Celebrating Chinese New Year 2026: A Season of Renewal, Strength, and Forward Movement

Chinese New Year 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse.

Just days before the celebration, I returned to Canada after a beautiful three-week vacation in my home country, the Philippines. My heart was still full from family embraces, Filipino meals, laughter, and the warmth of home. Then I stepped back into the cool winter air of British Columbia, transitioning into another meaningful celebration, the Lunar New Year.

Over the years, I have intentionally made time to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to contemplate its significance in my life. It has become more than a cultural event. It is a sacred pause. A reset. A reminder that life moves in cycles and every year gives us another opportunity to grow.

Celebrating in Vancouver

I have been blessed to witness the Vancouver Lunar New Year Parade in 2023 and 2024, and the Vancouver Lantern Festival in 2025.

Each celebration leaves a deep imprint on my soul.

I always enjoy:

• The powerful lion and dragon dances
• The vibrant red and gold decorations
• The colorful cultural performances
• The rhythmic drumbeats
• The crackle of firecrackers

The sound of the drums feels like a heartbeat. Strong. Alive. Determined. It reminds me that every new year carries energy and momentum.

And 2026 carries the powerful energy of the Horse.

Year of the Horse: Energy, Freedom, and Movement

The Horse in Chinese zodiac symbolizes speed, passion, independence, and progress. People born in Horse years are known for their dynamic energy, adventurous spirit, and drive to move forward.

The Horse does not stand still. It runs toward horizons. It seeks freedom and new opportunities.

This makes me reflect deeply as someone born in 1985, the Year of the Ox.

The Ox and the Horse: What Does It Mean for Me?

The Ox represents diligence, reliability, endurance, and steady strength. Ox people are patient builders. We do not rush. We commit. We carry responsibility with discipline and quiet determination.

In Chinese zodiac compatibility, the Ox and the Horse are very different energies.

• The Ox moves steadily and carefully.
• The Horse moves quickly and boldly.
• The Ox values structure and stability.
• The Horse values freedom and momentum.

Some traditions say they can clash because of their opposite temperaments. But I see it differently. I see balance.

The Year of the Horse challenges the Ox in me to:

• Step outside routine
• Move with more courage
• Embrace change instead of overthinking it
• Take action faster

At the same time, my Ox energy reminds me:

• Stay grounded
• Build sustainably
• Do not rush blindly
• Finish what you start

This combination can be powerful. The steady strength of the Ox guided by the forward momentum of the Horse can create meaningful progress.

As a Virgo in Western astrology, I also carry traits of discipline, precision, and continuous improvement. Virgo refines. The Ox perseveres. The Horse accelerates.

2026 feels like a year to move forward with intention, not hesitation.

The Sweet Symbolism of Tikoy

No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without Tikoy.

In the Philippines, we call it Tikoy, a brown glutinous sticky rice cake known in Chinese culture as Nian Gao.

Tikoy symbolizes:

• Sweetness for the coming year
• Unity and family togetherness
• Prosperity and continuous growth

Its sticky texture represents bonds that hold families together. Its sweetness reflects hopes for harmonious relationships. Its upward meaning signifies rising success year after year.

Every bite feels intentional. It is more than food. It is tradition. It is hope.

Why Lunar New Year Matters to Me

These ancient Chinese beliefs and rituals give my life meaning and energy. They connect me to heritage, culture, and reflection. They remind me that renewal is always available.

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A post shared by Del Cusay (@rodmarqc02)

After returning from the Philippines, Lunar New Year became my emotional bridge. From rest to rebuilding. From vacation mode to purpose mode.

Each year, I ask myself:

• What must I let go of?
• What must I strengthen?
• What must I pursue fearlessly?

The Horse year whispers, run forward.

The Ox within me responds, build wisely.

My Virgo mind adds, improve consistently.

Together, they shape how I step into 2026.

A Year to Move with Strength and Courage

Chinese New Year 2026 is not just about decorations, zodiac animals, or festive food.

It is about momentum.

It is about combining discipline with courage.

It is about steady strength meeting courageous movement.

As an Ox entering the Year of the Horse, I see opportunity. Not conflict.

This is the year to move forward without losing stability.

To run without forgetting where I came from.

To act with courage while staying grounded in values.

May this year be sweet like Tikoy.

May it be steady like the Ox.

May it be bold like the Horse.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.

And as I always remind myself, make it happen.

