The Quezon City government is inviting residents to join a day-long celebration of Chinese New Year in Banawe, on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Festivities in the Banawe Chinatown District will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, highlighting the traditions of the Chinese and Filipino-Chinese communities, and as a growing cultural and tourism destination in Quezon City.
The celebration began on Feb. 10 with a curated food crawl along Banawe Street, organized by the city’s tourism department in partnership with business groups, media, and Department of Tourism-accredited guides.
Participating establishments included King Chef, Uniku Taiwanese Restaurant, Sincerity Fried Chicken, Juwei by King Chef, Banawe Soybean Curd, and The Coze Café, showcasing the district’s well-known Chinese and Filipino-Chinese flavors.
On Tuesday, February 17, activities will run from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. along Banawe Street, stretching from Del Monte Avenue to N.S. Amoranto Street.
The morning opens with the “Bike Ride Banawe Loop,” beginning at Z Square Mall along Del Monte Avenue and concluding at N.S. Amoranto Sr. Avenue. Organizers said the activity promotes an active lifestyle while allowing cyclists to explore the length of Banawe.
A gallery zone will also be mounted along the street, offering cultural workshops and interactive stations such as calligraphy, origami, Chinese painting, lantern-making, wishing tree installations, zodiac panels, and themed photo spots.
More than 60 merchants are expected to join a bazaar and night market featuring Filipino-Chinese cuisine, fruits, traditional items, garments, charms, and themed merchandise. Participants include small business groups, cooperatives, and art collectives working with the city government and the QC Chinatown Development Foundation Inc.
At 3 p.m., six public high schools will compete in a Drum and Lyre Competition, showcasing musical precision and teamwork. Participating schools are Commonwealth High School, Batasan Hills National High School, Lagro High School, North Fairview High School, San Bartolome High School, and Sta. Lucia High School.
Businesses along Banawe will also take part in a Best Decorated Establishment Competition, dressing up storefronts in Chinese New Year-inspired designs.
The evening program will feature a concert by Jameson Blake and the band Hey June!, hosted by Janelle Sy.
Traditional performances such as lion and dragon dances, a mini float parade showcase, and a Chinese face-changing act are also lined up.
A grand fireworks display at 8 p.m. will light up the district, followed by busker and DJ performances to cap off the celebration.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the event underscores the city’s commitment to cultural appreciation and economic growth.
“Chinese New Year is a meaningful time of renewal, hope, and shared prosperity not only for the Chinese and Filipino-Chinese community but for all QCitizens. By celebrating this tradition together, we recognize the deep contributions of the Fil-Chi community to our city’s history, culture, and growth, while strengthening the spirit of unity that defines our City,” she said.
“Holding this special celebration here in Banawe also means this place is more than a commercial center, but is a vibrant symbol of our multicultural identity. We are showcasing Banawe as a cultural and tourism destination where heritage, creativity, and local enterprise thrive side by side, bringing opportunities to our small businesses and joy to our visitors.”
