Waterfront Cebu and Shangri-La Mactan Host Grand Chinese New Year Celebrations
As the Year of the Fire Horse galloped in with vibrant energy, two prominent hotels in Cebu, Philippines, marked the occasion with elaborate Chinese New Year festivities. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa organized events filled with traditional rituals, lively performances, and distinguished guests, creating a festive atmosphere to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel's Festive Evening
The celebration at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel centered around a life-size figure of the Fire Horse displayed in the lobby, setting a joyful tone for the New Year's Eve merrymaking. The event was highlighted by an eye-dotting ceremony for three colorful lions, a symbolic act believed to awaken the lions and bring luck. Hotel General Manager Ali Banting led this ceremony alongside notable guests, including Japanese Consul General Yudai Ueno, US Consular Officer Glen Loop, Mark Inoc from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Vivina Chiu, and Consular Attaché Fupeng Yang of the People's Republic of China.
Following the ceremony, the lions sprang to life in a dynamic dance, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the majestic movements of a dragon dance. The festivities continued with a Yee Sang salad mix and toss, a tradition symbolizing good luck for the coming year, as participants tossed the ingredients high to attract prosperity.
The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, expertly orchestrated by businessman and fireworks specialist Jonathan Gesalem. Dubbed "Fire in the Sky," the dazzling show drew cheers from onlookers, including special guests Governor Pam Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, who were also present earlier in the event alongside hotel staff such as group sales manager Kristelle Armamento.
Shangri-La Mactan's Morning Festivities
At Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, the Chinese New Year was greeted bright and early on the morning of February 17. The hotel's lobby was adorned with a festive centerpiece featuring red lanterns and pink flowers, flanked by two cutout horses poised to leap, embodying the spirit of the Fire Horse.
The traditional celebrations took place at the porte cochere, where six lions of various colors awaited their awakening. General Manager Dave Junker, along with Lapu-Lapu City's power couple, Congressman Ahong Chan and Mayor Cindi Chan, performed the eye-dotting ceremony. At the crash of cymbals and the sound of drums, the lions came to life, engaging in a spirited dance followed by an energetic dragon dance.
The highlight of the event was the Yee Sang Prosperity Toss, where participants mixed and tossed a salad filled with ingredients representing positive aspects of life, such as abundance, joy, longevity, good health, family togetherness, and blessings. According to tradition, the higher the toss, the more luck is expected in the new year. The Shangri-La team, including marketing associate Dorothy Perez, marcom director Gladys Loret, DOSM Mau Rendon, and marketing executive Donn Canedo, joined in the festivities, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
These events at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Shangri-La Mactan not only honored Chinese cultural traditions but also brought together local and international figures, showcasing Cebu's vibrant hospitality and commitment to cultural exchange during this auspicious time of year.
