THE animal closest to man is the dog and 2018 is the Year of the Earth Dog. Hopefully this will be a good year because man’s best friend is known for its intelligence, loyalty and protective instinct.
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In celebration of the Chinese New Year, People’s Republic of China Consul General Shi Yong hosted a dinner reception at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. The festivities began with the traditional lion and dragon dances after which Consul General Shi Yong welcomed all the guests and shared China’s immediate objectives. A repertoire of Chinese dances performed by students from different Chinese schools followed.
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Marco Polo welcomed the Chinese New Year with the customary Lion dance and Eye Dotting ceremony on the evening of Feb. 15. Leading the way was hotel general manager Brian Connelly and Ambassador Francisco Benedicto. The Yee Sang Tossing (good luck salad) followed with representatives from the different sectors in the community doing the honors.
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The Year of the Dog was ushered in with a big bang at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Yes, all the noise pointed out to one thing—a grand celebration highlighted by a wondrous fireworks display. General manager Anders Hallden was definitely the man of the hour.
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Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino general manager Benhur Caballes held court on D-DAY itself. Oh yes, the lions and dragon were very much around. Highlight of the festivities was the yummy lunch supervised by new food and beverage director Crispian Ho.
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Over in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, the Lunar New Year festivites began at the auspicious time of 10:18 in the morning of Feb. 16. But of course all the “must-dos” took place capped by the classic Chinese spectacle of traditional fireworks. General manager Rene Egle was the gracious host along with his wife Nelly. Special guest was Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza and Chinese Consul General Shi Yong. Lunch followed at the Tea of Spring.
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It was celebration time at the Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel last night when the Cultures of China, Festival of Spring unfolded before a very appreciative audience. The beautiful performance featured art troupes from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, the largest state-level theater with the longest history in China. The presentation was under the auspices of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of People’s Republic of China; the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu and the Cebu Filipino Chinese United Community.