The evening began with a lion dance, which in Chinese tradition, is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune to all in the community. To ceremonially awaken the lion's spirit and symbolize its coming into the world, the lions' eyes were dotted by four guests of honor - the dazzling First Lady of Cebu Margot Osmeña, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Filomeno Lim, and gorgeous WCCHC Director of Rooms Karen Mendoza.
The celebration continued with a beautiful Chinese River Dance by the Twa Association Tong Fung Tung Shye, a Kung Fu Fan Dance by the Cebu's Wushu demo team, and a solo Wushu performance by Old China Champion and Head Coach of the Cebu Wushu Team Li Bing Lei. Lei happens to be Jet Li's stunt double in Hero, as well as Zhang Ziyi's trainer for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
A lavish dinner followed at UNO for invited guests and media, who also had the chance to meet Italian Chef Vito Froio, the new face of La Gondola and rockin' Executive Chef Anders Hallden. The evening culminated with a breathtaking music-synchronized fireworks display, ceremonially lit by DOT Region 7 Director Dawnie Roa at the Lobby entrance. The stunning 8-minute presentation was a visual delight worthy of its title: Fire in the Sky!
Guests were given a box of tikoy to bring home and share with their families, to ensure a more prosperous year ahead. The tikoy was made by the Tin Gow team, and is being offered at the restaurant in four different flavors - almond, ube, pandan and brown sugar at P120.00+++ per order until March 2. Surrounded by good food, great company, beautiful dances and a dramatic display of fire in the sky, welcoming the Year of the Boar could not have been a more enjoyable or festive experience at the Waterfront. The hotel outdid any firework display this year, and with General Manager Marco Protacio's leadership, we can definitely look forward to a grander Chinese New Year celebration next year.