Gourmet tikoy, lion dancers, and where to party for Chinese New Year 2013 

Still hungover from the holidays? Pinoys who aren't quite ready to go back to their routines have another excuse to party next month: the celebration of Chinese New Year on February 10. Whether you say "Kung Hei Fat Choi!", "Kung Hee Huat Tsai!", "Gong Xi Fa Cai!" , "Kiong Hi Huat Tsai!" or just "Happy Chinese New Year!", welcoming the Year of the Water Snake is something that everyone can enjoy. Ayala Museum's st'ART! As early as January 26, you can celebrate Chinese New Year with the kids at Ayala Museum's st'ART! Crafts for Kids workshop. Kids can learn crafts inspired by the Chinese New Year from 3 to 5 P.M. The workshop is free with purchase of the full museum admission, and materials will be provided. For more information, call (02)7577117. JaywalkersPH's photowalk For an unusual New Year celebration, join JaywalkersPH's Water Snake: Chinese New Year Photowalk on February 10. Photography enthusiasts will meet at Plaza San Lorenzo in front of Binondo Church before setting out on an adventure through the streets of Manila. Participants must bring their own gear, extra shirts, and money for food. For more information, visit the JaywalkersPH website. Oriental in Leyte Of course, feasting is something to look forward to, and many hotels and restaurants are offering special culinary treats for the New Year. At The Oriental in Leyte, there will be a grand Chinese buffet on February 10. Good eats at Mandarin Hotel Meanwhile, Mandarin Hotel is offering its signature gourmet tikoy, which is perfect for sharing. "Give the gift of homemade tikoy to augur bounty and harmony in the coming year," Mandarin Oriental said on its website. From February 9 to 17, you can enjoy festive Lunar New Year set menus created by Executive Chinese Chef Hann Furn Chen. On February 9, join the New Year festivities, such as energizing rituals by Master Joseph Chau, traditional eye-dotting ceremonies, and a sumptuous Lauriat dinner. At midnight, catch the majestic dragon and lion dances and a thrilling fireworks display. Tikoy fix at Makati Shang

You can also get your tikoy fix at Makati Shangri-La, which offers the sticky, sweet treat in different shapes: traditional round with the Chinese prosperity character, a pair of carps symbolizing surplus every year, or Chinese gold blocks known as ingots. "The tikoy, also known as nian gao (literally meaning year cake) is a traditional Chinese New Year treat, believed to bring good luck and prosperity according to ancient Chinese belief," said a press release from Makati Shangri-La. Apart from tikoy, there is the traditional Chinese dish called Yee Sang or Yu Sang. Also known as "Prosperity Toss," this must-have Chinese New Year dish is a raw fish salad with more than 20 ingredients, including strips of salmon and shredded vegetables. "The yee sang is then tossed as high as possible while guests shout out their wishes, which is believed to be granted the higher the salad is thrown in the air," the press release said. On February 9, the countdown begins at 10 p.m. with a lion dance and Chinese firecrackers. For more information, call (02) 8138888 or email rric.slm@shangri-la.com for dining, and reservations.slm@shangri-la.com for rooms. Resorts World Manila's Imperial Festival At Resorts World Manila, join their Imperial Festival from February 2 to 10. The celebration begins with a firecracker ceremony at 11 A.M. on February 2. The mall is transformed into Little Chinatown, where you can wander around an exotic bazaar, sample authentic Chinese delicacies, try on lucky charms, consult with numerologists, and enjoy live music. Malaysia's world-champion lion dancers Kun Seng Keng will perform at The Plaza on February 2 and 3. There will also be performances from the Ling Nam dragon dance troupe, Chinese acrobats, magic acts, and surprise celebrity guests. On February 9, count down to the Lunar New Year at Passion Restaurant. Staycation at the Intercon If you want to welcome the Year of the Water Snake with a luxurious vacation, but don't have the time to leave Manila, you can go on a staycation with InterContinental Manila's Gong Xi Fa Cai Room Package. The package includes access to the top floor Club Lounge where guests will be treated to exclusive services such as express check-in and check-out, butler service, and complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. The overnight stay is available at P8,888 nett for a Club Room and P11,888 nett for a Junior Suite. For more information, call InterContinental Manila at(02)7937000. 7th Spring Film Festival Meanwhile, the 7th Spring Film Festival features award-winning films such as Piano in a Factory (Best Actor, 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival; Best International Movie, 28th Miami International Film Festival; Special Award of Jury, 28th Golden Flower Movie Festival); Storm Warriors (Best Visual Effects, 29th Hong Kong Film Awards), and Golden Times, Jasmine Women (Grand Jury Prize, 7th Shanghai International Film Festival; Best Actress, 13th Golden Rooster Awards). "The festival is organized every year to promote Chinese language and culture in mainstream Philippine society particularly among young Filipinos so that they may become bridges between China and the Philippines. This year’s festival features different faces of Chinese society," said a press release from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies.   The Spring Film Festival runs at Shangri-La Plaza from February 1 to 10. CCP's Pasinaya 2013 On February 3, the Cultural Center of the Philippines opens Pasinaya 2013, a one day multi-arts festival that features crash workshops, film screenings, visual arts exhibitions and activities for children. This year's festival will be highlighted by performances of the Lion dance and the presence of Tsinoy celebrities. Special guests include the Ling Nam Athletic Federation, Filipino-Chinese classical singers Sherwin Sozon, Elaine Lee, Joanna Go and Roger Saldo Chua, and the Philippine Cultural College Chinese Orchestra. There will also be an exhibit on Chinese medicine and Chinese Language. – Carmela G. Lapeña / KDM, GMA News