Polibiz
Iloilo Chinatown in disarray
In terms of richness in their cultural heritage presentation and the economic benefits it has generated for a day's commercial activities the recent celebration of Chinese New Year in downtown Iloilo a week ago was a big success.
Kudos to the organizers who have done their best to make the said affair a momentous one.
Chinese dishes depicting delectable Chinese cuisine; various novelty items believed to bring good luck and charms in line with the Year of the Dog were best enjoyed by and sold to the spectators. The crowd of different races who came as tourists to watch the Dinagyang Festival earlier, and visitors from other regions not to mention our own locals, have signified their awe and admiration in having the chance to watch the traditional dragon dance and other related cultural activities.
Judging from the thickness of the crowd who stayed a little late to enjoy the foods and drinks at the kiosks openly installed right along Plazoleta Gay stretching as far as to the corner of Iznart and De Leon streets, no doubt Chinese New Year was a huge success.
The Iloilo City Council should partly be given credit in passing a resolution converting the area into a Chinatown giving our Chinese brothers the special privilege of making their annual celebration a big success.
Definitely, the presence of the Chinese community in the city is something we Ilonggos cannot afford to ignore.
The big establishments around us are mostly dominated by Chinese businessmen. They engage practically in all forms of businesses such as hotels, restaurants, construction firms, drugstores, hard wares, not to mention giant malls and others.
They've been here since time immemorial, plying their trades and contributing a lot for the economic progress of our city and to the whole country as well -- to think, some of them, started from humble beginnings.
Going back to the Chinese New Year celebration, it could have ended and left a lasting impressive event worth emulating had it not for a single isolated "abuse of power" shown by an unidentified "military" looking hoodlum complete in his fatigue uniform at the night of the affair.
Just a few minutes past eleven, an empty passenger jeep driven by the "military-looking" man forced his way to where the customers were still busy enjoying the night. Apparently the man reportedly made a killing for the day's affair and he has nothing more left to sell.
As he forced his way inside he kept on dropping the name of Edward Yee as the owner of the jeep he was driving and the kiosk he was wrapping up. Edward Yee owns Barbecue Park in Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Obviously, he thought that by mere mentioning the name of his master this may give him the license to behave arrogantly.
Edward Yee should teach his subordinate a little of good manners and right conduct - even just the basic. The driver could have courteously waited for a while instead of forcing his way; disturbing their paying customers in the process. After all your patrons are your reasons for being there. No patrons, no business - that's a fact. I don't think a little act of courtesy and respect, will harm you sir.
Lest Edward Yee forget, his intervention and wisdom is more appropriate for the unbecoming conduct of his driver. Also, I would like to call the attention of John Nofuente, reportedly the chairman of the Chinese New Year Festival. Please teach your colleagues some good manners in the way they deal with their customers.
Let's keep Chinatown orderly... till next year.