Rabbit charms, tikoy big sellers in Binondo ahead of New Year

Shoppers are snapping up lucky charms and delicacies in Binondo as 2023—the Year of the Water Rabbit—approaches.

According to a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on "24 Oras" on Tuesday, buyers in Manila's Chinatown are picking up good luck charms and bad luck repellants in the shape of rabbits, as well as old favorites such as tikoy and ampao, ahead of New Year's Eve.

"Pinakamalakas itong King Rabbit, you can put candies, you can put coins. Lalagay niyo sa living rooms niyo or office para lumakas," said Charme Ongpin, lucky charm seller, showing off a rabbit ornament.

Expect sales of these items to pick up again in time for Chinese New Year, which will fall on January 22, 2023.

According to anthropologist Nestor Castro, the concept of lucky charms already existed in the Philippines before Spain's colonization.

However, Dr. Castro reminded the public that we must not depend on luck but also persevere for personal growth and development. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News