Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, creativity, and transformation. Every year, as the skies are filled with glowing lanterns and the air vibrates with the rhythm of drums, Filipino-Chinese communities across the Philippines celebrate one of the most vibrant and exciting occasions—Chinese New Year! This event is a time of shared joy, connection, and lively traditions that unite people in a spirit of festivity and anticipation.
Welcome the prosperous Year of the Snake by joining one of these celebrations across the metro. Hands on the wheel, gas up, and drive around town to witness one of the most anticipated spectacles of the year.
Binondo, Manila
No better place to ring in the New Year than the oldest Chinatown in the world—Binondo, Manila. Year after year, the town becomes the center of the Chinese New Year celebrations, not just in Metro Manila, but in the entire country, as well. With colorful and festive scenes in every corner and street of the area, your eyes will not run out of scenes to see. Fair warning though, about a million people flock to the small and narrow streets of Binondo in anticipation of the Chinese New Year. This means that traffic could become a major issue, apart from the challenge of finding a parking spot.
So, make sure your car is primed for this day by checking everything is ready to go. You wouldn’t want your car to break down in the middle of the busiest town in the country on this day. Luckily for you, there are multiple Motolite outlets within the area. If things get challenging, visit any of these partner outlets; if not, head to the Motolite Res-Q app to get roadside assistance without leaving your spot.
Don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display on Jan. 28 at 11 p.m. on Jones Bridge.
Photo from GMA News
Canton Road at Shangri-La at The Fort
Photo from Shangri-La at The Fort
If Binondo suddenly becomes an impossible place to reach due to traffic and the number of people in the area, you may head to BGC and celebrate the Chinese New Year in style at Canton Road, Shangri-La at The Fort. Aside from the contemporary Asian restaurant’s exquisite food offerings, guests may also avail themselves of their ‘Blessings in Bloom’ prosperity boxes until January 29, 2025.
Araneta City, Cubao, QC
Photo from Araneta City Facebook page
As Pinoys would say, “All roads lead to Cubao.” True enough, the premier shopping district becomes a major stop in celebrating the Chinese New Year. With various events happening throughout the day, regardless of when you reach the area, you’ll surely have a hand in joining the festive cultural celebration.
So, whether you’re heading up north or down south, you will not run out of places to go. This year’s Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of the Lunar Calendar. This means the start of the Year of the Snake is on January 29. Just as the snake is known for being meticulous and strategic in its movements, taking the time to carefully maintain and check your car can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns or issues.
The snake’s careful nature reminds us to take a proactive approach—regularly inspecting our vehicle, getting the service it needs, and addressing small problems before they become big ones. In the Year of the Snake, make it your New Year’s resolution to “slither” through your car’s maintenance checklist and make sure everything is running smoothly, ensuring you’re safe and prepared for any journey ahead. Wherever it may be, make sure that you have yourself covered with a backup with the Motolite Res-Q app—your one-stop shop for warranty services, roadside assistance, and battery replacements.