©️ 2026 Del Cusay 

A Surprise Homecoming: Reuniting With My Family in the Philippines

There are moments in life when time seems to pause and the heart quietly whispers, you are exactly where you are meant to be. My recent journey back to the Philippines was one of those moments. After four years of living in Canada, working hard, adjusting to a new life, and building new dreams, I finally returned to my home country. What began as a simple vacation became a deeply emotional homecoming filled with love, faith, and gratitude.

On January 18, 2026, I left Vancouver with a heart full of anticipation. After a long journey across the Pacific, I arrived in Manila early in the morning of January 20. Coincidentally, it was the Feast of San Sebastian, the patron saint of our hometown. It felt like a special blessing, as if my journey home was being welcomed with grace.

At the airport, my sister and brother in law were waiting for me. Seeing their familiar faces after so many years brought tears to my eyes. I stayed with them for three days, slowly absorbing the reality that I was finally back in the Philippines. It was a surprise visit after four years of living in Canada, and my family could hardly believe it. Their joyful reactions warmed my heart, and it felt wonderful to share gifts I had brought from Canada as small tokens of love.

During those first few days, I reunited with my sisters and their families. My nephews and my only niece had grown up so much since the last time I saw them. Time moves quickly, especially when distance separates us. Over meals and long conversations, we shared stories, laughter, and memories. Those moments reminded me that family is not only where we come from but also where our hearts always return.

On January 23, I flew from Manila to my hometown, about an hour away. That short flight felt long because I knew my parents were waiting at the end of it, even though they had no idea I was coming. When I finally saw them, emotions overwhelmed me. I hugged and kissed them tightly, grateful beyond words. Despite our regular video calls, nothing compares to being physically present with the people who raised you. Their surprise quickly turned into joy, and I was happy to give them gifts from Canada as a symbol of this my love and appreciation.

The following day, January 24, our village celebrated the Feast of Sto. Niño. It was a joyful gathering filled with faith and community. I was able to see many relatives and neighbors again, people who had been part of my life since childhood. Being there reminded me how deeply rooted our traditions and faith are in our everyday lives.

Another special moment came on January 25 during the 8th founding anniversary of the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in our village. I witnessed something that filled me with pride and gratitude. My parents received a plaque of recognition for their service and support to the parish since 2012, when it first started as a mission station. Watching them stand there and be honored for their dedication and faith was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the values they instilled in us such as service, humility, and devotion. 

As the days passed, more family members arrived. On January 30, my brother, sister, and their families traveled from Manila to our hometown. Our house became lively again with laughter, conversations, and shared meals. On February 1, we happily celebrated my sister’s birthday. For the first time since 2019, we were complete as a family. That moment alone was worth the long journey.  

During my stay, I also visited familiar places around our hometown, places I had known since childhood. Walking through those streets brought back many memories of simpler days. One moment that stood out was seeing my parents’ commercial building fully completed. I had witnessed its construction before leaving for Canada in 2022, and now it stood finished and ready to serve the community. Seeing it completed filled me with pride and happiness for my parents.  

Of course, no visit home would be complete without enjoying the beauty of nature. We spent time swimming at the beach in a nearby province, something I have always loved since I was young. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the laughter of family made it an unforgettable experience. 

During those two weeks, our home was filled with stories, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. I shared about life in Canada and reassured them that everything was going well. At the same time, I listened to their stories and prayed that they would continue to live in good health and happiness. Even after living abroad, my heart still longs for the warmth of home.

On February 7, it was time to leave our hometown and return to Manila. Saying goodbye to my parents after two weeks together was deeply emotional. Leaving them again reminded me how precious every moment with family truly is. 

The day before my flight back to Canada, my sister and I visited the church of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. It was a rainy Sunday, yet we endured the weather to attend mass. Standing there in prayer, surrounded by countless devotees, felt incredibly meaningful. It was a moment of gratitude and divine blessing before returning to my life in Canada. 

Finally, after three unforgettable weeks, it was time to go back. On February 9, 2026, I left the Philippines with a heavy heart. I did not know when I would see my family again, but I felt grateful that my long held wish had finally come true to be with them, even for a short time. 

Later that same afternoon, I arrived in Vancouver and finally reached home. My heart was full. I carried with me countless stories, precious memories, and a renewed appreciation for family, faith, and home.

Sometimes life takes us far away from where we started. But no matter how far we travel, the place we call home will always remain in our hearts. My journey back to the Philippines reminded me that while Canada is now part of my life and dreams, my roots will always lead me back to the love of my family and the place that shaped who I am today.

©️ 2026 Del Cusay