Celebrate Chinese New Year at The Manila Hotel

 

\

As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join in the celebration of the Year of the Snake. Join the festivities and experience the rich traditions that may bring good fortune and joy to all.

Signature Tikoy for a Sweet Start

To honor this auspicious occasion, The Manila Hotel presents its signature Tikoy or Nian Gao until February 2, 2025. Available in two delightful flavors—Almond and Red Bean—these traditional Chinese New Year cakes make for a thoughtful gift or addition to the holiday feast. Each box is priced at Php 988 nett. Take advantage of the Early Bird Offer and enjoy a 30% discount with a minimum purchase of five (5) boxes for orders placed until January 19, 2025. For bulk orders made between January 20 and 31, 2025, the following discounts apply: 10% off for orders of 5 to 9 boxes, 15% off for orders of 10 to 19 boxes, and 20% off for orders of 20 boxes and more.

Festive Lunar Celebrations

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year with enchanting festivities at The Manila Hotel. On January 29, 2025, the Lion and Dragon Dance will dazzle guests in a lively performance that wards off evil spirits and ushers in good fortune. Adding to the festive cheer, diners at the hotel on January 28 and 29, 2025 will receive an Ang Pao containing golden chocolate coins and fortune cookies.

 

Chinese New Year Set Menu at Red Jade

Usher in the Year of the Snake with an indulgent special set menu at Red Jade featuring culinary delights including prosperity Yee Sang (Lo Hei), Roast Peking Duck with Black Truffle Sauce, Shredded Chicken with Dried Scallop and Sharks Fin Soup, Tower Mei Cai Pork with Black Sea Moss, Assorted Seafood with Baby Abalone in Hot Pot, Braised Wawa Cai with Morel Mushroom, Pan Fried Sea Bass with Soya Sauce, Stir Fried Crab with Chili Sauce, Fukien Cha Misua, Pan Fried Tikoy, and Mango Sago. Available for lunch and dinner from January 27 to 31, 2025, this sumptuous set menu is priced at Php 3,888 nett per set, with a minimum of six (6) sets required per table.

 

Raise a Glass to Good Fortune

Complement the celebration withShǒuyè, a cocktail that blends the smoothness of cognac with the refreshing zest of ginger ale. Guests can enjoy Shǒuyè at Tap Room, Lobby Lounge, and Pool Bar throughout January.

 

Celebrate at Home with the Chinese New Year Hot Box

For those who prefer to celebrate at home, M Takeout presents the Chinese New Year Hot Box featuring a sumptuous serving of Pork Knuckles with Hot Buns. Available from January 15 to 31, 2025, this convenient and flavorful offering is priced at Php 3,688 nett, perfect fot sharing with loved ones.

 

For more information and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival introduces PALARO, features Pinoy digital games

 

Immerse yourself in a world where Filipino culture, history, and mythology meet cutting-edge game design in CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival: Para sa Lahat. The country’s biggest multi-arts festival gets even more exciting with Palaro, a new festival component featuring the works of the CCP Game and Comics Development grantees on February 1 and 2, 2025.

Palaro, bringing  Filipino digital creativity to life, will have interactive booths where visitors can experience and play award-winning game projects. There will be live gameplay demos, participate in exciting tournaments, and explore their innovative creations up close.

Dive into the captivating world of “SINAG” by Ranida Games, a mobile 1v1 fighting game that combines the allure of Philippine mythology with deep and engaging gameplay mechanics. Simulate running a business empire with “Pearls of Asia” by Synthillate with iconic Filipino business figures, utilizing historical and cultural intellectual properties.

Travel and see iconic Philippine landmarks in “Gala” by Kendikorp. Engage in a team-solving activity in “Treasure Seekers” by Metamedia Information Systems Corp. Lastly, go on an unforgettable journey with the story-driven adventure of “Kata” by Katakata Creative. 

“Whether you're an experienced gamer or a first-timer, CCP Pasinaya: Palaro delivers a unique fusion of innovative technology and Filipino culture. It’s a chance to experience our rich history and mythology in an entirely new way—through interactive, inspiring gameplay that highlights the creativity of local game developers,” said CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan. 

Aside from the games, CCP Pasinaya 2025 will also feature exceptional works from Filipino animators and comic artists at the Palaro area. Dive into the animated world of “Makopa” by Friendly Foes, explore the mythical “Tungkung Langit” at “AlunSina” by Komiket Inc., or embark on the gripping journey of “Datu Pat i Mata” by Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim. 

