Skip to main content

Getting ready for the Chinese New Year 2017, the Year of the Rooster

Getting ready for the Chinese New Year 2017, the Year of the Rooster
Alright, it's time to experience one of Manila’s liveliest and most colorful celebrations!

The Chinese New Year in the Binondo district attracts crowds of people each year and is celebrated over explosions of vibrant colors and cultural experiences.

Happening on January 28, 2017, the once-a-year event will feature lion & dragon dances, firecracker celebrations, parades, marching bands, and surely enough, the different food and dishes that Chinese folks are known for (tikoy, pansit canton, siopao, dimsum, mami, roasted meat & seafood, etc.).

The Chinese New Year 2017 is the Year of the Red Fire Rooster. It starts from January 28th 2017 and extends up to February 15th 2018.

The Rooster is tenth in the Chinese zodiac. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year cycle. Years of the Rooster include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029.

READ: Chinatown Photowalk 2017: Shooting the streets of Manila's "Little China"


Chinese Horoscopes

According to most Chinese folks, this is the year when you will need to work hard and be patient in order to achieve your goals.

This Year of the Rooster is ruled by the fire element and it is a Yin year. This is the time to be spent in solitude and harmony with friends and family.

The lucky colors for this year are earth colored items like brown or yellow . Chinese horoscopes say that if you use these colors in your daily life, everything that you take interest in will turn out the way you want it to. In other words, it is like a good luck charm blessing you with abundance and prosperity.

For the love-struck millenials, this is an excellent year for singles to get married. If already married, it's a lucky year to get pregnant.


Photowalk

The Chinatown in the Binondo district is the oldest in the whole world, established in 1594, and is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Manila. Each section of Chinatown offers a different experience, and when the streets erupt into celebration, the results are fantastic.

The Chinese New Year celebration is a day of excitement and exploration. This is a time for street photography and action photography, with lots of opportunities to capture the spirit of this event.

Equipment? Carry light. Trust me! I've been celebrating the Chinese New Year in Manila for the past several years and this had taught me to carry fewer gear as I can.

Bring one camera and one mid-range zoom (like the 10-22mm, 16-35mm, 18-55mm or the 24-70mm) lenses. You can also bring a prime lens (35mm or 50mm) for your portrait shots. Remember to bring lens hoods (if it's a sunny day) and plastic bags just in case it rains. No tripods and no backpacks, not unless you have a personal assistant with you to carry those stuff. And please, park your car outside the Binondo area, it's impossible to drive inside Chinatown on this day.

What to wear? Comfortable, thin clothing and comfortable footwear. Expect to walk a lot (that's why it's called a photowalk, remember?) I use a pair of sandals and carry a towel to wipe those sweat away. Bring and wear whatever that works for you.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas by commenting.

Comments

Popular Posts

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...

Why your National ID is now more important than your passport (and how to use It)

Gone are the days of carrying a folder full of "supporting documents" just to prove who you are. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is making a massive push for the National ID ( PhilSys ), and honestly? It’s about time. Having a National ID isn’t just about having another card in your wallet; it’s your golden ticket to faster, more secure, and hassle-free access to government services . Whether you’re claiming a pension or simply trying to get a birth certificate online, this system is designed to cut the red tape and put the "serve" back in public service. ​ One ID, Infinite Possibilities ​The PSA recently clarified that whether you have the physical card, the paper version, or the digital format, they all carry the same weight. You can present any of these for your transactions without fear of rejection. ​ Big Perks for Seniors ​If you’re a senior citizen —or helping one—the National ID i...

Krispy Kreme celebrates 20 Years in the Philippines with Mini Churros and freshly brewed fruit teas made with Assam Black Tea

Krispy Kreme Philippines is celebrating 20 years of sweet moments with the Filipino OGs by bringing back an OG favorite and introducing new exciting beverages that are perfect for snacking, sharing, and enjoying everyday joy. Among this year’s highlights is the relaunch of the beloved Mini Churros with Dips, a playful twist on the classic churro. Each c-shaped, unglazed mini ring doughnut is tossed in a cinnamon-sugar mix for that signature flavor. A box of 6 includes 12 Mini Churro Doughnuts and three indulgent dips: Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, and the NEW Dulce de Leche , making every bite fun and customizable. Summer just got sweeter with the introduction of Freshly Brewed Fruit Teas , made with bold Assam black tea and paired with juicy, refreshing flavors. The collection features: Tropical Mango – Assam black tea blended with luscious mango puree Strawberry Hibiscus – Assam black tea ...

Heading Out This Holy Week? Here’s the Ultimate Barkada Road Trip Compatibility Checklist

Summer road trips hit differently when you’re with your barkada . Windows down, music up, snacks within reach, and the open road ahead—there’s nothing quite like the excitement of leaving the city behind and heading toward beaches, mountains, or your hometown for the long Holy Week break . Planning the trip is already half the fun. One friend is busy curating the ultimate playlist. Another is searching for the best stopover restaurants along the highway. Someone is packing enough snacks to last the entire journey. But as exciting as road trips can be, experienced motorists know that a smooth ride depends on more than just good company. This summer, Prestone®, reminds motorists that the best road trips happen when everything is siguradong compatible —from your barkada dynamics to your vehicle’s readiness for the long drive. Every barkada road trip has its roles Every road trip grou...

