MANILA, Philippines - A grand celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit on Chinese New Year will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park on Wednesday, February 2.

This marks the first time that the City of Manila, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism-National Park Development Committee are joining hands with Chinoy organizations to celebrate the occasion.

The celebration will commence with a grand parade at 4:30 p.m. which will start from Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Plaza) to Quirino Grandstand.

This marks the first time that the City of Manila, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism-National Park Development Committee are joining hands with Chinoy organizations to celebrate the occasion.

The celebration will commence with a grand parade at 4:30 p.m. which will start from Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Plaza) to Quirino Grandstand.

Students of Chinese Filipino schools and Manila public schools will perform with ABS-CBN talents at a cultural program which starts at 6 p.m.

A countdown to the Year of the Rabbit will be held, which will be followed by a fireworks display at 12 a.m.

Chinoy organizations such as the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc., Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc., Federation of Filipino Chinese Alumni Associations Inc., and the Association of Chinese Filipino Schools in the Philippines are co-organizing the event.

Filipinos and Chinese have had close cultural, social and economic ties for centuries.

The Chinese influence has long made a mark in Philippine culture, and many Filipinos have embraced Chinese traditions, among them observing feng shui guidelines, wearing red and participating in lion dances during festivities, and enjoying tikoy, a sticky rice cake.