With Chinese lanterns hanging above, stalls selling lucky charms, and a Wushu exhibition, it feels like you’re strolling through Chinatown in Binondo!

This was the scene along Session Road in Baguio City last Sunday, September 22 as part of the annual Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.

“It celebrates unity. It is also called the Moon Festival,” said Chino Chow, President of the Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc.

Crowds flocked to the event, and aside from the performances, there was also plenty of food!

One of the stalls offers authentic Chinese dishes, such as the original Kikiam.

Christopher So, a business owner mentioned, “Our customers are happy to taste authentic Chinese food and other Chinese items.”  

The festival wouldn’t be complete without tanghulu, or fruits dipped in melted sugar.

But Marie’s Tanghulu is different as she used sapphire grapes instead of muscat grapes.

According to Marie, she imported these sapphire grapes all the way from China and the United States.

“It helped us introduce our product, we made Tanghulu, and we also offer fruits in a cup,” said Dra. Marie Torres, also a business owner.

There were also displays of what seemed like ancient Chinese characters, with their creative and amazing costumes, some even repurposed their home curtains into their attire!

“I’m really glad to be part of the event, and it’s great to celebrate our friendship with our Chinoy friends,” said Alisu, a cosplayer.

There was even a Monkey King Wukong and a regal Empress.

“Being harmonized with our Chinese partners and embracing their culture as well,” said James Edison Zapanta, also a cosplayer.

“Well, I love spinning my gown and doing lots of stuff with my fan,” Althea, also a cosplayer added.

Unlike previous years, the event is now organized by younger people, aiming to preserve this culture for future generations.

According to Peter Ng, Executive Committee Chairperson of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community, “Before, it was usually us seniors organizing the activities, now it’s the younger generation.”  

Aside from the message of bountiful harvests, the Filipino-Chinese community in Baguio also prays for unity and love.

“This celebration is not just about gathering, but also symbolizes unity among our kababayans,” Chino Chow stated.

Although Baguio City doesn’t experience autumn, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been recognized as an institutionalized celebration through Executive Order No. 90, Series of 2023.  

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second-largest celebration in the Chinese lunar calendar, following the Chinese New Year. It’s their way of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest after the Ghost Month.

 

By: Jose Robert Inventor