According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2014 is the Year of the Horse. The Year of the Horse starts from Jan. 31, 2014 and lasts to Feb. 18, 2015. I'm not really an expert when it comes to Chinese culture and traditions but when I spent a short vacation in Hong Kong and Macau, the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China and visited one of the most popular temple in Cebu, Taoist Temple. That's when I got fascinated and realized how beautiful China is and started searching for Chinese temples and heritage around the city.
I have also found out that Chinese New Year is actually known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival of China. I was born year 1988 and that's year of the Dragon, maybe that's why I always have this tingly feeling every time I think about my dream, which is to see a live dragon haha! I'm not sure if that's possible to fulfill though but when I heard that Chu Un Temple, the nearest temple from our apartment is going to celebrate Chinese New Year, I immediately checked their Facebook page if Dragon Dance is included in their celebration. Maybe in that way I can desperately fulfill one of my dreams. Yey!
Chu Un Buddhist Temple or Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple is located in Vicente Rama Ave, Cebu. I have been a resident of V.Rama for almost 5 years now and live only few blocks away from the temple. But I haven't got the chance to visit and explore the temple because I'm not sure if it's open to the public. Finally, after few days of asking and begging Chok to come with me to check out the temple, he agreed to celebrate Chinese New Year with me there. Already felt so lucky!
Chok suggested to check out the place during our early morning jog to see the decorations and their preparation for new year's eve. When we got there, the gate was already opened. Got also curious because there was music and performers dancing in front of the temple. Found out that there was a live coverage of a local TV news network, GMA Balitang Bisdak. Bisdak short for Bisayang Dako, which means you are one big and pure native Visayan.
After work, I excitedly and hurriedly went home. Along the way, I had already noticed the lighted lanterns and cloud breakers in the sky which made me more thrilled to go there. Residents living near the temple was really very cooperative. They were wearing red (which symbolized luck and is believed to ward away evil), even kids. I can also see in their eyes that they're excited as much as I am (maybe they also want to see the dragons haha!). There was an entrance fee of 10 pesos but I was happy because the proceeds will be given to their choosen charity. Making someone's dream come true and at the same time helping others is a great way to start the year right. Thank you Chu Un Temple!
A traditional night full of fun, luck, and solemn activities:
✓ Chinese Lanterns Festival
✓ Horseback Riding
✓ Chinese New Year Delicacies
✓ Wishing Tree
✓ Wisdom Tree
✓ Year of The Horse Art Exhibit
✓ Live Variety Show
✓ Ringing of the Bell and Drum Beating
✓ Countdown Fireworks
and because I was there, they prepared not just 1 but 2 DRAGON DANCE presentation!!!
(Tears of joy haha!)
We already have to consider ourselves lucky because we can celebrate New Year twice in one year. It's like, we're given two reset button that we can use to have a fresh start all over again. And what I love about celebrating New Year in Chu Un temple is, even though the celebration was intended for Chinese New Year and the place is a Buddhist temple, they encouraged and asked everyone to pray together with our individual Gods, we believed in.
This year I prayed for everyone's happiness and lots of dreams (not just mine but everyone's dreams) to come true! And at the end of the day, hope everyone will all realized that it's not about our differences in religions, cultures, races but the acceptance that all of us are born equal and we need to be united to make the world a better and peaceful place.
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
For more info:
Address: Vicente Rama Ave, Cebu City 6000
Phone:(032) 253 8144
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