of balloons, kittehs, and chinese lanterns

What struck me while visiting Chinatown during the eve of the Chinese New Year was how the traditional Chinese lanterns weren't that prominent. Rather, it was the balloons of suspiciously-not-properly-licensed-to-use characters being sold in the streets.




They were like floating entities above the throng of humanity.




But I did get my Chinese lantern fix that night. I found it along this street while getting down the Carriedo LRT station. This street, with its simple rows of Chinese lanterns, was to me, the Chinese New Year version of a solemn Christmas.




And going to Chinatown, you'd get the commercialized one.

Jordan
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the year after

Each of us have our own Christmas stories, and regardless of social pressure, not all must involve Christmas trees, Noche Buena, and gifts to be unwrapped come Christmas eve.

Not yet over though, better get ready for the fireworks.



Jordan
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*Ongpin St. after the fireworks during the 2010 Valentines/Chinese New Year.