Savoy Hotel Manila Welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration

 

On February 17, 2026, Savoy Hotel Manila will invite guests and the community to usher in the Lunar New Year with a vibrant and meaningful celebration, highlighted by the rhythmic beat of drums and the dynamic movements of the traditional Dragon and Lion Dance performance at the hotel lobby, an enduring tradition believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy for the year ahead.

 

The traditional Dragon and Lion Dance

Open to all hotel guests and visitors, it offers a colorful and culturally rich way to welcome, at exactly 9:08 AM, the Year of the Horse. More than a spectacle, the celebration reflects Savoy Hotel Manila’s commitment to honoring traditions that bring families and communities together. Guests can witness the vibrant choreography up close, capture memorable moments, and experience the symbolism of renewal and abundance that defines the Lunar New Year.

 

Chinese Lunar New Year Lunch Buffet

Following the morning festivities, Savoy Café will host a festive Chinese New Year Lunch Buffet, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, featuring a thoughtfully curated spread of auspicious dishes prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. Highlights include Salmon Yee Sang, Crispy Jellyfish Salad, assorted Dim Sum, Steamed Whole Fish, Beef with Broccoli, Yang Chow Fried Rice, and a Crispy Lechon Belly Carving Station.  Sweet endings such as Tikoy, Butchi, Mango Sago, and Chinese New Year-themed desserts complete the celebratory feast.

 

Lunar New Year Journeys Stay

For those looking to extend the celebration, Savoy Hotel Manila also offers a Lunar New Year room package starting at PHP 4,700, which includes an overnight stay in a Standard Room, buffet breakfast for one, a sweet red bean pastry welcome amenity, a commemorative horse keychain symbolizing prosperity, and exclusive dining and spa discounts. 

Conveniently located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Runway Manila (with seamless access to Terminals 1 and 2 via the Skyway),  Savoy Hotel Manila, a homegrown brand under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Philippines’ largest hotel operator chain, exemplifying Filipino hospitality through its signature Sampaguita Service, provides a seamless stay for both leisure and business travelers welcoming new beginnings in 2026. As the Year of the Horse begins, Savoy Hotel Manila continues to create meaningful moments—where traditions are honored, families gather, and every celebration is shared in the spirit of warmth and hospitality.

 

Savoy Hotel Manila

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1300 Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869.  E-mail: stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

Mama Sita’s Showcases Pansit Palabok and Bibingkrep at Pasinaya 2026 (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Ms. Ces Gamad conducting the cooking demonstration

Last February 7, 2026, Kusina ni Mama Sita and Ms. Cecille "Ces" Nepomuceno Gamad hosted the "Kusina ni Mama Sita: Pansit Palabok at Bibingkrep" workshop during the 20^th Pasinaya Open House Festival 2026, held at the Pandayan A, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex.  

CCP Pasinaya 2026

The Pasinaya is the largest annual multi-arts festival in the Philippines and a must-visit for aspiring artists and art enthusiasts.  The event featured a variety of shows, workshops, and activities across music, theater, dance, visual arts, film and literature.

 

Kusina ni Maria with Ateneo de Manila High School Arts students

During the Pasinaya, Mama Sita’s, known for creating recipes and reinventing old, traditional treats into new, exciting culinary delights, did a live cooking demonstration which was held, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM, as part of the Palihan Program which highlights various art and cultural disciplines through interactive open-house sessions. The cooking demonstration featured two iconic and well-loved Filipino dishes - pansit palabok (a savory shrimp-based noodle dish) and bibingkrep (a modern twist on the classic bibingka).

 

Pansit Palabok Mix

The demonstration reinforced the role of culinary arts in preserving and celebrating Philippine culinary heritage while making Filipino flavors more accessible to audiences worldwide.

 

Bibingkrep Rice Flour and Coconut Pancake and Crepe Mix

As the only culinary arts segment of Pasinaya, Mama Sita’s showcased the versatility and rich history of Filipino flavors, celebrating Filipino cuisine before an audience of Ateneo de Manila High School Arts Students, cultural workers, and festival-goers, emphasizing food as an essential expression of heritage, storytelling, and shared tradition.

Grand Opening of 33th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026 (SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Mr. Jaison Yang (center) leading the ribbon cutting 

The three-day, 33th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026, one of the country’s biggest tourism events, bringing together industry leaders, exhibitors, and travel enthusiasts from across the Philippines, opened last Friday, February 6, to a vibrant and inspiring start, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The opening set an energetic tone for the expo, reaffirming tourism’s role as a strong driver of growth, unity, and pride for the Philippines.

 

Dr. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, Chairman of PTAA TTE 2026

The expo, organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), hopes to attract more locals and foreigners to tour around the country with affordable travel deals and packages. It will run from Feb. 6 to 8 and will host various exhibitors from airlines, travel agencies and tour operators, hotels, food concessionaires, cruise liners, insurance, and other travel-related entities. Aside from domestic travel deals, discounted foreign trips are also on sale at the event. 

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco

Dr. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, the Chairman of PTAA TTE 2026, led the opening ceremonies.   PTAA President Mr. Jaison P. Yan , speaking about the power of travel and the need to love the Philippines first, stating “Gain a new perspective of the world but never forget the Philippines. Learn from others without losing who we are. Never compare our country to another; every nation has its own story, its own rhythm, its own strengths.” 

.... giving the "I Love Philippines" heart sign

Special guest, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco delivered a powerful and heartfelt message, highlighting the dedication, collaboration, and hard work required in the tourism sector, as well as celebrating the continued success and resilience of Philippine tourism.

 

The huge crowd at the grand opening

She emphasized PTAA's role as a steadfast partner of the DOT and the vital role of travel expos in showcasing the country’s diverse destinations, cultures, and experiences, providing a platform for every region to shine and connect with travelers. She said, “Tourism is about people and so you must show up where the work matters the most.” “She also added that, “…. in the tourism industry, one needs to show up on the ground.”