“Kung Hei Fat Choi”

Coming close on the heels of the Christian celebrations of Christmas and New Year is the Chinese New Year which starts on Feb. 10 and the celebration lasts for 15 days thereafter. It is the Year of the Water Snake which, according to knowledgeable sources, will be a wise and enigmatic period. We know of the phrase “inscrutable Chinese,” but as to how mysterious 2013 will be, we don’t know. The snake has a coiled body, which perhaps symbolizes its many facets, some of which could be, yes, enigmatic.  

The Snake is ambitious and wise. It is supposed to have much intelligence and gracefulness but is materialistic and analytical, and will scheme and plot to get what it wants. No wonder some people are called snakes!

They enjoy being recognized and awarded. In their career, those born in the year of the Snake are diligent and creative.

The celebration of the Chinese New Year normally starts with a grand lantern parade followed by festive meals and most specially the distribution by the elders of ang pao, red envelopes with lucky money, to the younger family members and friends.

The Chinese have “lucky food” they normally serve during the festivities. By tradition, the following, among others, are served, with interpretations that depend on their appearance and sounds of their names in Chinese.

Chicken is served whole to symbolize togetherness. Fish must also be whole for abundance; dumplings for wealth as they are shaped like gold bars, noodles must not be cut for long life, desserts like sticky rice for family union.

May the gracious, intelligent and diligent Snake reign in 2013. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Now, there is also Valentine’s Day to look forward to for some merry making. This should not be a day limited to lovers and life partners. Mark it as a time to remember those who have cared for you and for those you care about. Gift-giving is, of course, the order of the day.

There is a young housewife who can fulfill requirements for sweets, not only on Valentine’s Day but any time of the year. Len’s Kitchen is the lady’s turf that has produced some of the more delectable cakes and pastries this side of the metropolis. Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla butter are priced at P360 a dozen, choco with choco butter at P480 a dozen, red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for P480 a dozen, blueberry or Nutella cheese cake, 9-inch diameter, at P750. Call cel no. 0917-581-3900. Allow two days advance notice. 

A most useful planner is what we received, with thanks, from the lady who heads the Mercury Drug store in the South Supermarket complex. This Suki Day Book is unique in that it tracks one’s medicine and vital signs on a day-to-day basis. Below each note page are tips on health and well-being.

Have a healthy week!      

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