To promote cultural awareness and make way for good luck, the ​Student Involvement Office-International Students Unit (SIO-ISU) organized a commemorative program for Chinese New Year last January 25 at Plaza Villarosa.

According to SIO-ISU coordinator Jenny Lyn Hernandez, this celebration serves as an avenue to promote the presence of international students in the Benildean community. It is also part of the SIO-ISU’s acculturation program for international students.

“Celebrating the Chinese New Year is our way of showing support and respect to the Chinese cultures and traditions,” Hernandez said.

The highlight of the event was the popular Lion and Dragon dance performance^[c] by the Philippine Wei Kuang Dragon and Lion Dance​ team, which is a Chinese tradition that is believed to drive evil spirits away.

In addition, a Fortune Tree was displayed at Plaza V together with the customary Hongbao, or commonly known as Ang Pow, the red envelope used to symbolize good luck.

The celebration, which coincided with the annual Lasallian week, concluded with a string of other activities, including fortune cookie hunting and Chinese cuisine sampling, among others.