Meanwhile, comic lovers can enjoy “Tulogmatian” by Ethel Mae Reyes, “Teduray” by Julius Sempio, “Sinogo” by Alfred Ismael Galaroza, and the captivating “Legend of Sleeping Beauty Mountain” by Marco Sumayao.

The CCP Pasinaya’s core is about celebrating and empowering Filipino creativity. Palaro is a vibrant platform for game developers, animators, and comic artists to showcase their groundbreaking works and contribute to the flourishing local creative economy bannering CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival: Para sa Lahat. The CCP continues its mission to foster Filipino talent and promote original intellectual properties that reflect our rich cultural heritage.

This February, come for the games, stay for the art. The CCP Pasinaya 2025 promises to be a festival like no other. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration of Filipino innovation and creativity!

For more details on Pasinaya and other CCP events, check out the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and its official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

How To Ask Your Partner To Marry You

 

Proposing marriage is one of the most significant and memorable moments in a relationship. It’s a gesture that symbolizes love, commitment, and a desire to spend the rest of your lives together. Planning the perfect proposal requires thoughtfulness, creativity, and a deep understanding of your partner’s preferences. In this guide, learn the essential steps to make your proposal unforgettable.

1. Reflect on Your Relationship

Before planning your proposal, take time to reflect on your relationship. Think about what makes your connection special and unique. Consider the milestones you’ve reached together, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the qualities you both admire in each other. This reflection will not only affirm your decision to propose but also help you craft a meaningful proposal that resonates with your partner.

2. Choose the Right Moment

Timing is crucial when it comes to proposing. Choose a moment that feels natural and significant. It could be during an anniversary, a holiday, or a trip you’ve been planning for months. Alternatively, you might prefer an ordinary day that you’ll turn into something extraordinary. Whatever you decide, ensure that the timing feels special for both of you.

3. Plan the Proposal Setting

The setting of your proposal sets the tone for the entire experience. Consider your partner’s personality and preferences. Are they someone who would enjoy an intimate, private moment, or do they prefer grand gestures in public settings? Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a scenic hike, or a surprise gathering with loved ones, make sure the location reflects your partner’s taste and your shared memories.

4. Picking Out the Perfect Engagement Ring

Choosing the right engagement ring is a significant part of the proposal process. The ring symbolizes your commitment and becomes a cherished piece of jewelry that your partner will wear daily. If you want to ensure they love what you select, start to pay attention to the type of jewelry your partner wears. Do they prefer gold, silver, or rose gold? Are their tastes more traditional, modern, or vintage? Then, take the time to learn about the 4 Cs. The 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—are the key factors in determining a diamond’s quality and value. With all this undercover research, you might discover they love the style of solitaire engagement rings. 

Top Tip: If you want the ring to feel even more special, consider designing a custom piece. This allows you to include personal touches, such as a specific gemstone or an engraving.

5. Practice What You Want to Say

Your words during the proposal matter as much as the ring or the setting. Take time to think about what you want to say. Express your love, share your hopes for the future, and explain why you want to spend your life together. Practice your speech, but don’t stress about perfection—speaking from the heart is what truly matters.

6. Capture the Moment

Consider how you’d like to preserve the memory of your proposal. You could hire a photographer or videographer to discreetly capture the moment or ask a friend or family member to document it. These photos and videos will become cherished keepsakes that you can revisit together.

7. Prepare for the Answer

While you hope for a joyful “yes,” it’s important to be prepared for any response. Respect your partner’s feelings and give them the space to process the moment. If they need time to think, honor their request and keep communication open.

Final Thoughts

Proposing to your partner is a deeply personal and emotional milestone. Remember, it’s the sincerity and meaning behind the gesture that truly matters. Whether your proposal is grand or simple, it’s the start of an exciting new chapter in your lives together.

New year, better hair

 

Our hair is our crowning glory with luscious, healthy-looking locks considered as an epitome of beauty—most importantly, a significant confidence booster. Yet, it is often overlooked in our daily routines. It is time to elevate our hair game this year with tried and tested care habits straight from a dermatologist at top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

Corazon Almira T. Mella, MD notes that no matter your specific hair woes and needs, achieving healthy tresses can boil down to developing healthy habits. “The state of our hair can also reflect the state of our own health and the extent of damage brought by environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution,” says Dr. Mella.

