It’s the Lunar New Year once again! Are you ready to spend the Chinese New Year 2018 with the family? If you don’t have plans yet, here’s what you can do!
The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival in China, is celebrated by members of the Chinese community all over the globe. It traditionally happens on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar; or during the new moon between the 21st of January and the 20th of February. The festival goes on for around 23 days, ending on the 15th day of the first lunar month of that year.
A celebration of friendship and family
In the Philippines, the Chinese New Year is also celebrated in commemoration of the friendship between the Chinese and Filipino, and their shared history here that spans centuries.
The sharing of these two cultures has created a rich subculture of the Filipino-Chinese. It’s so ingrained in the local culture and so widely celebrated that it has been mandated a regular holiday by the government.
Since the Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16th this Friday, why not try out these things to celebrate the new Lunar Year? And if not this Friday, the whole first month of the Lunar Year!
5 Ways You Celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018
1. Gather family and friends for some traditional and authentic Chinese food
Binondo, Manila, has been the go-to place to eat authentic Chinese food. If you want the best Chinese food, you can find it here, and they’re often the same recipe that has changed little over the centuries.
For the Chinese New Year 2018, enjoy a feast at the President Grand Palace, a place that seen its fair share of celebrations over the years. It seats 700 so at least you’ll have a chance to get a seat there on this special day. They’re famous for their seafood, and they focus primarily on Chinese-Cantonese cuisine.
Address: 746-750 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila
Contact: 02-244-5886
Also Read: Presidential Grand Palace Restaurant
2. Staycation at the AG New World Manila Bay Hotel
This Chinese New Year 2018, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel is offering some cool new promos for the occasion. You can celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018 at the AG New World Manila Bay Hotel with rates starting at Php 5,888 and above. They also offer discounts for families and friends who want to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018 together.
For reservations and inquiries, you may contact them through 02-252-6888 or www.manilabay.newworldhotels.com.
Address: Pedro Gil St, Malate, Manila
Contact: 02-252-6888 or www.manilabay.newworldhotels.com
Read more: Celebrate The Lunar New Year at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel
3. Spend quality family time at PLAY in Okada Manila
This Chinese New Year 2018, spend time with your family at PLAY, or “Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young, at Okada Manila. Okada Manila’s new attraction is an indoor park that welcomes kids, tweens, and teens from ages one to 16 years old. PLAY employs licensed teachers and certified experts to better improve the learning experience.
At PLAY, each program is coach-assisted to ensure that everyone learns while playing there. Children with disabilities and special needs are welcome! They have SPED-qualified and licensed coaches to make sure your child’s playtime will be safe and fun.
For ticket prices and other information, log on to www.okadamanila.com.
Address: UG/F Coral Wing, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque
Contact: 02-888-0777
Read more: PLAY at Okada Manila: Things to Know about the Newest Indoor Play Space in the Philippines
4. Celebrate with fun activities and a fireworks display at the Uptown Mall in BGC
For the first month of the Lunar New Year, or the entire month of February, you can celebrate Chinese New Year 2018 at Uptown Mall in BGC, Taguig with everyone. They have various Chinese New Year-themed activities from forecasts/fortune-telling to photo booths, and ends with a vivid and thrilling fireworks showcase.
At 8:00 pm this Friday, February 16, Uptown Mall will be showcasing a wide array of fireworks in different colors for everyone to watch. What’s more, it’s a free event! And one that you cannot miss!
5. Enjoy a unique tikoy at home with the family
At the end of the day, the celebration of the Lunar New Year is all about spending time with our families. When you’re all home and rested, why not eat tikoy or sweet rice cake with the family? It’s the traditional sticky dish eaten during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing the (sticky) bond between family members eating together.
At Jasmine in the New World Makati Hotel, they create unique and creative tikoys to entice, attract, and entertain customers. You can choose between three different auspicious shapes designed to attract good luck and prosperity, such as the gold bar (Php 999), round (Php 1,188), and koi (Php 1,388).
Address: New World Makati Hotel, Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City
Contact: 02-811-6888 ext. 3338
Chinese New Year 2018 is all about family
The celebration of new beginnings is always well spent with the people we hold dear in our hearts. Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to have fun and create meaningful memories with your family. Do you have amazing ideas to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018 with your family? Share it with us in the comments!
You can also read: 7 Great family bonding activities that won’t require you to leave the house!