With lively customs to greet good fortune, the Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas celebrates Lunar New Year with great vigor, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.

At the Chinese New Year media lunch, which kicked off the festivities, media representatives joined Feng Shui Master Joseph Chau Kam Shing to discuss their luck and prosperity for the upcoming year with foods that were “made in luck.”

The visitors were then informed that this year is a year of change or reformation according to Feng Shui trend 9 from 2024 to 2044. Over the past 20 years, it has been a part of the fire element. Consequently, people are prone to mood swings and argumentation within the time frame from 5 May — 4 June and 3 February — 4 March respectively. On a global scale, nations are simple to foment strife. In all seriousness, either a conflict or an economic war will occur. Thus, inflation occasionally occurs and the economic situation is frustrating.

Therefore, according to Master Chau, we have to upgrade ourselves and be flexible to adapt to the local situation in order to have a new breakthrough in our development. Business related to tourism, hotels, logistic, fashion, furniture, restaurant, television, information technology and artificial intelligence will have a good prospect. Banking, trading and construction business are weak this year, they are full of challenges and competition. For their survival, they have to change their business strategy and service to attract more volume of clients to come.

In relation to that, Marco Polo prepared the Chinese New Year Set (Goodluck Year). The celebration begins with Lung Hin Prosperity Toss with Salmon Yu Sheng — a symbol of abundance and togetherness.

It is a beloved custom that represents development, prosperity, and good fortune. A vibrant salad composed of raw fish, fresh vegetables, sauces, and seasonings is tossed as part of this custom.

As everyone gathered, a countdown signaled the start of the toss. Participants joyfully lifted the ingredients high into the air with chopsticks, enthusiastically prosperous wishes. The higher the toss, the greater the fortune believed to come.

The menu is packed with indulgent dishes that highlight the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

Start with the Assorted Vegetables and Roasted Shredded Duck Soup. Then the Steamed Grouper Fillet with Ginger Sauce and Black Fungus is a must-try. The Wok Fried Duck Breast with Pickled Ginger, Mango and Tomato is another dish that meat aficionados will adore.

Enjoy the Sautéed US Beef Cubes with Foie Gras, a rich and luscious dish that is sure to melt in your mouth, for a hint of luxury.

The Wok Fried Sliced Lamb with Leek and Bean Curd Paste is another daring dish that highlights the flavorful depth of fresh leeks and bean curd paste with juicy lamb. There is also something for vegetarians: the Braised Tofu with Wild Mushroom in Oyster Sauce, which offers a delicious blend of earthy mushrooms and silken tofu in a rich oyster sauce.

Wok Fried Hong Kong Noodle with Shredded Duck and Assorted Meats, a filling and tasty dish influenced by Hong Kong’s thriving street food scene, completes the meal. Seasonal Fruit Platter, a delightful assortment of fresh fruits that clear the palette and bring the dinner to a satisfying conclusion, ended the feast.