Conveniently tucked along the esteros of Binondo, lies a shop where “dragons” are born. Like dragon legends, it began with a quest for a better life, and a more satisfying pay.

“Ma, bumuo kaya tayo ng sarili nating Lion and Dragon Dance troupe. Ang baba kase ng sinasahod namin sa pagsasayaw,” narrates Claire Sicat, 72, of Binondo Manila, when asked about how their Lion and Dragon Dance group started. Sicat is mother to the Dragon performers, founder of the Pink Panther Dragon Dance Group.

She gleefully recounts how once, her son went home crying, prompting her to ask why. He complained of the pay they are getting from a Lion and Dragon Dance group. The job involves months of practice. Not to mention the risk that goes along.

Sometime in the early ’90s, Claire’s son talked about his desire to establish their own Dragon and Lion dance group. “Tutal may pera kayo, bili tayo ng dalawang ulo ng dragon at ng lion” he said.

A former employee of the Manila City Hall, Claire Sicat (fondly called “Mommy” by the 120-strong members of the Lion and Dragon Dancers) gave up her savings for her son’s wish and bought a dragon and lion’s head for P20,000 each.

“Bukod pa ho yung katawan, yung mahaba ho nasa P50,000. Eh dalawa ho yun.”

They need to buy two long dragons, each costing P50,000.

A large drum costs P12,000, while a cymbal is at P2,000, excluding the outfits they need to wear depending on the occasion or location.

Roughly, a Lion and Dragon Dance troupe, complete with costume, uniforms, food, and transportation, would cost around P200,000.

Thus, the birth of the “Pink Panther Dragon Dance Troupe.” The original of which was formed in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

All Claire’s seven children now forms the newly established Lion and Dragon Dance Group. And, with a strong heart for entrepreneurship, the Pink Panther Dragon Dance Group gave birth to nine more independent dance groups. Each of which is managed by her children.

Jayvee Sicat, her 30-year-old son, manages the dancers. He says one dance group could have as many as 120 performers, with at least 16 individuals for the Dancing Lions and 20 persons for the Dragon. Along with these are the crew who plays the music, act as mascots, direct traffic, artisans, and other contributors.

As for the performance fee, her sons say the amount depends on the location. But figures would reach from P20,000 to P45,000 based on the number of Lions and Dragons. Some clients would prefer a complete set of two Dragons and eight Lions.

The group has learned to make their own dragon from head to tail, instead of importing them from China or Vietnam.

Robert Sicat, one of the elder siblings, handles the cutting and sewing for the group. He is assisted by Donna Arevalo who hails from Bicol. Donna comes to Manila every Chinese New Year season and creates costumes, belts, and sash shirts.

The Dragons and the Lions each have their own distinct names depending on their looks, shape, and color.

Carlo Sicat, another sibling, names the Lions as “Foshan,” “Pato,” “Mengkok” and so on. A dragon’s head and body is referred to as “ulong” and “saytaw” respectively.

The Dragon brothers, together with Claire Sicat, have become quite successful with their chosen endeavor. This Chinese New Year alone, each group average three to five on-site performances.

On January 19, 2025, in a team-up with two dragon groups Team Therry and Team Rui Philippines, they bagged the Championship Prize for the first-ever 2025 Lion and Dragon Dance competition. An event organized by Pawchester and Huang Lion Dance Group. The teams received P100,000 in cash plus special awards which includes Excellence in Prop, Excellence in Costume, and People’s Choice Award.

(Photos and text by Joel Mataro)