PURR
A wonderful start
Recognition of Filipino-Chinese
associations that helped the City
Government amid typhoon Frank's
onslaught.
It was a fabulous Chinese New Year celebration that took place at the Freedom Grandstand recently. There was a display of rich and bright colors, loud sounds coming from varied musical instruments, greetings of peace and prosperity among friends and speeches on hope for the new year in the lunar calendar. All these portend that we are going to have an exciting year ahead of us.
Reynaldo Navarro, chairman of the Iloilo Chinese-Filipino Cultural Association, spoke of trust and cooperation between the City Government and the Filipino-Chinese community. He also encouraged diligence and hard work as we all face the season of renewal and rebirth – a new chance for everybody to make life better after the devastation of Frank.
Mayor Jerry Trenas spoke of witnessing a bigger Chinese New Year celebration this year. He spoke of an economic downturn in the United States that could make our economy a challenging one and that unity can make us weather such difficult times. He also acknowledged the help of the Filipino-Chinese associations during Frank's devastation by giving them plaques of recognition. These are the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay Inc., Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo Inc., Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Federation Iloilo Fire Brigade Inc., ICAG Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc., and JB Lucky Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc.
Lion and Dragon Dance for Prosperity.
Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. referred to the year of the rat as “masabad” (troublesome) as he said hello to the year of the ox. He hopes that the ox brings us the much needed rest and prosperity after the crisis (Frank) last year.
Donald Lee, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) flew from China to be in the said celebration.
The speakers uttered words of encouragement and they brought us hope. The celebration was a festive one. Now, it's all up to us to work hard and to love one another to make our lives better, colorful and festive. Good luck!