Oh my buhay is my diary (sort of). When I am very very old (if given the chance), I would probably just spend most of my time looking at the multitude of photos I have posted by then.
Although almost 2 weeks late, I would still post photos taken on January 22 and 23 in connection with the Chinese New Year celebration. and here they are:
Last year, we participated in the Chinese New Year parade around the Binondo area. It was too tedious and tiring because we had to prepare days prior, printing of tarpauline, ordering red balloons ad red printed t-shirts, vehicles, etc.
So this year we just opted for the dragon dances. These group are so dedicated. They rode in an enclosed van doing the rounds from Valenzuela to Binondo, Greenhills, Pasong Tamo, and etc.
Last year, they arrived at 8 pm. I timed the family dinner this year at 6 pm so I figured our relativess would already be here when the dragon dancers come. Unfortunately, they came too early at 4 pm. I just arrived from the market and haven’t even changed. I was happy my children were around this time because last year, it was only Edmund and I who were here.
Before entering our gate, they had some ritual outside, in the street kaya they caused some traffic and attracted attention.
The red drummers and my daughter, preparing for the dragon’s arrival
Here they come
They danced around our house, in the kitchen, and even in the bedrooms.
After the dance, the ritual included the giving of angpao (P5,000 is the required amount) into the mouth of the dragon. This is for good luck. It’s like feeding the dragon and hoping that the money would come back in many forms- good health, wealth, happiness and prosperity.
Our doggies panicked wth the sound of the drums. My daughter went to the garage after the dragon dancers have left to console our dogs.
Look at the white painted cabinet behind her, that’s about 27 years old. I do not want to either throw or give it away. Edmund bought it in Caloocan about a year after we got married. It was originally varnished.
