Welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit at Makati’s Grand Dame

The Peninsula Manila also shares some common beliefs during Chinese New Year

The Peninsula Manila's annual Dragon and Lion Dance

Celebrating Chinese New Year has always been an exciting time for almost everyone in the Philippines. Aside from feasting on great food (which always symbolizes something good), it’s the captivating fanfare that makes it unforgettable.

At The Peninsula Manila, they’re bringing back their annual Dragon and Lion Dance at The Lobby to bring good luck and success for the coming year. The performance starts at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 22, and it’s open to the public.

At The Pen’s buffet hall Escolta, diners can begin the Year of the Water Rabbit with a limited-time only Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet, which includes free-flowing champagne and an array of auspicious dishes such as whole fish for good fortune, oysters for wealth, and glutinous rice dumplings symbolizing good family ties. The Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet will set you back P7,000 per person, while the regular Escolta buffet (sans champagne) is P4,500 per adult and P2,250 for children ages 6 to 12. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is available from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For those looking for a prosperous staycation to celebrate the new year, The Pen is also offering a weekend package available on January 21st, which includes a festive stay in a Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast for two adults and two children (below 12) at Escolta restaurant, and front row seats to The Lobby’s annual Dragon and Lion Dance on January 22nd.

For inquiries and reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at +63 (02) 8887 2888 ext. 6691 or 6694 for Restaurant Reservations and 6630 for Rooms Reservations, +63 917 557 8014, or email DiningPMN@peninsula.com.

For those who are superstitious or equally curious, here are some beliefs some people observe before and during Chinese New Year celebrations.

House Cleaning

All house cleaning must be done prior to the New Year. On New Year’s Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment must be put away. If any cleaning utensils, especially brooms, are used during the holiday, it will bring bad luck because you will be sweeping out all the good fortune from your house.

Bringing in the New Year and Expelling the Old

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year’s Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old and welcoming in the New Year. Firecrackers and loud gongs are also used to scare away evil spirits who may disrupt one’s good fortune. On the stroke of midnight, every door in the house and even windows have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

Wear Red

Everyone buys new clothes to celebrate the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive season since it is considered a bright, happy color and assures the wearer a sunny and bright future. Coincidentally, many retail shops have sales at this time.

Lai See for Luck

Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relative, all receive lai see or “lucky money” in red envelopes from friends and family for good fortune.

Pay Up

All debts have to be paid before the New Year. Nothing should be lent on New Year’s Day, as anyone who will do so will be lending all year.

No to Broken

The year will get off on a bad start if food is served or eaten from broken or chipped crockery, as this signifies eating into your own capital. Do not use knives or scissors on New Year’s Day Day as this may cut off good fortune.