On February 9, the Makati City Government in the Philippines held the opening ceremony of the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration at the Golorita Activity Center. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian attended and delivered a speech as the Guest of Honour. Mayor Abby Binet and her husband, Philippine Congressman Campos, envoys of relevant countries in the Philippines and Makati city government officials attended the Lunar New Year.
Huang Xilian said that the Lunar New Year is the oldest and most important traditional festival in Chinese culture, and has now become a global cultural event, bringing infinite joy and joy to people around the world. The dragon is a symbol of the Chinese nation's unremitting self-improvement, struggle and enterprising spiritual blood for 5,000 years, and the Year of the Dragon will be a year full of strength and auspiciousness. Chinese New Year's Eve is a time for family reunion, blessings and celebrations. I hope to spend the Spring Festival with Filipino friends and continue the millennium friendship between the Chinese and Philippine peoples.
Mayor Binet said the strength, resilience and adaptability of the "dragon" resonated deeply with the nature of the city of Makati and its diverse community. The celebration is a great opportunity to come together, learn from each other, and strengthen connections. The Chinese diaspora is an integral part of the Makati family, and we would like to thank our Chinese brothers and sisters for their contributions to this vibrant and inclusive city.
At the opening ceremony, there were dragon and lion dances, and Huang Xilian and other guests joined the guests to put the finishing touches on the lion dance and cut the ribbon for the three-day celebration. Chef Zhang Hong, the chef of the embassy, was invited to cook and demonstrate Chinese cuisine on the spot, and the guests present were full of praise and praise.
Dozens of Chinese specialty snacks and New Year's goods booths were also arranged at the scene, and the people came in an endless stream, stopping to watch, actively experience and take photos to commemorate the event, constantly feeling the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese culture, and the atmosphere was festive and warm.
As the financial center of the Philippines, Makati City is one of the most prosperous cities in Metro Manila and home to most foreign missions in the Philippines.