MANILA, Philippines - Festivities in Binondo, Chinatown are non-stop from February 9 (Chinese New Year's eve) until February 10 (Chinese New Year).

Streets and alleyways are rivers of red shirts through which slither dragon lion dancers with their fearsome but comical masks.

These photographs try to capture the color, energy, and good vibrations of the celebrations leading to the start of the Year of the Water Snake. Enjoy!

BUSY STREETS. The streets of Chinatown, Binondo are packed with revelers and festival-goers

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY. A demonstration of intricate Chinese calligraphy enthralls passers-by in the atrium of Lucky Chinatown Mall

FINISHED PRODUCT. The artist presents his finished work

CHECK MATE! Concentration and a good sense of humor is needed for a good game of Chinese Chess

DRAGON DANCE. During Chinese New Year, dragon lions rule the streets

LANTERN CHARMS. Red charms like these are peddled in every street corner in Binondo

FEARSOME FACE. The dragon lion's head is meant to scare off negative energy from businesses and homes. Festival-goers, however, aren't intimidated one bit.

MAKE LUCK STICK. Tikoy stalls are ubiquitous during this festive time of the year

SNAKE CHARM-ERS. Water Snake figurines are the choice souvenirs this Chinese New Year

SUBTLE SKILL. Fan painting is demonstrated in the atrium of Lucky Chinatown Mall

- With reports and photos by Franz Lopez and Pia Ranada/Rappler.com