Metro Manila

FOOD (Chinese New Year)

As with everything in the Philippines and in the Chinese community, food plays a big part of the celebration and traditions. According to Fernandez, the dining table should have fresh fruits like pomelo, orange, apple, pineapple, and banana, as well as sweet candies and peanuts. The rice container should be full and should contain lucky money, P168, placed inside an angpao. This symbolizes “road to prosperity”. On top of the rice container, put red carrots, celery, spring onions, and lotus root. “This means the family will always have food to eat and there will be harmony,” Fernandez said. Specifically, the celery and spring onions mean members of the family will be hardworking and clever.

Aldric Dalumpines suggests hanging 12 grapes on every doorway or windows. These signify 12 months of blessings, he says. Pineapples should also be placed on top of tables for prosperity alongside 12 round fruits. “13 if you want a bonus,” adds Dalumpines. Glutinous rice cakes like puto and tikoy should be served with dim sum specialties like shui mai (siomai). There should be full-bodied chicken or Peking duck for family harmony, roasted pig, and full fish. When the fish is served, it should face the breadwinner of the family. Chinese restaurants like the Paksin Tea House and ThePeking Garden (Tel: +632/ 901 0502 or 901 0507) serve these specialties. Goldilocks sells good puto while tikoy is not hard to find in Binondo. For the best hopia, try Eng Bee Tin (Tel: +632/ 242 9765; url: www.engbeetin.com) on Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila.

Lucky Food

AMULETS, CHARMS

Amulets Charm

Hippo Guard 

The Robbery Star is in the center of the feng shui chart, shares Fernandez. The best amulet to counter this is to put the Hippo Guard at the center of the house. For personal safety and good health, carry the Safety Medallion and the Health Medallion. For those who are in conflict with the Tai Suey, wearing the Jade Master Protection Pendant counters the negative energies of the year. These items are available at Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati (Tel: +632/752 5882). Dalumpines recommends wearing the Arowana Ring, a silver ring that increases luck in money and health. The Blue Rhinoceros will protect the household from burglary. There are also generic Safety Medallions, Health Medallions and Jade Master Protection Pendants that can be bought at Lucky Charms by Lady and Hans Cua at G/F, Shangri-La EDSA Mall. Contact Dalumpines at +63915/ 808 0168 or visit www.punsoy.com for more.

Photo and Article Source: Inflight Magazine (Seair)