Through Marco Polo, the 13th century explorer whose journeys and stories opened the senses of the known world to the rich history and culture of China, the world discovered the beauty and wonders of China.
In the tradition of its namesake, the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu aims to continuously provide the city, the country and the world with the experience of discovering China.
To start the Chinese New Year right, the YEAR of the EARTH RAT, the hotel got together the prominent personalities of Cebu for a ritual toss during the traditional “YEE SANG” held recently at the Marco Polo Plaza lobby.
Yee Sang is a fish salad that is eaten only during the Chinese New Year. YEE means fish and SANG means toss. However SANG as it is pronounced can also mean rise up or give birth. YEE can also mean prosperity. The whole wordplay thing is very much a part of the Chinese New Year.
Governor Gwen Garcia, first lady governor of Cebu Province, together with First Lady Margot Osmeña and the rest of the VIP’s gathered around the 3-meter wok positioned at the lobby. Each person was given a pair of giant chopsticks and soon all ingredients were added in the giant wok. All the VIP guests tossed the salad. Tradition has it that the higher the salad is tossed the luckier will be the coming year. This is also why you need a large wok to hold the dish.
The YEE SANG tossing ceremony was one of the highlights in a series of events that happened in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for the Chinese New Year.