MMDA Holy Week 2026 Guide: When is number coding suspended?

Heading home to the province this Holy Week? Whether you're chasing the cool breeze of Baguio or heading down south for a long-overdue family reunion, the last thing you want is to be flagged down by a traffic enforcer before you even hit the expressway. To help you navigate the "Exodus" with ease, the MMDA has officially rolled out its 2026 Lenten transport plan . ​ MMDA Holy Week 2026: No Coding, No Excuses ​Planning your departure is about to get a lot easier. MMDA General Manager Usec. Nicolas Torre III has confirmed that the agency is prioritizing your "uwian" by relaxing traffic restrictions across the metro.   ​Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Holy Week Number Coding schedule: ​ The Coding Breakdown ​April 1 (Holy Wednesday): The Expanded Number Coding Scheme is suspended starting at 12:00 PM. You can hit the road early without worrying about your plate e...

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration ...

What the LTO says about changing mag wheels, rims and tires of your car, motorcycle

The new LTO PMVIC, or the Land Transportation Office - Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, has started operations in some parts of the country for inspections of cars and motorcycles due for registration renewal. Dubbed as MVIS (Motor Vehicle Inspection System), it aims to test the roadworthiness of private and commercial vehicles prior to their registration. This also includes the checking of modifications, upgrades and accessories that have been installed on your vehicles - whether factory or aftermarket. If they don't meet LTO standards, you fail the test. Failing the MVIS test means you have to retake the inspection and worse, you can't register your vehicle any more. For purposes of discussion, I chose to talk about wheels and tires because they are the most frequently modified parts of our cars and motorcycles. Now comes the question: Is it considered illegal to replace your wheels with aftermarket mag wheels? Can those u...

Commuters' Guide To P2P Bus Stations/Routes, Locations, Schedules And Prices

I make at least a dozen trips to Makati every year, traveling to client meetings for work and pleasure – mostly by MRT (Metro Rail Transit), seldom by car. A car is not the best way to experience EDSA (obviously), so if I can't get an MRT ride and I don't want to use my car, my other option is by bus. I have to admit, I have my reservations when it comes to buses. Buses doesn’t exactly have the best reputation in Metro Manila. But after talking to friends who’ve been riding the Premium Point-To-Point buses, one of the first thing they make a point to say is that it’s nothing like the P2P Bus experience. Well, that was enough to convince me to give it a go. In an attempt to compare the two main travel options operating along EDSA, I traveled south to Makati on a P2P bus in the morning and returned to Quezon City on board the MRT in the afternoon (with just enough time in between to squeeze lunch at the Glorietta). What I found: The P2P bus ride was comfortable, rela...

Shop Guilt-Free on LazMall this 9.9: Trust, Quality, and Smarter Shopping with Lazada

The highly anticipated 9.9 Mega Brands Sale is back, and Lazada is making it easier than ever to shop guilt-free. With LazMall’s Authenticity Guarantee, shoppers can indulge in great deals without second thoughts – knowing every purchase delivers real value and trusted quality. This year’s 9.9 sale promises up to 90% off branded deals, up to PHP 2,000 vouchers, and free shipping with no minimum spend from September 8 (8PM) to 11. To kick off the celebration, catch the special LazLive show on September 8 at 11PM, where you can take on the “Guilt-Free Test” yourself. Shoppers can play along for a chance to win vouchers from top LazMall brands and enjoy even more exclusive deals and rewards during the livestream. Just search “Lazada Guilt Free” on the app to join the fun. Authenticity, Quality, and Value Guaranteed As one of the country’s leading eCommerce platforms, Lazada is committed to delivering high quality shopping experiences, with...

Your complete guide to NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX exits, gas/food stops

UPDATED January, 2020 Are you from Metro Manila and considering a holiday getaway to the north? After a rough week at work, there's nothing like packing your bags, channeling your inner adventurista, and heading to Subic, Baguio or Vigan for glitz and good times! If you're considering making the drive, here is a complete guide to the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX exits, interchanges, gas stations and food stops. What's covered in this guide? 1. NLEX Northbound Stopovers 2. NLEX Southbound Stopovers 3. SCTEX Stopovers  - Subic bound  - SCTEX bound  - Tarlac bound  - NLEX bound 4. TPLEX Stopovers Northbound and Southbound 5. Smoking Areas 6. Quick Notes  - TPLEX Petron Km 134  - Auto Sweep RFID NLEX North Luzon Expressway - 84 kilometers Northbound Stop-overs Balintawak Toll Plaza Mindanao Toll Plaza (Smart Connect Interchange) Valenzuela Exit Meycauayan Exit Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 23 Jollibee, Kenny Rogers, Sta...