MANILA – Close to three (3) million people gathered in Manila for the Chinese New Year celebration on January 29, 2025, marking a successful and peaceful event, according to City Administrator Bernie Ang.

The highlight of the festivities was a 25-minute fireworks and drone show at the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Bridge, offering a breathtaking view for attendees. Prior to the New Year countdown, nearly a million people packed Jones Bridge and nearby areas, including the esplanade, riverside, and Chinatown.

Another key attraction, the “Solidarity Parade,” featured 30 floats from the city of Manila and various Chinese-Filipino groups. Nearly 2 million people lined the streets to watch, with parade participants distributing “angpao” (red envelopes with money) and other symbolic items.

China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, joined Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on the lead float, both praising the efforts of authorities and volunteers who ensured the celebration’s smooth and orderly conduct.

ia/mnm

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released its initial labor advisory for the year, reminding employers to ensure proper payment of wages for the additional special (non-working) day on February 9 in celebration of the Chinese New Year nationwide.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 1, Series of 2024, aligning with Proclamation No. 453 from the Office of the President.

As per the advisory, the “no work, no pay” policy applies to employees who won’t work on the specified day, unless the company has a policy or collective bargaining agreement entailing wages for special non-working days.

DOLE added, “If an employee chooses to work on Feb 9, they will receive an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours.”

Chinese New Year falls on February 10th this year.

The declaration of February 9 as a non-working day aims to provide the public with an opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year, as stated by Malacañang earlier.

(el Amigo/MNM)