Aquino to launch Binondo mall

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino  will lead the grand launching ceremony of the Lucky Chinatown Activity Center today in Binondo, Manila  as part of a major plan to boost tourism and trade in the area.

During the launching rites, the President is expected to paint a red dot on the eyes of a dragon puppet, Malacañang said in a statement yesterday, adding that  “the sleeping dragon puppet will come to life and perform a dragon dance.”

After a confetti shower, the dragon puppet will go downstage and dance around the mall.

The five-story Lucky Chinatown launch is part of a plan by real estate developer Megaworld Corp. to revive Binondo. According to the developer, Lucky Chinatown is the first full-scale luxury shopping center, equipped with state-of-the-art cinemas, in Binondo. Completing the Lucky Chinatown experience is the Chinatown Walk.

The entire project aims to reinvent the lifestyle of residents and tourists of Binondo, a tribute project to the Chinese community.

Officials who are expected to accompany the President during the Lucky Chinatown launch include Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Megaworld chairman and chief executive officer Andrew Tan.