Growing up in a multiracial family of Filipino, Chinese and Spanish descent, I was immersed in traditions from multiple cultures. Among them, Lunar New Year remains one of my most cherished celebrations — a special day to gather and celebrate with family, friends and loved ones.
As a child, Lunar New Year meant visiting Binondo in Manila and seeing the streets decorated with Chinese lanterns and festive red decorations. Red is prominent in Chinese culture, signifying happiness, prosperity and good fortune. It is common to see everyone dressed in red, believed to ward off evil spirits.
One of my core childhood memories is standing with my parents and brothers in Ongpin, eagerly waiting for a Lunar New Year parade to start. My brothers and I jumped and cheered with joy as we heard the loud banging of cymbals and drums, and watched a group of dancers lead the dragon and lion dance, followed by fireworks and firecrackers.
That day, an elder dressed in cheongsam (traditional Chinese clothing) approached me, holding a handful of red envelopes — angpao or hóngbāo — symbolizing good luck for both the giver and receiver. As I reached out to accept her gift, I became distracted, fascinated by her bound feet. A tap on the shoulder broke my focus, reminding me to look up and bow my head in acknowledgement.
I received the red envelope with both hands, thanking her and saying, Kiong Hee Huat Chai, the Hokkien version of Gong Xi Fa Cai, or “congratulations and be prosperous.” The evening continued with sweets such as fruits, a glutinous rice cake called tikoy, turnip or radish cake and a family feast.
Though I no longer live in the Philippines, the experiences, stories and family traditions remain vivid, and I will cherish them forever. I saved every angpao received over the years from my parents and grandmother. Now, as an adult, I have become the giver of red envelopes, finding immense joy in passing on this tradition. My mom and brothers continue to do the same, reinforcing the symbolic meanings of filial piety, love, prosperity and good wishes.
Over time, Lunar New Year has taken on a deeper meaning for me. Though many elders and loved ones have passed, their presence lives on in the memories that continue to spark joy. These traditions are more than just celebrations — they are touchstones of my identity, and are a significant part of my cultural framework.
As I grow older, Lunar New Year is an opportunity to reflect on my heritage and embrace renewal while celebrating unity and togetherness. Most importantly, it reminds me of the collectivist values at the heart of my Filipino and Chinese heritage — values deeply intertwined with who I am and continue to guide me.
I understand the power of knowing one’s history, values and experiences, and how they shape the future. As a professional and leader in higher education, representation matters, and I strive to create space, provide support and serve as an ally. Being an ally is important to me as I use my privilege to actively lift others up, promote inclusionary practices and champion meaningful causes.
One such cause is my involvement in the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American ally training at MiraCosta College. Collaborating with a team dedicated to fostering allyship has reinforced the importance of understanding and sharing our cultural frameworks, stories, and experiences. This training introduces participants to many of the diverse APIDA experiences in the United States, touching on critical topics such as the model minority myth, the perpetual foreigner stereotype, intersectionality, allyship, and solidarity. While it only scratches the surface, it highlights the ongoing need for education, awareness and action.
Lunar New Year reminds me that cultural traditions are not just personal memories — they are bridges to understanding. As we welcome a new year, my hope is that we all take a moment to reflect on our histories, celebrate our unique heritages, and embrace the collective work of building a more inclusive and unified future.
