In Chinese culture it is believed that touching the dragon during the lion-and-dragon dance is believed to bring good luck. During this auspicious dance, the vibrant color and length of the dragon alone reveals its majestic presence as a giver of good luck. The energetic dance of the lion, on the other hand, is said to chase evil spirits away. So besides serving lucky foods on the dinner table at home, people still go out and enjoy the rest of the city’s festive Chinese New Year celebrations.
With the long weekend ahead, and the declaration of Chinese New Year, the first day of the Year of the Water Dragon, on Monday (January 23) as a non-working holiday, you’ll have enough time to join the city’s many festivities and embrace Chinese culture, which holds a significant spot in the Filipino’s rich history and heritage.
Chinatown
But of course, you have to go at the heartland—in the oldest Chinatown in the world! Visit Binondo and begin celebrating on Sunday (January 22), the eve of Chinese New Year. On Ongpin Street, the 1st Pedestrian Day of Manila’s Chinatown happens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parade, cultural exhibit, wushu exhibition, street dance competition, a cultural show, and yes, a lion and dragon dance awaits merrymakers.
And while you’re there, sign up for the Big Binondo Food Wok by Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks. Ivan will guide you through the streets of Binondo in his special walking tours on the following dates: January 21, Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; January 22, Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; January 23, Monday (Chinese New Year), 8 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. Fee is P1,500 inclusive of tasting menu and other fun activities. Slots are limited so book today. For reservations: Look for Ivan or Cherry at (+632) 711-3823, (+63) 918-9626452.
Greenhills
Prepare for the Year of the Water Dragon by wearing new clothes and new shoes on the first day of Chinese New Year. Get them at the ongoing Chinese New Year Fair at the V-Mall lobby of Greenhills Shopping Center until January 24.
Quezon City
On January 23, Little Asia, a restaurant offering Asian cuisine on Tomas Morato Avenue, will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a spectacular with a lion dance show. Catch some lucky coins and candies that have been blessed.
Makati
One of the much-awaited celebrations of Chinese New Year happens at Mandarin Oriental Manila with master geomancer Joseph Chau at the helm. The festivities begin at 10 p.m. on January 22 with cocktails at the MO Lounge (formerly Captain’s Bar), followed by the colorful ceremonies outdoors where hotel general manager Mark Bradford and special guests officiate at the traditional ceremony of dotting the eyes of the lions and a dragon.
Chau then begins the Paai-Shan ceremony and an energizing ritual to bring in good luck to those in attendance. A fireworks display caps off the rituals.
Relish your first lucky meal of the year with a midnight eight-course lauriat dinner to be held at the Mandarin Ballroom. For more information on Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s Chinese New Year activities, call the hotel on 750-8888 or e-mail momnl-reservations@mohg.com
The Peninsula Manila’s lucky dragon dance starts at 11 a.m. at the lobby on January 23. The hotel will be offering a Chinese-themed buffet at Escolta restaurant for lunch and dinner. The buffets are priced at P1,450 (adults) and P870 (children under 12). For inquiries or reservations, call 887-2888.
Makati Shangri-La’s dragon and lion dance will be held a the hotel’s lobby on January 22 and January 23. Ang pao treats will be given to children who dine at the hotel’s restaurant outlets. Lavish four to nine-course lauriat meals are available at Shang Palace. For a table of 10, set menus range from P16,888++ to P22,888++. Circles Event Café will also be offering Chinese New Year’s Eve buffet. For inquiries and reservations, call 840-0884.
Manila
If you can’t go to Chinatown, then Chinatown will come to you at SM Mall of Asia’s Celebrate Hao Bang: Chinese New Year Celebration organized by the Rotaract Club of Manila Chinatown on January 22 at SM By the Bay. The venue practically turns into one long Chinoy strip filled with various stalls. There will also be performances by Filipino-Chinese students and a Chinoy costume contest and parade. A spectacular fireworks display to welcome the Year of the Dragon will happen in the evening.
Go inside the mall and view MoneyGram Philippines’ exhibit of hand-painted Chinese lanterns at the Main Mall Atrium. If you want to learn more about the basics of Chinese painting, attend Learn and Love Chinese Painting free workshop on Sunday, January 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at the same venue.
The Manila Hotel starts the auspicious year at the Manila Hotel’s tent city on January 22 at 10 a.m. with a dragon dance and opening of its bazaar. At 9:30 p.m., there will be a ceremonial dotting of the dragon’s eye followed by blessings, incense lighting and other rituals for luck, and a grand fireworks display. Feng shui expert Maritess Allen will also give her forecasts for the year. An Auspicious Meal will also be offered to the event’s ticketholders. For inquiries and reservations, call 527-0011 loc. 1108 or 1243.
Out-of-town
In Laguna, take part in the Chinese Dance Festival at the SM City Sta. Rosa, Activity Grounds near SM Supermarket on January 23 at 4 p.m. SM City Clark will also have its Chinese New Year Dragon and Lion Dance during mall hours spread throughout the day.
