Thursday, January 12, 2012

Chinese New Year in the Year of the Dragon 2012

January 23 marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. This 2012, the Chinese New Year is officially declared by the  Philippine government as a special non-working holiday. (Read Proclamation No. 295)

Since the Chinese population and its influence is very large, the Chinese New Year is often celebrated by both Filipino-Chinese and ordinary Filipinos as well.

I've read these General Predictions for the Year of the Dragon, and found it very interesting.
The year of the dragon is traditionally associated with new beginnings and good fortune.

Those with entrepreneurial spirit are particularly favored to see much success in the coming year.

Generally, it's predicted that any new venture may benefit from the outstanding luck often associated with the dragon. Therefore, 2012 will be a very good year to get married, have children, or start a new business. (Source: Chiff)

The dragon is a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power. Those born during the dragon year are describes as charismatic, tempestuous, and lucky. Hopefully, we would all attract good luck this year and fill it with good fortune.

Enjoy the upcoming Chinese New Year and greet everyone  "Kung Hei Fat Choi!"  or you can also say, "Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!"

[Philippine Holidays 2012 Official List]

This year, we have 6 long weekends to look forward to.

A. Regular Holidays
January 1 (Sunday) :  New Year's Day
April 5 (Thursday) :  Maundy Thursday
April 6 (Friday) :  Good Friday
April 9 (Monday) :  Araw ng Kagitingan
May 1 (Tuesday) :  Labor Day
June 12 (Tuesday) :  Independence Day
August 27 (Monday) :  National Heroes Day
November 30 (Friday) :  Bonifacio Day
December 25 (Tuesday) :  Christmas Day
December 30 (Sunday) :  Rizal Day

B. Special (Non-Working) Days
January 23 (Monday) :  Chinese New Year
August 21 (Tuesday) :  Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 (Thursday) :  All Saints Day
November 2 (Friday) :  Additional special (non-working) day
December 31 (Monday) :  Last Day of the Year

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)        
February 25 (Saturday) :  EDSA Revolution Anniversary

The observance of Eid’l Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eidul Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) are national holidays as well.