In 2025, the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum took a significant step, independently hosting its first Chinese New Year celebration. To further connect with the community, the museum then partnered with the Cebu City Tourism Commission for the Red Lantern Festival on February 8, 2025, introducing a fresh and engaging way for locals to participate in welcoming the New Year.
Chinese New Year 2025 Celebration
Held on January 29, 2025, the celebration provided an immersive cultural experience featuring interactive exhibits and festive activities. The museum introduced an ₱80 activity pass, granting visitors access to all in-house activities, ensuring a vibrant and educational experience.
The Golden Prosperity Tree: A Symbol of Luck and Tradition
The Golden Prosperity Tree, prominently placed in the Grand Lobby, became the event’s focal point. Symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings, it captivated guests and served as an interactive attraction. Visitors engaged in the tradition of writing wishes on red envelopes and hanging them on the tree’s branches.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jose Soberano III of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. for his generous sponsorship of the Golden Prosperity Tree. His support played a crucial role in bringing this meaningful installation to life, allowing visitors to partake in a cherished cultural tradition and enhancing the overall celebratory experience. This tree will continue to be a central feature of our annual Chinese New Year celebrations, fostering a lasting tradition for years to come.
Chinese Zodiac Philatelic Exhibition: A meticulously curated display on the Chinese Zodiac Animals, featuring rare and captivating stamps from Cebu Stamp Club’s Leader, Richard Allan B. Uy, coordinated by Rav Velasquez Baz. This exhibit brought to life the legends, artistry, and cultural heritage of the zodiac. Visitors praised the vibrant displays and informative content, with suggestions to expand exhibits and add interactive elements to it.
Storytelling with Dr. Cindy Panizales: A standout success, featuring a specially written story for the museum’s Chinese New Year celebration, Paghuwat sa Bag-ong Tuig (Waiting for the New Year), authored by Dr. Cindy Velasquez-Panizales and illustrated by Melai Marcos-Paguio. Dr. Cindy, a Cebuano children's storybook writer based in Cebu and a professor at the University of San Carlos – Literature Department, captivated guests with her engaging storytelling, cultural insights, and the interactive nature of the session.
The Chinese New Year 2025 and Red Lantern Festival at the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum marked a proud new chapter in the museum's journey of independent cultural celebration. Beyond simply promoting Chinese heritage, these festivities wove a stronger tapestry of community, deepening appreciation for shared traditions and cultural identity. The outpouring of engagement from attendees, dedicated partners, and generous sponsors beautifully showcased a vibrant interest in cultural experiences that bridge the past with exciting modern festivities.
Through careful curation and collaborative spirit, the museum delivered an event that was both immersive and educational, cementing its position as a vital cornerstone of Cebu's cultural scene. The widespread positive reception and participation affirmed the immense potential for growing these initiatives. Looking ahead, continuous refinement in our logistics, programming, and community outreach will undoubtedly elevate the museum's visibility, drawing even more visitors and amplifying its impact, as we steadily evolve into a premier cultural destination in the region.