This February, a mesmerizing sight greets guests at Shangri-La Plaza. Suspended from the 26-meter-high ceiling of the Grand Atrium is a dazzling array of red Chinese lanterns. They seem to float in the air, creating a magical, dreamy atmosphere.
The décor marks the start of Shang’s celebration of Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb. 16, the Year of the Earth Dog.
“Chinese New Year is relevant to the Shang because a significant number of our mall guests are of Filipino-Chinese descent,” Shangri-La Plaza executive vice president and general manager Lala Fojas says. “Besides its relevance to our market, any event that celebrates new beginnings, family, culture and traditions is something that everybody looks forward to.”
To get into the spirit of Shang’s Chinese New Year, start by counting the number of lanterns hanging at the Grand Atrium.
Get a promo coupon at the concierge of the Main Wing or East Wing—a maximum of five promo coupons per person. Fill out the promo coupon and drop in designated drop boxes.
Last day of submission is Feb. 15. The first eight entries to be drawn with the correct answer will win P5,000 worth of gift certificates from Mongkok or Shi Lin restaurants.
Winners will be notified via mobile phone and their names posted on Shangri-La Plaza’s official Facebook page on Feb. 16.
Other activities
Ongoing till Feb. 18 at the Food Forum is Flavors of China Fair, a market of favorite and affordable Chinese treats. Running from Feb. 13-18 at the Grand Atrium is the Confucius Institute Chinese Painting Exhibit, a showcase of art by the students and masters of the
Ateneo Confucius Institute.
The 12th Spring Film Festival kicks off this year with a gala night on Feb. 13, 6 p.m., at the Grand Atrium, featuring a kaoka (Chinese opera akin to the Filipino zarzuela) performance by Ateneo de Manila University faculty and students.
From Feb. 14-18, catch free screenings of six award-winning movies of different genres at Shang Cineplex Cinema 4. This celebration of Chinese filmmaking is presented with the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies.
On Feb. 15, 8 p.m., ring in the Year of the Dog at the Streetscape with a grand fireworks display timed to the lively banging of drums to ward off evil spirits.
The merrymaking continues with a live DJ and food and drink from the Shang’s food outlets.
Food fest
The Oodles of Noodles food fest starts Feb. 15, in which participating restaurants like Akira, Cibo, Oppa Chicken, House of Wagyu serve special noodle creations and discounts till Feb. 28.
Chinese New Year’s Day on Feb. 16 rolls out with the mall-wide Dragon and Lion Parade at 12 noon. For the first time ever, Shangri-La Plaza will welcome dogs inside the mall premises during mall hours only on Feb. 16. Just show proof of your pets’ antirabies vaccination to the guard upon entrance and keep dogs leashed at all times.
On the same day, Shang also opens its doors to everyone’s canine best friends in Shang’s Pooch Pawty, a one-day-only event in partnership with Bow & Wow and the Philippine Canine Club.
From 3-6 p.m., at the East Atrium, dog lovers and their four-legged friends will celebrate the Year of the Dog with pet grooming and doggy spa treatments, a photo booth, doggy fashion show, and treats for both handler and pet.
Only the first 88 dog owners and their pets who register until Feb. 16 at Bow & Wow (Level 6, Main Wing) can join the party.
Free feng shui sessions
Feng shui master Charlie Chao and new age practitioners of Mysterium Philippines will provide free readings for an auspicious year.
A minimum purchase of P1,000 from Feb. 12-17 entitles a guest to a free consultation with feng shui expert Chao at the Luxury Lane of the East Wing on Feb. 16-17, 4:30-8:30 p.m., and with Mysterium Philippines from Feb. 16-18, at the Open Café on Level 4 of the East Wing.
A Chinese Music Concert by the Ateneo Ricardo Leong Center on Feb. 17, 2 p.m., at the Grand Atrium includes a performance by the Philippine York Lin School Chorale, erhu (otherwise known as the Chinese violin) exhibition, a wushu demonstration, and a performance by blind and autistic pianist Albert Cedric Tan.
The Chinese Painting Workshop on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. is not to be missed: open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s a “Paint Your Jeans” activity, with denim courtesy of Old Navy.
Performances by the Philippine Ling Nam Dragon and Lion Exhibition on Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. cap the colorful festivities. Be at the Grand Atrium to witness group members display their talents in dance, wushu and drums. –CONTRIBUTED
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