The expert shares that usual hair problems like hair fall, dandruff, frizzy strands, and hair breakage can be tamed by embracing these derma-approved methods of keeping hair healthy and fab.

Great hair comes from a well-maintained scalp. “A buildup of oil, dirt, and hair products can lead to dryness and dandruff. Applying your trusted shampoo to your scalp—not on your strands—is enough to get the job done. Except for those who constantly sweat from exercise, are out in the sun all day, have an itchy scalp, or use lots of hair styling products, skipping a day or two of shampooing is fine,” shares Dr. Mella.

To give the scalp more TLC, the dermatologist also suggests exploring exfoliators and hydrating and moisturizing serums with scalp-healthy ingredients like peptides and glycerin.

Hair is made of keratin, the same type of protein behind human nails and animal feathers, claws, and hooves. “Lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products are excellent sources of protein,” reveals Dr. Mella. “In addition to their protein content, salmon, herring, and sardines also have Omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes hair health.”

Do not forget to add vitamins and minerals into the mix. “Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which produces collagen, another protein. The antioxidants in vitamins A, C, and E protect the scalp and hair from sun damage. Zinc that is found in nuts and leafy green veggies prevents hair from falling,” says Dr. Mella.

While the debate on whether stress causes hair to turn gray remains unresolved, experts acknowledge that stress does affect hair, the way it does the rest of the body. “Intense, chronic stress can put hair on a ‘resting phase’ that skips the growth process,” mentions Dr. Mella. “It can trigger trichotillomania, or the urge to pull out your hair in tense situations. And although known as an autoimmune disease, alopecia (or hair loss) can be caused by tremendous stress.”

Still got falling hair or an itchy scalp despite your best efforts? The practitioners of the viral 15-step scalp treatment offered in some salons can help. Those who have tried the treatment felt and noticed a big difference after subjecting themselves to the meticulous 90-minute process that includes a series of massages; a galvanic sealing brush (a light electric current softens keratin and sebum, and LED lights kill acne-causing bacteria while encouraging cell growth); scrubs, a shampooing, and a relaxing waterfall spa before hair is re-analyzed and styled.

Ultimately, a board-certified medical practitioner is still your best bet. “Do not dismiss your symptoms and say it is ‘just hair.’ For all you know, what you are experiencing may be rooted in an underlying condition that requires serious attention,” reminds Dr. Mella. “We can offer you the proper diagnosis and prescribe the right medication for it.” For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.8888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.

The Art of Saga Wagyu and Japanese Whisky Pairing

 

The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room offers a unique culinary experience, transporting guests to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through an exceptional six-course dinner, masterfully prepared by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed Japanese Chef Oseki Nobu, and paired with a curated selection of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, chosen by whisky expert Mr. Johnssen Li.

Scheduled for January 16, 2025 at the iconic Champagne Room, this elegant evening promises a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the unparalleled quality of Saga Wagyu with the nuanced profiles of premium Japanese whisky.

The Culinary Experience

Chef Oseki Nobu has designed a six-course menu that highlights the distinctive qualities of Saga Wagyu, known for its exquisite marbling, tenderness, and delicate flavor. The menu includes: Saga Tataki with Watercress Ohitashi, Thinly Sliced Saga in Beef Consommé, Sesame Tofu in Saga Beef Roll, Pan-seared Saga on Mushroom Risotto, Saga Beef with Black Garlic Sauce, Panna Cotta with Plum Wine Jelly, and Saga Beef Jerky in Dark Chocolate.

Japanese Whisky Pairings

Complementing this exquisite menu, Mr. Johnsson Li of Grand Cru Wines and Spirits has meticulously selected a range of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, known for its fine quality and international acclaim, enhancing the dining experience of guests. The pairings include: Kyushiki Cocktail, Yamazakura Black Label Sasakawa Whisky, Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Sasakawa Single Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Cognac Cask 2023 Edition, and Yuzu Sour Cocktail.

An Exclusive Evening

This one-night only event is a rare opportunity to savor the finest Japanese beef alongside premium whisky in the elegant setting of The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room. Limited seats are available, priced at Php 11,625 nett per person. Standard discount tiering applies for Prestige cardholders.

This event is presented in partnership with Saga-Gyu and Mayon Consolidated Inc.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.