Welcome, mid-autumn Moon!

CEBU, Philippines - Renowned geomancer Master Joseph Chau ushered in the Mid-Autumn celebration of Mandarin Oriental, Manila. Held at the MO Lounge, the festivities centered on a colorful lantern-lighting ceremony, which he officiated, followed by a sumptuous Lauriat dinner, which was highlighted by an auspicious paai shan ritual to augur positive chi energy, and performances by the Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Ensemble.

Resident master chefs from the Tin Hau restaurant prepared a bountiful feast worthy of the grand occasion. Executive Chinese Chef Hann Furn Chen offered a gastronomic Lauriat spread starring favorites such as Double Boiled Sea Cucumber, Wok Fried Prawns with X.O. Sauce, Steamed Live Green Garoupa with Superior Soy Sauce, Braised Pak Choy, Chinese Mushrooms and Shrimp Mousse Balls coated with Dried Scallops in Oyster Sauce, and Wok Fried Fragrant Rice with Salmon.

But the stars of the Mid-Autumn celebration were, of course, the homemade, oven-baked, snow-skinned gourmet mooncakes. Guests, who were welcomed by Hotel Manager Oliver Kreuzer and wife Jocelyn, could not have enough of the classic delicacy.

The night's revelers included Feng Shao Lin, First Secretary and Consul of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines; Dr. Bee Ching Ong, President of the Chiang Kai Shek College; Jullie Yap Daza, renowned journalist; Rey, Baby, Princess, and Richie Fernandez and sister Pauline Lim, feng shui advocates from the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony; and Dr. Christoph Ganss and Dr. Rex Gloria, both stem cell specialists.

Also gracing the event were Joseph Calata, Becky Garcia, Geena Zablan, and Ricky Davao and journalists, Glenn Gale, Donnie Ramirez, and Resty Vergara.

Capping the night off was the traditional Moon Cake game, Pua Tiong Chiu, a popular custom among the Chinese Filipino community. Each table vyed for the grand Chong Wan prize.

Mandarin Oriental, Manila is at Makati Avenue, Makati City. For more information, call +632 750 88 88. (FREEMAN)