It’s not a Pinoy thing to begin with but because of the deep culture Filipinos share with Chinese, celebrating the Chinese New Year has of late become embedded in Pinoy tradition.
In Davao City, people looking for a great place to celebrate–whether with family, friends or even just with one’s self–should look no further.
On February 1 (Friday), the Chinese New Year Village at the Prayer Mountain in Tamayo, Calinan, opened its doors to the public — four days before the actual celebration. The village is located in the same place where the first Christmas Village was opened November 15, 2018 to January 15 this year.
Chinese themed structures and displays adorn the village which runs until February 19.
To officially kick off the celebration, a colourful dragon dance greeted everyone in attendance. A parade of Chinese iconic characters, such as panda and women in traditional Chinese costumes. The biggest attraction and the undisputed star of this year’s Chinese New Year, the pig mascot representing the Year of the Pig in Chinese calendar.
A replica of the wonders of the world through a colourful 3D mapping presentation wowed the crowd.
Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) said the Chinese Village was built and designed to bring happiness and joy to all in the same tradition as the monumental hit Christmas Village.
“During the Christmas village, we had so many Chinese visitors, and they were asking me if we will be having a Chinese-themed village, which was also part of our plan,” Quiboloy shared during a media interview.
The popular evangelist was impressed with the visitor turnout prompting him to consider making the celebration an annual event.
“We are doing this in honor to all the Chinese communities here in Davao City,” he said.
Quiboloy also said that they will be having more themes for the village in the coming months, including the Flores de Mayo and the Kadayawan festival.
