Ushering in the Year of the Pig

CEBU, Philippines —  Historians have long regarded Cebu City’s affinity with Chinese culture as unique.

The city holds historic ties with Chinese culture, predating the arrival of the Spaniards some 500

years in the past. As such, it’s no surprise that Cebu always makes it a point to ring in the

Chinese New Year in a big way, especially via the metro’s hotels and establishments.

AppleOne Equicom Tower

February 1, Apple One Equicom Tower lobby, Cebu Business Park

AppleOne Properties welcomed the Year of the Pig with a bang on February 1, with traditional Lion and Dragon dances held at the firm’s AppleOne Equicom Tower at the Cebu Business Park District.

Company president Ray Manigsaca led the festivities, which was capped by a traditional Yee Sang Salad Tossing Seremony or Prosperity Tossing Ceremony.

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

February 4, V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City

The Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple – popularly referred to by Cebuanos as Chu Un Temple – held activities on the eve of this year’s Chinese New Year’s day. Lead-up highlights to the traditional Lion Dance included performances by various groups, ranging from a theatrical performance of “Buddha and the Beggar” by the San Hao Theater group, excerpts performances of “Siddhartha: The Musical” by the production’s cast, and more.

A series of activities like basic calligraphy sessions and Wushu demonstrations were also part of the evening’s highlights. The night was capped by the traditional Beating of Drums and Wishing Bell, and a grand fireworks display that lit the city skyline at midnight.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

February 4, main entrance and lobby, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino ushered in the Chinese New Year in style on February 4 with traditional Lion and Dragon dances held at the hotel’s main lobby.

Hotel general manager Anders Hallden led the occasion, together with Chinese Deputy Consul General Wu Xiaomin.

Capping the festivities was a grand fireworks display at the hotel’s main entrance. Dubbed “Fire in the Sky,” the fireworks display has become one of the metro’s annually anticipated highlights in celebrating the coming of the New Lunar Year.

Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino

February 5, main entrance and lobby, Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino

On Chinese New Year’s Day, Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino held its own festivities – with a temple installed at the hotel lobby to welcome the Year of the Pig. Hotel manager Benhur Caballes led the celebrations, which was mainlined by traditional Lion and Dragon dances at the hotel’s main entrance and lobby.