How these Chinese Filipino celebs welcome the Lunar New Year
As the Lunar New Year arrives, these Chinese Filipino celebrities share with Lifestyle Inquirer how they celebrate the occasion—from the dishes on their tables and the traditions they continue to their amusing little quirks and hopes for the year to come.
Enchong Dee
Actor
“Our family has always been fond of celebrating the Chinese New Year. But our traditions aren’t strict; they’re mostly an opportunity to be together, have a feast, and enjoy Chinese food like steamed fish, siomai, money bags, and sweet and sour pork.
My favorite memories involve having rice cakes a week before and a week after Chinese New Year. Sticky rice also symbolizes togetherness and a strong bond with the people you eat it with, which is fun to think about.
This year, my hopes are always for the good health of my family and the betterment of our country.”
Lester Pimentel Ong
TV director, entrepreneur
“During Chinese New Year, we would usually visit our ancestral home in Binondo. Isang maliit lang na hardware shophouse, where my grandparents lived when they immigrated, and where they raised their family, including us apos.
All of us would wear red, which symbolizes good fortune. The elders would give angpaos to the kids. Pero ngayong malalaki na kami, baligtad na—we are the ones giving them now.
Close-knit community ang Binondo, so kahit hindi Chinese New Year—or kapag Chinese New Year, lalo na—bukas lahat ang mga pinto. ‘Yong mga bahay doon na tindahan ang ibaba… you could just go visit them, eat with them. Ang mga kapitbahay namin ay para na rin naming mga family members, or mga pinsan.
We cook traditional family meals sa bahay—the same food my lola used to cook. Fish means abundance, so we always have lapu-lapu. Noodles are for a long life. We also make sure to put out fruits. These are things our forefathers have been doing, and ayokong maputol. Para ‘yong mga anak ko na ‘di na lumaki sa Binondo, they still get that sense of tradition and continuity.”
Benedict Cua
Content creator, actor
“Growing up, we would always wear red every Chinese New Year. Don’t laugh! Sometimes it would be all red—even the underwear. This was to attract good luck and fortune. It’s a little funny to think about, but I grew up loving it because we got to do it together as a family while enjoying a well-prepared feast.
I love eating at home. It’s said that where you welcome the Chinese New Year is where luck enters. Being with family in the most comfortable place—home—is the best feeling. My favorite part is when we have all my favorite seafood on one table.
This year, I just want to be bolder and faster when it comes to actualizing my plans. It doesn’t mean I will pressure myself to be an achiever, but I want to surround myself with inspiration and motivation so I can have a stronger will to fight.
I’m not too superstitious, but I make sure to carry my amulet with me wherever I go. It’s a safety amulet blessed by our temple.”
Kimson Tan
Actor
“We always made sure to wear red during Chinese New Year, get a fresh haircut before the celebration, and keep a positive mindset to welcome good energy for the year ahead. My favorite memories are receiving angpaos from my Angkong and Ama—that feeling of excitement and blessing never gets old.
One thing we never skip is eating out together as a family during Chinese New Year, and hotpot dinners capture the spirit. We grew up celebrating with hotpot and lots of seafood—it’s festive and symbolic of prosperity. Gathering around the table and sharing dishes makes it even more meaningful.
For the Year of the Fire Horse, I’m claiming more shows, more projects, and expanding into more business ventures. Rabbits are considered lucky this year, so I’m embracing that energy. I have a necklace given to me by my Angkong that I always wear to events and business meetings. It’s very special to me because it reminds me of family, blessings, and staying grounded wherever I go.”
Yza Uy
Ms. Chinatown 2025
“I always looked forward to Chinese New Year dinners with friends and family—they felt like mini reunions. My favorite part was receiving angpaos from my uncles and aunties. Those red envelopes felt like little bursts of luck and love, and I was always excited to count them when I got home.
My parents used to scold me for wearing dark colors during Chinese New Year. They told me to wear red to attract luck. Now, red is my power color. It makes me feel confident and ready for new opportunities.
Chinese New Year is a foodie’s paradise, but noodles always win my heart. They symbolize long life and remind me to chase my dreams and stay close to my family.
Like a horse charging forward, I’m ready to start the year with boldness and action. I hope to be a proud Chinese Filipino voice in showbiz and grow with Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines.”
Tyrone Tan
Mr. Chinatown 2025
“Setting up decorations such as red lanterns, wearing red, having family dinners, receiving angpaos, and watching fireworks are the Chinese New Year traditions I grew up with and that my family still observes.
One of my favorite memories is from when I was a kid, seeing other kids and teens practicing a dragon dance in our subdivision. I was just watching when they asked me to join them. It was a very fun experience. Every Chinese New Year, I think about that moment and smile.
Tikoy best captures the spirit of the Chinese New Year for me because people I know always ask me for that. Talking about luck, the dish that makes me feel lucky is no other than my favorite—sweet and sour pork!
My hopes and outlook for the Year of the Fire Horse are growth and breakthroughs in the fields I am in… with dedication, perseverance in what I do, and the manifestation of the higher self in me.”
