Before The Horse Gallops In: Day Before Chinese New Year in Chinatown

- Janaury 30, 2014, Thursday.

- This afternoon, I wanted to see how Manila's Chinatown was preparing itself for the Chinese New Year tomorrow. I asked my friend Crizeel to accompany me, since I knew she was fond of taking photos of celebrations like these.

- We first went to Cafe Mezzanine to have an afternoon meal, before setting out on the streets. We saw news anchor Korina Sanchez and her ABS-CBN crew braving the crowd, and interviewing people. Some other television networks were also there to cover the event, but Crizeel and I just went our own way to see more of Chinatown's merrymaking.

So much fooood.

Korina's in Chinatown again.

"Selfie" with Korina.

- Along the way, I had photos with several Chinese lions used for Chinese lion dances. The most interesting encounter was with a boy named Sancho (I think,) who was happily walking the streets of Ongpin with his mom. Sancho was carrying a green lion costume; I later found out that his dad had it made for him. I asked permission from the mom if I could borrow the lion for a photo op, but the difficult part was when I had to beg the kid - puppy-dog eyes, pouty lips, and all that- to let me borrow it. He didn't want to at first, but he later agreed, and since he was a very good kid, I had a photo taken with him. He wanted to be the lion's butt, so he crawled behind me when we were about to take a photo together.

The green lion I had to beg for.

With Sancho. Heehee.

Saw them in front of Shoppers' Mart. I, apparently, fit in.

We look like a family.

Another lion I borrowed.

Roarrr~~

- Later that afternoon, Crizeel and I went to Lucky Chinatown to see if there were some cultural activities. There were none so far, apart from the performances, so we just took some photos with the gong and the "lucky golden tree" to end the afternoon.

Saw this peculiar group in the mall. Haha.

Of course I gave them a tip. Haha.

Hello Sharm!!

Lanturnnssss.

My job at the palace as the royal alarm clock.

Golden tree.

Had a photo with a girl wearing a Chinese attire.

Selfie with the treeee~~~~

- Though many people were in Chinatown today, I felt that the new-year vibe was lacking this year. Perhaps I should wait until tomorrow to see if this year's new year trumps last year's!!