Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — With President Rodrigo Duterte vocal in his intentions of getting on the good side of China, he said he is hoping the two countries will “further fortify the goodwill” it has shared.
“May all of us develop a more profound appreciation of our heritage as two distinct yet intertwined people, and further fortify the goodwill that we have shared over the years,” Duterte said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua and Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev led the celebration of the Chinese New Year’s eve Friday at Plaza San Lorenzo Luis in Binondo.
Jinhua said Duterte’s successful state visit to China in October 2016 “has ushered in a new era of China-Philippines relationship” which may result to more trade, investments and Chinese tourists, as well as “deeper friendship and understanding between (the) two peoples.”
Traditional dragon and lion dances were also performed in Cebu, which some Filipinos believe can attract good luck and prosperity this coming year of the Fire Rooster.
The Chinese New Year, which also marks the Spring Festival in China, is a special non-working holiday in the Philippines according to Proclamation No. 50 series of 2016 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
The household population of Chinese in the Philippines, according to the 2010 Philippine Statistics Authority, stands at 28,750.
Binondo district in Manila, established in 1594, is considered the world’s oldest Chinatown.
