BAGUIO CITY – The city government of Baguio here in partnership with the Baguio Filipino-Chinese community kicked off the Spring Festival 2017 also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration during the flag raising ceremony January 9 at the City Hall grounds.
On January 12, an art exhibit dubbed “Kawitan ti Sanglay” and the fellowship night with the media was held at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza.
Some indigent families of Lower Quirino Hill barangay will be benefitting from the Barangay Gift-Sharing on Jan. 24.
The highly anticipated grand colorful parade down Session Road is scheduled on the afternoon of Jan. 27 to be followed by a program at Melvin Jones grandstand.
The celebration will be capped by a dinner awards night and fellowship with city officials and dignitaries at Hotel Supreme.
There will be a New Year celebration of Bell Church and gift giving program at the Bell Church grounds on Jan. 28.
The festival is considered the grandest and most important annual celebration of friendship amongst Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese in this summer capital.
This year’s spring festival celebrates the Year of the Rooster.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan stressed the current relationship between the two countries will remain strong.
The Chinese community has always been active in helping the city through medical missions and other outreach programs, added Domogan.
Peter Ng said the friendship among Filipinos and the Chinese have remained because of several activities given that majority of big businesses in the city of Baguio are owned by Filipino-Chinese.
The Spring Festival has now beccome an institutionalized event here.
**Jho Arranz
