City of Dreams Manila embraces the arrival of the Year of the Wood Dragon, an auspicious occasion in the Chinese Zodiac believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
The integrated hotel and casino presents a range of special offerings at its signature restaurants, Crystal Dragon and Red Ginger, that welcomed the lunar new year last 10 February.
The Year of the Wood Dragon, occurring only once every 60 years, holds significant cultural importance, prompting the City of Dreams Manila to organize special events that honor traditional customs and rituals associated with this momentous period.
Blending tradition with innovation
Red Ginger, City of Dreams Manila’s esteemed Asian bar and restaurant, infuses traditional flavors with a contemporary twist in its celebratory menu.
It showcases the Prosperity Prawn and Pomelo Salad, a Southeast Asian rendition of the auspicious Yu Sheng salad, featuring prawns, local pomelo, hydroponically grown lettuce and Vietnamese dressing.
The restaurant also serves symbolic dishes, such as Deep-fried Whole Tilapia, symbolizing abundance, and Crispy Orange Chicken, adorned with toasted sesame seeds for added prosperity.
Not to be missed is Red Ginger’s unique interpretation of Nian Gao, a custard-filled glutinous rice cake shaped like a fish (tikoy), symbolizing surplus and good fortune.
Red Ginger’s special Lunar New Year menu is available until 18 February for both lunch and dinner.
‘Dancing Dragons’
The Dragon holds a revered position in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength, wisdom and power. In honor of the auspicious Year of the Wood Dragon, City of Dreams Manila recently unveiled a breathtaking installation titled “The Dancing Dragons of Fortune.”
The impressive and majestic dragon, measuring an impressive 5.8 meters tall and 10 meters wide, adorns the main casino entrance, capturing the essence of cosmic inspiration.
Crafted by skilled artisans from Pampanga-based Themics Philippines, the golden dragons depicted in the installation appear to dance amidst the clouds, clutching a luminous glowing orb symbolizing the sacred pearl of wisdom bestowed upon humanity.
This captivating masterpiece represents the prosperity and blessings associated with the Year of the Wood Dragon, inviting guests to embark on a journey filled with fortune and abundance.