Year of the Dragon roars at Waterfront

Thursday, February 9, 2012

DABAWENYOS join millions of ethnic Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese across Asia in ringing in the new Year of the Dragon with fireworks, feasting and family reunions.

From Beijing to Bangkok and Seoul to Singapore, and Philippines, people hoping for good luck in the new year that began February 23 visited temples, lighted incense, set off firecrackers and watching street performances of lion and dragon dances.

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For many Chinese, the Lunar New Year is the biggest family reunion of the year for which people endured hours of cramped travel on trains and buses to get home.

In ancient times the dragon was a symbol reserved for the Chinese emperor, and it is considered to be an extremely auspicious sign.

To bring in luck and prosperity this 2012, Waterfront Insular Hotel welcomed the Year of the Water Dragon with Singaporean delights.

The hotel festivities on February 22 started with a lively dragon dance by 15 students of Davao Central High School who traversed all four buildings passing by Waterfront Insular's restaurants, function rooms and offices.

The highlight of the celebration was the exemplary New Year feast presented by Executive Chef Kiko Tugnao who prepared best Singaporean dishes including the expensive and most sought-after delicacy -- the Shark's Fin Soup.

Cafe Uno was transformed into a mini-Chinatown with servers decked in their red cheongsams and bright Chinese lanterns on display. One of the honored guests of the night was Cherry Maning of Una Ka Bai, GMA Davao's morning show. She sampled the Singaporean style Roast Peking Duck expertly wrapped in wanton baskets by Chef Stephen Reyes.

Also in attendance that night were Sammy Uy and his family, as well as Jean Ang who celebrated with her brood.

The food festivities continued as Cafe Uno's lunch buffet spread features Singaporean and Chinese cuisine from January 23 to 31.

As everyone hopes that the mightiest sign in the Chinese zodiac will usher in the wealth and power it represents, Waterfront Insular general manager Rouel Guanzon is positive that 2012 will be another good year for the landmark hotel.

"It has been a tradition for Waterfront Hotels to welcome the Chinese new year given that our owners are of ancestral origin," Guanzon said.

He said it is just a different twist this year with dinner at Cafe Uno that is not normally open at night. Instead of the usual Cantonese and Chinese cuisine, he said they Singaporean gastronomic delights including the Singaporean peking duck version.