MANILA, Philippines — 15 February 2026 — The Filipino-Chinese community gathered at Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Festival 2025, transforming the capital’s iconic waterfront into a vibrant showcase of heritage, unity, and cultural pride.
Set against the backdrop of Manila Bay’s famed sunset, the celebration featured traditional dragon and lion dances, synchronized drum performances, and ceremonial rites symbolizing prosperity, harmony, and renewal for the year ahead. Community leaders, cultural organizations, and families attended the event, underscoring the enduring presence and influence of the Filipino-Chinese community in Philippine society.
The festival highlighted the deep historical roots of Chinese migration to the Philippines, which dates back centuries and has since evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic and influential cultural sectors. Filipino-Chinese individuals and institutions have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s economic growth, civic leadership, education, and philanthropy.
Beyond its festive atmosphere, the Dragon Boat Festival carries profound symbolism. Traditionally associated with unity, teamwork, and resilience, the dragon boat represents collective strength—values that resonate strongly within the Filipino-Chinese community. By integrating this tradition into broader Chinese New Year observances in Manila, organizers emphasized cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary expressions of identity.
Holding the celebration at a prominent public venue such as Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach also reflected a broader message of inclusivity. The event welcomed Filipinos from all backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and reinforcing the shared history between Chinese and Filipino communities.
As the festivities concluded, the celebration stood not only as a tribute to ancestral customs but also as a reaffirmation of cultural solidarity. In a diverse and multicultural nation, such traditions remain vital—preserving heritage while strengthening the bonds that unite communities across generations.
📸 Photo courtesy of Engr. berto / Fb
