Cebu City, Philippines, 17 February 2026 — Marco Polo Plaza Cebu welcomed the Year of the Horse with a vibrant and meaningful Chinese New Year celebration, bringing together distinguished guests, cultural partners, media, and community leaders in a morning of tradition, symbolism, and shared prosperity.
Held at the hotel’s grand lobby, the celebration opened with the auspicious Eye Dotting Ceremony, led by Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Maximilian Schwalbe and esteemed guest Dr. Vivina Chiu. This sacred ritual symbolized the awakening of the Dragon and Lion, believed to bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished members of the diplomatic and business community, including Mr. Yang Fupeng and Mr. Wang Lezheng of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China; members of the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and respected leaders and partners from across Cebu’s business and cultural sectors.
The celebration continued with the thunderous sound of firecrackers and the captivating Lion and Dragon dances, time-honored traditions that drive away negative energy and invite abundance and success. The Lion’s Cai Qing ritual, or the symbolic “eating of the greens,” represented the gathering and sharing of prosperity, while the Dragon’s dynamic movements embodied strength, wisdom, and renewal.
A highlight of the event was the traditional Yee Sang Toss, led by the hotel’s Chinese culinary team. This meaningful ritual, where participants toss a vibrant medley of ingredients while expressing wishes for prosperity, symbolizes the elevation of fortune and shared success. Guests were then treated to traditional delicacies including Buchi, Masi, and ginger tea, reinforcing themes of unity, warmth, and abundance.
“The Chinese New Year celebration is an important tradition for Marco Polo Plaza Cebu,” said Maximilian Schwalbe, General Manager. “It reflects our commitment to honoring cultural heritage while bringing together our community, partners, and guests in celebration of prosperity, renewal, and shared success.”
The Lion and Dragon continued their ceremonial blessing throughout the hotel, visiting key spaces and offices to usher in good fortune for the year ahead.
With its continued dedication to cultural authenticity and meaningful experiences, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu remains a proud steward of tradition and a landmark of hospitality, bringing people together to celebrate moments that inspire connection, prosperity, and enduring community.
About Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Perched atop Cebu’s prestigious Nivel Hills, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is a luxury urban resort offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Known for its blend of world-class service and warm Cebuano hospitality, the hotel features 328 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining outlets, and state-of-the-art event facilities. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu remains a landmark of elevated stays, celebrated cuisine, and meaningful experiences in the heart of the Queen City of the South. Visit https://www.marcopolohotels.com/en/marco-polo-plaza-cebu
About Marco Polo Hotels
Marco Polo Hotels’ premium hotels in Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and the Philippines reflect the adventurous ethos of their namesake – Marco Polo. Located in key destinations, each property is active in their community, committed to sustainability, and a central hub for gatherings and meaningful local experiences. The brand is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Visit marcopolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 50 brands and over 950 hotels in 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme – GHA DISCOVERY – provides 34 million members with recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay. GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in member hotel revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning.
For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
