IN Baguio City, bonds remain strong for the Filipino-Chinese community.
The 2026 Spring Festival was officially launched Monday, Feb. 9 at the Baguio City Hall grounds with the traditional The Bell Church Baguio Dragon Lion and Martial Arts Team performing the lion and dragon dance for good fortune, prosperity, and luck
“We’re not only welcoming a new lunar year, we are celebrating a tradition that has become a part of Baguio City’s cultural identity. This annual celebration is a living proof of a strong partnership between the Filipino-Chinese community, the city government of Baguio, and its local constituents,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said during the launching set , a week before the Chinese New Year.
The annual celebration is a series of activities highlighted by the Grand Colorful Parade and the opening of the Spring Festival Little Chinatown which also include, a media fellowship night, a Barangay Gift Sharing (Feb. 13), Little Chinatown (Feb. 15), Chinese New Year Evening Mass (Feb. 16), Grand Colorful Parade and Dinner Awards Night (Feb. 18) and a CNY Run for Luck and Little Chinatown (Feb. 22).
Magalong also expressed gratitude towards the Filipino Chinese community, organizers, volunteers, and partners behind the event. “For many years, our Filipino Chinese brothers and sisters have been invaluable partners in the growth and development of our city, from business and education to culture and civic service. Your contributions have helped build Baguio into a vibrant, diverse, and robust community that we are proud of today.”
The festival’s executive committee chairperson, Peter Ng, also thanked the city and the community’s partnership in conducting the event for over 28 years, making it one of Baguio’s major community activities.
“The goal and objective of the festival is to promote better understanding and cooperation between the Filipino and Chinese community in order to strengthen our historical friendship and unity. This celebration is not only for the Chinoy but in fact for all the whole community of Baguio,” Ng added.
The 2026 Lunar New Year will be celebrating the year of the Fire Horse, which symbolizes “energy, courage, and forward movement,” according to Thomas Nathaniel Ang, the Vice President of the Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc.
“In our community, the fire horse also reminds us of the importance of balance, moving fast yet stay grounded in our values. While it urges us to be bold and decisive, it also teaches us to be mindful of one another, to support those who may need encouragement, and to move forward together rather than alone,” Ang highlighted.
He further encouraged the community to “declutter homes and workplaces, allow positive energy to flow freely, and focus on directions that invite growth and opportunity.” by Lyndee Buenagua, Tuesday Javar, UP Baguio Interns