not that disappointed kinda expected it. But my grades could be a bit higher if I put in more effort during the 1st quarter qwq

UNO-R Starlight

For 12th Graders, What was your reaction upon seeing your report card?

At first, I definitely believe I will not survive since everything seems hard and I was having a hard time concentrating on my studies. Yet, I survived with honors. It made me realize that as long as I will try my best and never give up, all my efforts will be worthwhile.

Before the releasing of cards, I already have set my mind that whatever grade I receive is fine as long as I know I’ve worked hard for it. Upon seeing my report card, I was satisfied. I knew I did my very best, and that’s enough for me.

My first semester is definitely a rocky ride. My grades in the first grading made me realize how I need to put in more work, and thankfully, my efforts had paid off.

When I first saw my report card, I was shocked since I thought I would get a low grade, but I ended up getting a higher grade.

My first semester went well but I didn’t really get the grades I was trying to get. It may have been because I lacked the effort to make it happen, but it doesn’t really affect me.