CHINATOWN IN MANDANI BAY: Ringing in a prosperous Year of the Earth Pig

The new lunar year, the Year of the Earth Pig, from February 5, 2019 to January 24, 2020, bodes well for everyone, with overall good fortune, wealth, honesty and general prosperity in the offing.

Mandani Bay, in partnership with District Events, welcomed the prosperous Year of the Earth Pig with Chinatown in Mandani Bay, a weekend of authentic Chinese jubilation on February 15 and 16 at the Mandani Bay Show Gallery and grounds along F. E. Zuellig Avenue in Mandaue City.

District Events is the group behind the successful Pop District Bazaar, pop-up markets encouraging noteworthy local products and popular cuisine, fashion and lifestyle items.

Chinatown in Mandani Bay’s food and outdoor market, open from 4 p.m. until 12 midnight on both days had tempting Chinese palate pleasers such as dimsum savouries, Asian treats like the delectable Wagyu barbecue and lucky trinkets and ornaments from various local vendors under a canopy of fiery lanterns.

Rain in the early hours of Friday let up just in time for the traditional lion dance marking the opening of the weekend festivities.

Guests then trooped to the outdoor area to be entertained by the Guang Ming Institute Dance Company with Chinese songs and dances. Sanhao Theatre then regaled the audience with “The Buddha and the Beggar”, a powerful lesson in generosity and gratitude portrayed in skit.

The resounding sounds of the grand fireworks extravaganza at 8:00 p.m. on both days completed a genuine Chinese New Year experience.

2019 is forecast to be another banner year. According to Chinese tradition, the pig demonstrates so much joy in living, is generous and, although indulgent, is altruistic. The pig symbolizes a hard-working, peace-loving, sincere and optimistic person.

Chinatown in Mandani Bay demonstrates the optimism and hopefulness of the Cebuano people. It has sealed its reputation as a tradition that the Cebuanos look forward to every year.