Chinese new year celebrated in city

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city has started celebrating Chinese New Year with a line-up of activities under the annual Baguio Spring Festival.

            The festival, an annual activity of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community and the City Government of Baguio, was launched Jan. 27 during the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall grounds.

            The launching program was highlighted by a talk on the significance of the spring festival by lawyer Cristeta Leung and a message by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.  The program was followed by a breakfast meeting with city officials at 9 a.m. and a media briefing at 6 p.m. at the Prince Plaza.

            Activities continued Jan. 29 with gift-sharing program at Barangay Kias.

            New Year celebration proper was Jan. 31 with a program at the Bell Church at 1 p.m.

            The celebration highlights will ne held Feb. 3 starting at 1:30 p.m. to be followed by the traditional grand colorful parade at 3:00 p.m. from Session Road to Melvin Jones where a post-parade program will be held.

A dinner fellowship with city officials and dignitaries will cap the celebration at 6 p.m. at the Hotel Supreme where the outstanding citizens will be awarded.

            The festival is supported by the city government as per Ordinance No. 18 series of 1999.