L-R: Real life celebrity couple Benjamin Alves and Chelsea Robato, Angeles City vice mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, DOT-III regional director Carolina Uy, and Mabalacat City tourism officer Arwin Lingat. Photo by Joann Manabat
CLARK FREEPORT — To usher in the Year of the Metal Rat, Clark Marriott Hotel celebrated the Lunar New Year with traditional lion and dragon dances, lighting of firecrackers, as well as special Wushu performances at the hotel’s main entrance on Saturday.
The celebration was graced by Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega- Cabigting, Department of Tourism Central Luzon regional director Carolina Uy, and Mabalacat City tourism officer Arwin Lingat.
Kapuso actor Benjamin Alves, and model and social media influencer Chelsea Robato were also spotted in the event.
The lion and dragon dancers wove through the hotel’s main areas and alley to symbolize good fortune and prosperity for the lunar new year and ward off any unwanted spirits.
Drum beats were also heard throughout the hotel as it meant to symbolize the lion’s’ heart as the rhythm grows louder increasing the tempo to signify the excitement for the year to come.
Clark Marriott Hotel also offered a round cabbage hung at the hotel’s main door. As part of the Chinese tradition, the lions “ate” the cabbage and “spit out” the produce to represent the spreading of luck, wealth, and prosperity.
To bring more good luck for the coming year, guests and Clark Marriott associates alike customarily fed the lions their donations in ang paos.
Special tikoy shaped as ingot to symbolize wealth and koi fish for longevity and success specially made by Man Ho Manila Marriott Hotel were also given as tokens to special guests who attended the event.
A golden money tree is displayed at the hotel lobby with Chinese Zodiac readings which will stay until January 31.
