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May the celestial Water Dragon bring immense good luck and prosperity to us all!
For the first time in our history, the Chinese New Year was declared a special nonworking holiday. Officially known as the Lunar New Year, the declaration cited the contribution of the Chinese people to the dynamic growth and vibrant culture of our country. As such, it will be the perfect time to celebrate and observe the traditions that this popular festival brings. Below are some of our local restaurant destinations ready to offer authentic and enjoyable feasts and other must-see activities.
HYATT HOTEL AND CASINO MANILA
The Year of the Water Dragon occurs only every 60 years and is believed to bring energy, opportunities and luck. Having these in mind, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila invites good fortune with a celebration that features a captivating dragon dance performance and an auspicious selection of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
At Li Li, the chef de cuisine Andy Chan offers a special set menu with ingredients that symbolise good fortune - Dried Oyster, or HAO CHI means good business, Hair Moss or FA CAI stands for good fortune, and five kinds of appetisers represent the five blessings of the year, which are longevity,
riches, peace, wisdom and virtue.
The festivities continue at Market Café with a bounty of Chinese delicacies specially prepared for the highly celebrated event. Featured dishes include Peking duck, hot and sour soup, Hainanese chicken,and TIKOY, to name a few.
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
Food and Beverage Reservations Centre
Tel: +632.247.8666 / +632.245.1234 ext. 7291.
Email cath.mn@hyatt.com
INTERCONTINENTAL MANILA
From January 23 to February 6, 2012, hotel guests are in for an extraordinary visual treat in Prosperi-TEA, a special exhibition of Chinese teapots from a private collection, at the lobby. Local residents may avail themselves of the Gong Xi Fa Cai Room Package at the special rate of P 8,888 per night stay in a Club Room where they will enjoy exclusive amenities and services.
At the Gambrinus Bar a fine selection of exquisite Chinese tea blends, sandwiches, scones and cakes will be served from 11 AM to 5 PM daily from January 15 to February 15, while Café Jeepney will hold a Chinese food festival from January 23 to February 6.
The first of a series of 12 monthly cooking classes for kids aged 12 and below will take place on Sunday, 8 January, at the Legaspi Room from 3 PM to 5 PM. Featured recipes are King Fu Dumplings and Mango Pearl Freeze.
InterContinental Manila
1 Ayala Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel: +632.793.7000
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MANILA
Access to this grand festivity is easy with the hotel's value-filled Prosperity room package, which starts at 6,888++ pesos for an overnight stay for two, and includes international buffet breakfast, 1,000 pesos dining credit in any of the hotel's restaurants and a 50-peso Spa voucher for an à la carte pampering treatment at the relaxing Spa. For an indulgent treat, Club floor guests can delight in upgraded benefits plus access to the exclusive Mandarin Oriental Club Lounge 8,888 pesos for a Club deluxe room and 12,888 pesos for a Club Suite room. The Prosperity Package is valid 20-30 January 2012.
Tin Hau's homemade TIKOY will also be available for purchase at the hotel's Chinese New Year booth beginning 9 January 9 and in Rockwell from 15 to 22 January. To continue the celebration, exquisite menus are offered in Tin Hau specially prepared by the executive Chinese chef Hann Furn Chen. From January 23 to 29, festive Chinese New Year specialities will be offered in set and a la carte menus.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila
Makati Avenue
Makati City 1226
Metro Manila,
Tel: +632.750.8888
Email momnl-reservations@mohg.com.
CROWNE PLAZA
Breathe fire into Chinese New Year festivities at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on January 23, 2012. The hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Xin Tian Di, comes alive in resplendent red hues to herald the coming of the year of the dragon. This mythical creature of the Chinese zodiac is believed to be the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. To pay homage to its divine qualities, the Chinese Executive chef Sam Lee will be introducing Hong Kong's famed lucky speciality, the Braised Mini Whole Abalone with Dried Scallop in Melon Ring. In the year of the water dragon, Xin Tian Di offers the most auspicious food in the Chinese New Year to give diners a year blessed with abundance in success and happiness this 2012.
Send off blessings to your loved ones with Xi Tian Di's signature Chinese New Year treat. Exchange good luck greetings and give away the lucky Fish Tikoy, which symbolizes longevity. This delicacy is available at Xin Tian DI or Agenda starting January 8-23, 2012.
Xin Tian Di
Crowne Plaza
Ortigas Avenue cor Asian Development Bank Ave
Quezon City
Tel: +632.6337222
Email: fandb.reservations@ihg.com
MANILA HOTEL
In keeping with tradition, Manila Hotel is welcoming the year of the water dragon with a grand festivity for luck and prosperity. Dragon dances, fireworks and a special consultation by the international FENG SHUI expert Marites Allen will mark the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Manila Hotel.
As the sky lights up with a colourful fireworks display, guests will delight at the auspicious meal prepared by the Manila Hotel Executive Chinese chef Sun Bing. An important part of the celebration, the dishes will symbolize luck, longevity, and wealth for the coming year. For the Chinese New Year, Mabuhay Palace is offering a wide array of sumptuous meals including Steamed Garoupa Fillet in Brown Sauce, Dried Fried Shrimp Glazed with Almonds, and the traditional Nian Gao. Fish, which is usually served whole, is an important part of the meal as it symbolizes abundance for the year ahead. The Deep-Fried Shrimps, on the other hand, signify happiness and well-being for the entire family. A permanent dish on the dining table, the Nian Gao or TIKOY symbolizes the togetherness of the family. Its usual circular shape represents the never- ending flow of luck.
Regular tickets for the Chinese New Year at the Manila Hotel cost at 2,188 pesos and Premium tickets at 3,188 pesos.
Manila Hotel
One Rizal Park, 0913
Manila, Philippines
Tel: +632.527.0011 loc 1108 or 1243