QC welcomes Year of the Fire Dog

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led the traditional awakening of the lion as the city government and the Chinese community welcomed the Chinese New Year at the City Hall grounds yesterday.

Officials welcomed the Year of the Fire Dog, which is expected to bring further success to the city government and prosperity for the business community.

"For our beloved Quezon City, may we be like the lion, a symbol of strength, and continue our distinction as the most bankable and richest city in the Philippines, to uphold the highest moral standard for a truly genuine road toward nation building, success for our beloved Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and for every city citizen, and for our city to have a robust and dynamic citizenry, worthy to be emulated," said Bonifacio Lui, president of the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc. (QCAFCB).

Belmonte gave life to two lions by painting their eyes with yellow paint. A lion dance was later performed at City Hall to usher in good luck for the Year of the Fire Dog.

Other business leaders who joined the ceremony were Executive Vice President William Li, Vice President Peter Colianco directors Luis de Jesus, Leoncio Tan, Benito Ong, Tommy Tan, Bonifacio Sy, Joey Go, Arsenio Tang, Moises Lim, James Villafuerte, Rorvick Chen Anson Tan and Bobby Chua Ching.

Also present were past association presidents Charles Chen and Tony Chua.