The 2nd Lion Dance Invitational Competition at GH Mall celebrated Chinese New Year with a bang. Present were (L-R) Monique Castaneda, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Marketing; Jasmine Sy; Daniel Sy, Certified Master Feng Shui Consultant; Natalie Sia, Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) President; Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President; Fr. Joseph Y. Haw, SJ, President of Xavier School; Maritess Ortigas; Gaius Uy, Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group Founder and CEO; Catherine Dueñas, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Leasing; Sharm Yu of Sucere Company; and Janice Chun of Jobin Hosieng Manufacturing Corporation
The rhythmic beat of drums and the clashing of cymbals echoed through the South Wing Atrium of GH Mall on February 8, 2026, as the 2nd Lion Dance Invitational Competition took center stage. Starting at 10 AM, the event transformed the mall into a vibrant hub of cultural artistry and athletic prowess, drawing a massive crowd of spectators eager to witness one of the most beloved traditions of the Lunar New Year.
Organized in partnership with Pawchester and the Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group, the competition featured a ₱100,000 prize pool, attracting the finest troupes from across the region to showcase their discipline and spirit.
Celebrating the Champions
The competition was divided into two categories: Junior, which highlighted the bright future of the craft; and Pro for seasoned performers.
The participants of the Junior Division proved they were a force to be reckoned with, displaying impressive coordination and agility. Tiong Se Academy Wushu and Lion Dance Team took home the grand prize of P50,000.
- Champion:Tiong Se Academy Wushu and Lion Dance Team
- 1st Runner-Up:Northern Rizal Yorklin School Wushu, Dragon, and Lion Dance Team
- 2nd Runner-Up:Philippine Cultural College Lion Dance Team
- 3rd Runner-Up:Xavier Dragon Lion and Dance Troupe
Meanwhile, the stakes were high in the Pro Division, where the defending champions, the Philippine Rui Dragon and Lion Dance Group, fought to keep their crown against fierce competition. In the end, the group bagged the P50,000 grand prize for the second year in a row.
- Champion:Philippine Rui Dragon and Lion Dance Group
- 1st Runner-Up:Wei Feng and Wei Guang Dragon and Lion Dance Group
- 2nd Runner-Up: China Town Youth Generation Lion and Dragon Dance Group
- 3rd Runner-Up: Wei San Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe
More Than Just a Performance: Cultural Roots
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Lion Dance serves as more than just entertainment; it is a vital bridge to Chinese and Chinese-Filipino (Tsinoy) heritage. In local culture, the lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune.
The performance is believed to mimic the movements of the mythical creature, Nian, to scare away evil spirits and welcome prosperity in the coming year. For the Filipino-Chinese community, events like these at GH Mall are essential in keeping their traditions alive for the younger generation, blending the rigor of martial arts with the beauty of cultural storytelling. It also reinforces GH Mall’s commitment to honoring our diverse traditions through vibrant, community-driven celebrations.
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