Lion and dragon dance, fireworks welcome the Fire Monkey in PHL

The traditional dragon and lion dance were performed throughout the country as various Filipino-Chinese communities welcomed the Lunar New Year late Sunday to early Monday morning.

In Metro Manila, the Chinese community in Binondo, Manila went all out with red confetti and fireworks.

Chinese leaders and business owners participated in dotting the eyes of the dragon for the dance and to further improve their fortune, some burned paper money and distributed ang pao (red envelopes). Aside from the currency inside, the actual envelope—because of its striking color—is believed to bring happiness and luck to the recipient. Burning paper, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with the dead. Joss paper is burned for a departed friend or family member as "spirit money," to give them all that they need in the after life.

A similar grand celebration was observed in Iligan City, where ribbon, fan, and umbrella dances were performed after the dragon made its round. The Catholic community joined the festivities, starting it off with a Mass led by Bishop Elenito Galido. Fireworks and feast featuring fresh lumpia capped the activities, with most people choosing to head home to perform more personal rituals for prosperity.

Ang pao plus free tikoy, hopia, and pancit were on offer for people at Plaza Luz in Pagadian City. The mini "food festival" marked the end of a colorful celebration, which involved Chinese dances and pyrotechnics. Further south in General Santos City, the Filipino Chinese Fire Brigade performed the lion dance on the eve of the New Year, picking up ang pao from stalls in malls.

Business owners in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte also hoped to attract more luck this year by welcoming lion and dragon dancers in their shops. Similar to the booming welcome for the Gregorian New Year, the loud music of the brass and the drums are done to ward off misfortunes for the Year of the Fire Monkey.

Meanwhile, in Bataan, a more low-key welcome was observed. People bought tikoy and "lucky" fruits, while modest decorations like streamers were put up in certain establishments.

Monday marks the first day of the Year of the Fire Monkey. Those who will be born under this sign are believed to be ambitious, adventurous, but irritable. —AT/ALG, GMA News