Year of the Dog - A photo essay.

The 29 January was the start of the chinese new year of the fire Dog and trip to Manila's China Town was on the agenda.

wearing red to attract good luck

to see the lions

up close and personal

and hear their bands

and the fireworks

amid the thronging crowds

buying round fruit for good luck

and sweet, sticty Tikoy to bind the family together

where east and west rub shoulders in harmony.