The Year of the Fire Horse will be welcomed with red lanterns, rhythmic drumbeats, and reunion feasts as malls, hotels, and destinations mount their own Lunar New Year celebrations.
In Quezon City, Araneta City would welcome the Lunar New Year tomorrow, February 17, with the theme “Gallop in Prosperity,” turning its commercial district into a showcase of Chinese culture. Lantern installations, zodiac exhibits, tarot readings, and dragon and lion dances animated Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza and nearby spaces.
Dining anchored much of the celebration. World Kitchens would roll out a festive spread that included Lo Hei and Peking duck, with diners receiving complimentary tikoy on New Year’s Day.
A “Feast of Fortune” marketplace gathered merchants offering tikoy, hopia, siomai and other staples associated with prosperity, while restaurants across the complex filled with families marking the occasion over traditional fare.
Hotels in the area joined in with themed buffets. At Novotel Manila Araneta City and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Chinese-inspired spreads highlighted reunion dishes symbolizing abundance and longevity.
‘Strength, prosperity’
At Solaire Resort properties, the celebration would be framed around themes of strength and renewal.
“This Lunar New Year, Solaire Resort ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse with a celebration rooted in strength, momentum, and shared prosperity,” the resort said, describing dragon and lion dances, Fortune God appearances, and curated dining experiences across its properties.
Traditional symbols of abundance, from dim sum feasts at Red Lantern to lobster buffets and longevity noodles at Fresh, will take center stage. Lunar New Year hampers filled with auspicious delicacies extended the spirit of giving beyond the resort, while nightly light and sound displays at Solaire Resort North’s Mangrove would be a visual tribute inspired by the Horse.
Shared tables, traditions
Across the region, Hilton launched “Kitchen Kinship,” a dining initiative running until March 15 in select Southeast Asian properties, including Conrad Manila. This started running on February 2.
“As families across Asia Pacific prepare to reunite around the table this Lunar New Year, Hilton unveils Kitchen Kinship, a regional initiative that celebrates connection and the joy of shared dining,” the group said.
Citing its 2026 Trends Report, Hilton noted the rise of “generation permutations,” where grandparents, parents, children, and extended family members travel and dine together—making communal meals a central anchor of holiday experiences.
Hong Kong’s New Year spectacles
Beyond Philippine shores, Hong Kong is set to stage one of Asia’s most anticipated Chinese New Year spectacles.
On Tuesday, Tsim Sha Tsui would host the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade under the theme “BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY,” blending illuminated floats with international performers. Bacolod’s MassKara Festival dancers will return for a second year, joining groups from France, Canada, Australia, Italy and Mainland China.
Citywide festivities would also extend to Lunar New Year fairs at Victoria Park and Fa Hui Park, the Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen, and the Year of the Horse Raceday at Sha Tin. Parade floats would later displayed at Kai Tak Sports Park for visitors who missed the main event.
Back in Manila’s Binondo district, Lucky Chinatown Mall will hold a Chinese New Year countdown today, February 16, featuring live performances from Dong Abay, YGIG, 1621, Lola Amour, Will Mikhael and Jenzen Guino, turning the atrium into a high-energy prelude to midnight.
Lunar New Year deals
Retailers and tech brands also aligned their campaigns with the season’s themes of fresh starts and good fortune.
OPPO rolled out a 2.2 Chinese New Year sale across major e-commerce platforms, offering discounts, vouchers, and bundled freebies on selected devices from February 1 to 6.
Meanwhile, Power Mac Center linked its Lunar New Year offers with Valentine’s Day promotions.
“The intention to be present is simply amplified by the presents we give and receive on any occasion. Power Mac Center hopes to be a space where meaningful connections—whether with family or partners—build and flourish,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.
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Financial technology platform GCash, for its part, highlighted travel-friendly payment features for Filipinos heading to Hong Kong and Macau, citing “lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.”
Beyond sales and shopping, OPPO also brings the festive spirit to after-sales service.
“Chinese New Year marks a season of fresh beginnings and good fortune. This February, OPPO brings the festive spirit to its Service Centers nationwide with a special promotion that rewards loyal customers and makes device care more rewarding,” the company said in announcing its Chinese New Year Service Center campaign.
From February 16 to 22, customers who would avail themselves of out-of-warranty repair services at OPPO Service Centers nationwide will qualify for a Chinese New Year Lucky Draw.
After their device repair was completed, customers could pick a red envelope and instantly receive a prize, ranging from discount vouchers and labor fee reductions to accessories and collectible items, depending on total repair cost.
Customers will also be given the chance to join an e-raffle for a premium L’Occitane en Provence gift set.
“Chinese New Year is a time for renewal, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. With this special Service Center promotion, OPPO transforms routine repairs into rewarding moments: complete with red envelopes, exclusive vouchers, and the chance to bring home something extra special,” the company said.
—With Rosette Adel
