Chinese New Year is a time of vibrant celebrations, and my initial plan was to experience it in Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown. However, the thought of navigating through dense crowds, enduring long queues, and the overall frenzy of the festivities made me reconsider. Fortunately, Lanson Place MOA offered a refined and intimate alternative—a celebration steeped in tradition yet free from the usual hustle and bustle.
A Slight Delay but a Warm Welcome
My journey to Lanson Place MOA began with a minor detour—my Angkas driver took a wrong turn, causing me to arrive later than expected. Unfortunately, this meant I missed the highly anticipated lion dance performance at the porte-cochère, a spectacle I always associate with ushering in luck and prosperity. Watching a lion dance live is, for me, an essential part of any Chinese New Year celebration. Despite this setback, the day held many more memorable moments in store. I was still lucky though because I was able to catch it and see it up close in Madeleine High Tea!
.jpg "Madeleine High Tea in Lanson place moa")
Upon my arrival, Jill Andrea Gepilano of Collective.ph was delivering an engaging talk on Chinese zodiac signs and Western astrology. This insightful session actually made me realize there are two kinds of these! Moving forward, I can see myself regularly checking my zodiac predictions as a guide to embracing more prosperous and fulfilling years ahead.
At 10:30 AM, we indulged in an elegantly curated high tea experience at Madeleine High Tea, Lanson Place MOA’s sophisticated café. Departing from their usual offerings, this special set was designed for the occasion, featuring traditional Chinese New Year treats such as mooncakes, steamed pork buns, pineapple cakes, and fortune pastries.
As a tea enthusiast, I was particularly drawn to their extensive selection of organic loose-leaf teas. My brother, having recently returned from Taiwan after completing his doctoral studies, has significantly influenced my appreciation for high-quality loose-leaf teas. This made exploring Madeleine High Tea’s offerings even more enjoyable.
Their selection included:
Green Tea
Forest Pearl – Compressed into tiny beads, this tea is known for enhancing mental clarity and supporting appetite control. Its profile is smoky, nutty, and vegetal.
Oasis – A delicate blend with mellow marine and citrus notes, perfect for moments of quiet reflection.
Black Tea
Golden Monkey – A premium Chinese black tea featuring golden tips, offering deep malty, cocoa, and caramel undertones.
Fruit & Oolong Tea
Merry Berry – A lively blend with strawberry and tart notes, evoking nostalgic childhood memories. Hello Sunshine – A tropical infusion bursting with citrus and exotic fruit flavors. Peach Oolong – A fragrant oolong tea infused with sweet peach and delicate orchid undertones.
Madeleine High Tea has now secured its place at the top of my list for cozy, sophisticated tea experiences, offering expertly brewed selections paired with delectable sandwiches and pastries.
A Prosperity Toss at CYAN Modern Kitchen
Just before noon, we ascended to the third floor, where CYAN Modern Kitchen welcomed us with an almost uninterrupted view of Manila Bay. Having lived in the metro for the past year, I found this moment to be a refreshing escape, a chance to reconnect with the tranquility of the ocean.
A key highlight of the event was the Prosperity Toss, or Yee Sang/Lao Sheng, a Cantonese tradition symbolizing abundance and good fortune. The vibrant dish featured ingredients with symbolic meanings: white radish for success, red components for luck, green vegetables for youth, pomelo for prosperity, salmon for abundance, golden crackers for wealth, and various spices representing business growth and family blessings. Once properly mixed, we enthusiastically tossed the ingredients as high as possible while chanting auspicious phrases in Chinese.
The experience was both exhilarating and delightfully messy—some ingredients even landed beyond the plate! Eating what remained was believed to internalize good fortune for the year ahead.
A Sumptuous Feast at CYAN Modern Kitchen
The celebration culminated in an exquisite buffet at CYAN Modern Kitchen, offering an array of international flavors. I have to admit that I was so full, I did not even ate dinner that day.
Some of my favorites I mentioned below:
Western: Beef & mushroom stroganoff, Cajun seafood boil, truffle mashed potatoes.
Indian: Chili paneer, gobi Manchurian, dhal tadka.
Chinese: Roasted duck, roasted pork belly, baked salmon.
Desserts: Egg tarts, baked nian gao, sesame balls, ice cream station.
Fresh Fruits: Melon, dragon fruit, pineapple.
Vegetables: Wood ear mushroom, green beans, carrots. Grill Station: Marinated chicken, salmon belly, squid.
Each dish was impeccably prepared, making for an indulgent and unforgettable feast. The sous vide salmon and achiote prawns stood out as highlights, while the egg tarts and baked nian gao provided a sweet and satisfying conclusion to an already spectacular meal.
A Chinese New Year Celebration to Remember and Connect With Old Friends
This celebration at Lanson Place MOA made for an unforgettable Chinese New Year experience. From the enlightening astrology talk and the luxurious high tea to the breathtaking Manila Bay view, the spirited prosperity toss, and the exceptional culinary spread at CYAN Modern Kitchen—every detail was thoughtfully curated.
Most of all, this Chinese New Year celebration was extra special for seeing friends I have made in the PR, local media and content creator industry. Truly, food shared with good friends tastes even more delicious!
Also present in this occasion are the formidable force behind Lanson Place MOA: General Manager Nils Rothbarth, Executive Vice-President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Peggy E. Angeles, Director of Sales Angelica Vicencio and Executive Chef Kristine Oro. They made this occassion undoubtedly a success!
If you are looking for a place to stay in Mall of Asia Pasay, I recommend Lanson Place for its exceptional vibe. You may click HERE to book via Agoda. Thank you Lanson Place Manila for my participation through Rosary Ysmael - Palance of YMV Inc and Rochelle Tabino of Lanson Place Manila. Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone!
Lanson Place MOA website: www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia
Lanson Place MOA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lansonplacemallofasia
Lanson Place MOA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lansonplacemallofasia/
Lanson Place MOA address: Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76 Zone 10, CBP-1A, 1300 Pasay City
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