After December, Cebuanos prepare for the annual Sinulog festival, which is held on the third Sunday of January. The event, which honors the vision of the child Jesus, culminates with a street parade and dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.
One would imagine that after six weeks of merriment, the people would be ready to resume the routine schedules of work and responsibility. However, true to form, the Cebuanos were out in the streets, this time to welcome the Chinese New Year.
The hotels, resorts and restaurants were as busy as ever. The Waterfront Hotel and Casino, the venue of choice for the city’s most important gatherings, brought a visual and gastronomic feast with their annual Fire in the Sky celebration.
The festivities started with the ceremonial dotting of the lion’s eyes that symbolize their coming into the world. The guests of honor were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Republic of China’s Consul General to Cebu He Shijing, Cathay Pacific Cebu manager Camilla Taylor, socialite Elvira Luym, and the property’s GM Marco Protacio.
A sumptuous dinner was served at Café Uno, which offered a beautiful spread of Chinese flavors at its Asian food stations. Finally guests witnessed a spectacular nine-minute computer-synchronized fireworks display at the hotel’s Lagoon Garden, which left guests simply mesmerized.
The Shangri-La Mactan and Resort opted to have their celebration at noon with Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, and CG He Shijing assisted by GM Joaquim Schutte doing the honors of dotting the lions eyes.
Authentic Chinese dishes served with hot tea and cool, refreshing sodas awaited guests at the Tea of Spring, considered one of the best Chinese restaurants on the island.
Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, the property that dares to be different in the most positive manner, likewise had the traditional rituals but added the popular Yee Sang Ceremony. Guests of honor led by Gov. Garcia, Consul General He Shijing, Asia Pacific top management Alfred Ty, Honorary Consul of Korea Augusto Go, DOT regional director Rowena Montecillo, philanthropist Mariquita Yeung, tossed the salad ingredients as high as possible for good luck and good fortune. A superb dinner was served at Café Marco with invitees bringing home a cuddly white and pink rabbit as a souvenir.
Everybody’s friend and general manager Hans Hauri with ever-supportive wife Bo Hauri were more than pleased to see everyone simply enjoying the festivities.