CULTURAL ....
ness, that is despite the ongoing political tension between the Dutertes and those pushing to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution; plus the International Criminal Court’s issue on Duterte’s “crimes against humanity with the former President’s brutal antinarcotics campaign.” Not to fail to mention as well the country’s issue with China’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea including its seizure of the Philippines’ Scarborough Shoal.
Traditionally, if anyone happened to see the Dragon on New Year’s Day, they’d be lucky for the year to come. As explained by master Richard Yu, “Dragons have a special significance in China. They are the only animal of the Chinese zodiac that symbolizes luck, strength, ambition and charm.” Dotting the eyes of the Dragon, as is done traditionally even here in Davao, means “adding the finishing touches to something already very good, achieving perfection.” As a tradition also observed in Davao, the performance of a Dragon Dance especially on important celebrations such as the Chinese New Year is said to drive away evil spirits while ushering in good luck and blessings for the community or business establishments. Unfortunately, the setting off of firecrackers and fireworks are no longer allowed in Davao City.
Another feature of the Chinese New Year celebration in Davao is the cultural presentation of traditional Chinese dances and music although some young performing students of Chinese schools in the City have included modern dance movements in their choreography. Each dance comes with its own name like rose dance, sword dance, among others. These dances are supposed to be devoted to the gods. It’s a good sign as all these dances help keep Chinese culture alive in Davao City.
The first to hold an advance Chinese New Year celebration in Davao was the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao headed by Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen, Consul Hong Ming and Consul Liu Qian with the participation of the Davao Fil-Chinese MultiSectoral Association. The special event was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao with the attendance of overseas Chinese, Chinese representatives of Chinese companies and institutions, and Chinese students in Davao and Mindanao plus of course, our prominent ChineseFilipinos. Representing the Duterte political clan was Rigo Duterte who came on behalf of his father, Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte. All the guests enjoyed a sumptuous Chinese New Year dinner, good entertainment and yes, raffle prizes.
Waterfront Insular Hotel held its special Chinese New Year celebration last February 9 with the good GM Ali Banting handsomely dressed in a red traditional Chinese outfit. Besides the Dragon Dance, Wushu, Fire and Chinese Dances presented, the Hotel prepared its special Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner which featured yummy lechon de leche and Peking duck. What a long Chinese buffet table it was!
It was an early morning start for Discovery Samal’s guests to be ferried to the island on Chinese New Year which fell on a Saturday, February 10, 2024. Warmly welcoming the guests were GM Stanley Lau and Maridol LopezGonzalez and family. After the cultural presentation, guests were treated to an array of culinary delights by popular chef Daniel Frago Rayos at the resort’s Morning Catch.
It was also on February 10 that Acacia Hotel Davao had its Chinese New Year celebration. It had the dotting of the eyes of the Dragon after its energetic Dragon
Dance performance. This is also the hotel which serves authentic Chinese delights comprised of both Cantonese and spicy Schezwan cuisines by no less than the respected Hong Kong Chef de Cuisine Du Roy Ji Kwan. Luk Foo is the best Chinese restaurant in Davao City to date.
As VP Sara Z. Duterte said, “Gather with your loved ones, exchange heartfelt blessings, and revel in the enchanting festivities that the Chinese New Year brings. Immerse yourself in timeless traditions that have been passed down for generations.” And yes, we did!