A Memorable Spring Festival Celebration

Spring Festival or Lunar New Year celebrations in Cebu kept members of the media and influencers busy with invitations from the leaders of the hospitality industry.

Marcom Manager Fresha Anne Endico Cajandig of JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan sent an invite to JPark Resort’s celebration of the Year of the Wood Dragon.

Transportation was provided to the resort and upon arrival, we were entertained by Jedah Abrasado with welcome drinks (Mint Blaster, Cucumber Pineapple, Pepper Mint) and canapé (Vegetable with Cheese, Potato Cheese Croquette, Mango Salami, Prawn Cocktail, and Chicken Salad).

An hour later, the rituals of the People from the Middle Kingdom were faithfully followed like the Hoi Gong ceremony, Beating of the Drums (loud noise expels malignant spirits), Lion Dance, and Dragon Dance.

These were followed by the Lo Hei Yu Sheng Ceremony which represents togetherness and hope for good fortune in the coming year.

A lavish dinner followed with Chinese dishes served to simulate traditional emblems of affluence and prosperity. Cold sppetizer (Sea Food on Ice with Black Mussel, Blue Crab, and Prawns) was served followed by another appetizer (Jellyfish with Sesame, Century Egg with Soy Sauce, and Ching Hai Special Pata Ham), and the Dim Sum Special (Siu Mai, Har Gao, and Cabbage Roll).

For the Main Course, the following dishes were served: Chili Prawns, Wok-Fried Beef Hanger Steak, Braised Eggplant & Tofu with Minced Pork, Mapo Tofu, Classic Sweet and Sour Pork, X.O. Fried Rice, Singaporean Curry Fish Ball, and Singaporean Black Pepper Crab.

I was initially surprised by the taste of the fish balls and wondered what part of China was its origin. My good friend, GM Brian Connelly informed me that it came from Singapore.

I recalled that Chinese Singaporeans constitute 76.2% of Singapore’s population and this, excuse me, defines this dish as Chinese.

Tasting all those dishes can make you full but JPark’s kitchen was relentless in serving another dish and the Carving Station was positioned for service of the Peking Duck. It was an offer I could not refuse and I had to take a cigarette break before I could eat that delicious duck.

Guests heaved a sigh of relief when the Desserts (Deep Fried Buchi Sesame Balls and Fresh Fruit Platter) were served. The lovely Chinese Lauriat for the Spring Festival celebration had finally come to an end.

My thanks to JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan Cebu for the invite to this unforgettable event.

(L-R) Jpark’s Corporate Secretary and Board of Director Jerry Uy, Chief Tourism Operations Officer Judy Gabato, VP for Operations/ General Manager Brian Connelly, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cindi KingChan, CEO Jason Uy and Marketing Manager Aeron Uy

(L-R) Chief Tourism Operations Officer Judy Gabato, CEO Jason Uy, VP for Operations and General Manager Brian Connelly, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan and Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cindi King-Chan

(L-R Standing) VP for Operations and General Manager Brian Connelly, this writer, David Barnes, a guest, and Shigejiro Onda (Seated) More Special Guests of GM Brian Connelly

Cold Appetizer, Sea Food on Ice with Black Mussel, Blue Crab, and Prawn

Appetizer, Jelly Fish with Sesame, Century Egg with Soy Sauce, and Ching Hai Special Pata Ham

Braised Eggplant and Tofu with Minced Pork

Dim Sum Special with Siu Mai, Har Gao, and Cabbage Roll

Wok-Fried Beef Hanger Steak

Classic Sweet and Sour Pork

Singaporean Curry Fish Ball

Dessert, Fresh Fruit Platter

X.O. Fried Rice

Chili Prawns