Year of the Wood Sheep invades Cebu
Cebu’s leading hotels and resorts ushered in the Chinese New Year, which marks the beginning of the lunar year, with typical Chinese rituals. A few were unbelievably awesome.
As in years past, the Cebu Waterfront Hotel presented the most magnificent state-of-the-art computer generated fireworks display to welcome the Year of the Wood Sheep. The hotel also hosted a fabulous buffet at Café Uno with a variety of dishes prepared by executive chef Simon Sperling.
Meanwhile, the city’s landmark building, now home to Marco Polo Plaza Hotel at Nivel Hills, opened the festivities with a series of activities best of which was the Culinary Journey featuring the best of Chinese cuisines.
And in keeping with tradition, general manager Julie Najar with guests of honor led by Zhang Wei Guo, Chinese Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Samuel Chioson, Honorary Consul of Portugal, Candice Gotianuy, Consul of Norway, Dr. Henry Chua, board of director, Philippine Society of General Surgeons, and culinary consultant Jessica Avila led in the tossing of the marinated salmon fish salad called yee sang, believed my many to bring good luck and prosperity.
On the other side of town Waterfront Hotel Mactan’s marketing communications officer Hanski Garcia and sales marketing manager Shelly Arciaga Ding welcomed guests to a sumptuous lunch prepared by chef Stephen del Amen to welcome the new year. Everyone went home with a delicious Cherry Blossoms cake created by pastry chef Mj Letuco.
Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa presented a lively dragon-and-lion dance ritual at the sprawling main lobby followed by a thunderous firecracker show. And as tradition dictates, the lion eye dotting ceremony was performed by Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza, Consul General Zhang Wei Guo, general manager Marco Vazzoler and director of sales and marketing Albert Lafuente.
Chinese executive chef Bun Boon Hoe of the property’s award-winning Chinese restaurant Tea of Spring presented a special “Chef’s Recommendation” menu that included time-honored dishes such as oven-roasted Beijing duck, fresh shrimp dumplings, Szechuan Kung Pao chicken and Imperial hot and sour soup among others.
The Year of the Wood Sheep is believed to usher in happiness, health and success. With its boundless energy, the sheep will bring success to those who pursue their goals head on. It will be a year to grab opportunities by the horns.
