Experience CNY 2026 like no other | By Leony Garcia | A Chinese New Year feast is never complete without proper Lo Hei Yu Sheng sayings. It goes by many names, yu sheng, yusheng or yee sang, the “prosperity toss” is an important tradition during CNY.
Yee sang usually refers to the dish itself and lo hei is the act of tossing the ingredients. As a tablecloth is laid, diners stand around the table, hovering close, chopsticks gripped tightly in their hands.
As each ingredient is added to a plate — first come the vegetables, then the slices of raw fish, followed by the dressing and, finally, garnishes such as nuts or wonton crisps.
Translated in Cantonese, Lo Hei means ‘tossing good fortune’, so people believe that you should toss the salad as high as possible to usher in good fortune. Each ingredient has a specific attached meaning and an auspicious saying that you should recite while spreading them around the dish.
The tossing action means to rise and thrive to a greater height. Therefore, it gains popularity with people in business and those in sales. Many also believe that the higher you toss the ingredients into the air, the more good fortune you will get.
The Negosentro Media group had the chance to participate the lo hei ceremony at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, on February 5, to usher in the 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations.
The date of Chinese New Year changes every year, but always falls between January 21st and February 20th. The first day of the Chinese New Year falls on a new moon day and this year, it falls on February 17. This also ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, which according to the Chinese calendar, only happens every 60 years.
A celebration of abundance and togetherness at Cyan Modern Kitchen
At Lanson Place MOA, Lunar New Year is marked by thoughtful flavors, shared moments, and celebrations designed to welcome prosperity in the year ahead.
Media friends and supporters of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, participated the prosperity toss on February 5 held at the hotel’s famous Cyan Modern Kitchen
From 17 to 20 February, guests may enjoy festive lunch and dinner gatherings, followed by a lunch-only celebration on 21 February, thoughtfully curated for sharing and good fortune.
The CNY spread brings together time-honored favorites and contemporary touches, beginning with refreshing cold starters such as jellyfish salad, Chinese smashed cucumber, and cold chicken noodles, followed by signature Chinese roasts including Lechon Macao, Hong Kong-style chicken, and roast duck. Comforting bowls of laksa and braised beef noodle soup, a selection of freshly prepared dim sum, and classic mains such as beef and broccoli, steamed whole fish with soy sauce, and Yang Chow fried rice complete the savoury experience.
Desserts pay tribute to tradition with symbolic sweets including tangyuan, fa gao, sesame seed balls, egg tarts, and mango pomelo sago, offering a meaningful and indulgent conclusion to the feast.
The Lunar New Year dining experience is priced at P3,888 nett per person, with an early booking privilege of up to 30 percent savings for groups of eight, valid for reservations confirmed before 31 January.
Opulent Lunar New Year Feasts at China Blue by Jereme Leung
Conrad Manila, the premier hotel by the iconic Manila Bay presents regally curated dining experiences featuring exquisite menus, yee sang set and nian gao delights — that celebrates abundance and prosperity — at its Michelin-selected Chinese restaurant, China Blue by Jereme Leung.
CNY set menu at China Blue by Jereme Leung
Families may gather for a regal Lunar New Year reunion at China Blue by Jereme Leung with its Flavors & Fortune, featuring set menus masterfully curated by celebrity chef Jereme Leung and Conrad Manila’s Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor. Available from February 11 to March 3, 2026, this exceptional gourmet experience is offered in two variations. The Chinese New Year Set Menu (ideal for 10 persons) comes in Prosperity Set for P49,888 nett and Abundance Set at P69,888 nett.
Guests can also partake in the Prosperity Yee Sang experience, a vibrant raw fish salad crowned with fresh salmon, succulent crab claw, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Traditionally tossed high by diners while voicing auspicious wishes and thus transforming the interactive dish into a joyful centerpiece of the Lunar New Year feast. Prosperity Yee Sang is available from 11 to 17 February and priced at PHP 3,588 ++.
For those looking to share the festive spirit at home, the Treasures of Abundance nian gao collection makes for a meaningful gift for cherished loved ones, friends, and corporate partners this Chinese New Year, available until February 17, 2026. Each elegant box, inspired by the Year of the Horse, features artisanal cakes, including: one piece of big fish (Chinese white almond), three pieces of small fish (Chinese traditional brown coconut sugar), and three pieces of ingot (mango). Paired with heartfelt wishes for the recipient, every set shares the promise of good luck and prosperity, and an auspicious year ahead.
Bru Coffee Bar, located on the hotel’s Ground Floor also offers Lunar New Year-inspired confections, from February 2 to 17, 2026. These sweet indulgences, crafted to symbolize abundance and success, can also be enjoyed at home, with prices starting at PHP 300 nett.
The celebrations on February 17 will feature a vibrant lion dance presentation and eye-dotting ceremony at 10:55am, at the hotel’s porte cochere.
A Lucky Long Weekend in Tagaytay
After the rush of Valentine’s Day, slow down and savor a well-deserved break with a refreshing long weekend in Tagaytay. This offers the perfect opportunity to file that extra leave in between and enjoy the city’s cool climate, scenic landscapes, and quality time with loved ones.
Enjoy dimsum and Chinese cuisine selection at Taal Vista Hotel
Taal Vista Hotel offers a special Chinese New Year Buffet at Veranda on 17 February 2026 (Tuesday), from 12 PM to 3 PM. Families are invited to gather over a sumptuous lunch buffet, thoughtfully prepared to usher in a lucky and prosperous start to the Year of the Fire Horse. The buffet is priced at Php 1,980 per adult, with 50% off for children aged 6–12 years old, and complimentary dining for children aged 5 years old with a full-paying adult. Rates are inclusive of service charge and all applicable taxes.
A cultural landmark in the heart of Tagaytay, and recently cited by the United Nations for its heritage and commitment to environment, Taal Vista Hotel continues to elevate its service and adapt to the evolving needs of its guests, all while preserving the warmth and friendliness that define its staff.
Taal Vista, Conrad Manila and Lanson Place are part of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), known for excellence and genuine Filipino hospitality.
About the Author
