Ilonggos are being inspired to embrace the qualities of the wood snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, as they celebrated the 21st Chinese New Year in Iloilo City on Saturday. The festivities kicked off with a parade on Friday night, starting at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc and culminating at the Freedom Grandstand, which offered a spacious and comfortable setting for the cultural showcase.
Allan Ryan Tan, president of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., highlighted the significance of the wood snake, which stands for wisdom, transformation, and harmony. He encouraged the community to use these traits as inspiration to thrive, adapt, and embrace change in the coming year, fostering new partnerships and achieving success together.
Fr. Joseph Raymund Patrick Sanchez, president of Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School and host of the celebration, emphasized that the event was not only a celebration of Chinese heritage but also an opportunity to reflect on the theme of the year: ‘Providence: Grace, Gratitude, and Growth.’ He explained that recognizing the blessings of providence, such as business success, family harmony, and other opportunities, should lead to gratitude and true growth in wisdom, kindness, and service to others.
Mayor Jerry Treñas acknowledged the strong collaboration between the Filipino-Chinese community and Ilonggos, which has led to job creation. During the event, the Federation Iloilo Volunteer Fire Brigade was honored with the Hall of Fame award, and singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan was recognized as a Distinguished Son of Iloilo.