“Not only is 2026 the Year of the Horse, but it is also the Year of the Fire Horse, which only occurs once every 60 years. This zodiac symbolizes that this year will bring momentum, independence, and action.”
I was looking through Google about the upcoming Year of the Horse this February 17, and I came across that quote, a perfect preview of what could happen this year. It’s very optimistic and forward thinking, exactly what I had hoped for. I was going to a Chinese New Year preview at the Manila Hotel’s Red Jade restaurant, and I was thoroughly galloping towards my destination.
The Manila Hotel is iconic. It opened its doors to the public over a century ago, in 1912. William Howard Taft (yes, the avenue was named after him) hired Architect Daniel Hudson Burnham (yes again, the famous park up in Baguio is also his creation), both imagined a broad, long, and tree-lined boulevard that would begin at the park and at the end of the bay, dominated by a magnificent hotel.
It became the country’s very first 5-star hotel, and through over a hundred years marked by change: World War II and General Douglas MacArthur, attempted Coup d’états, and Philippine Presidents inaugurated just beyond its halls, the Manila Hotel is widely regarded as the heart of our history.
These days, with over 500 rooms, the hotel has Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights for both lunch and dinner; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila; and the Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine. And the lobby? Always a full house.
The hotel feels different from those in Makati and the BGC. It’s grander and at the same time, very welcoming. Dining outlets are at every corner, and the main gathering venues for events, likewise. But nothing compares with the Manila Hotel Lobby. It’s been my favorite since my childhood, and I still am struck with awe whenever I enter and walk through it.
Here are my Top 5 reasons to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Red Jade:
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The Awesome Lobby Lounge
I recall my High School proms and College balls being held here. I with my tuxedo and cummerbund, and my beautiful dates by my side. I remember dozens of meetings and parties at the different venues, all made impressive by the lobby. It’s had its changes over the years, but the overall look hasn’t changed, improved definitely. It always is a joy to savor the sights over the course of changing themes with every season, from Valentine’s to Christmas.
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The 16-Year Veteran Executive Chinese Chef
Chef Sun Bing, originally from Beijing, has called Manila Hotel his home over a decade and a half, and through several changes, he has maintained and delineated his cuisine properly. The hotel’s proximity to Chinatown has resulted in many Filipino-Chinese families celebrating here, and this Year of the Horse, he’s come up with a spectacular menu guaranteed to please: Sautéed Garoupa Fillet in X.O. Sauce, Scallops with Duck Liver in Foie Gras Sauce, and Shrimps with Almond Flakes, and my favorite, the extra tender Crispy Royal Chicken Garlic Hong Kong Style!
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The Dazzling Interiors of the Red Jade
It’s RED. The extremely impressive interiors of the fine dining Chinese restaurant are a sight to behold. Breathtaking almost, red tables and red seats, red in the background and red in the foreground, it’ll surely whet your appetite for what’s to come. Come in red for CNY and fulfill the promise of the Year of the Horse!
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The Amazing Year of the Horse Menu
We began our repast with the Superior Chrysanthemum Tofu soup, with tendrils of the flower floating gently in the broth, and the sweet surprise, artistically rendered from tofu. Stunning, and it was followed by Braised Sea Cucumber and Pork Tendon in Hot Pot with XO Sauce, the distinct chew of the tendon perfectly married with the sea cucumber. We were served Vegetarian Peking Duck, made of crispy tofu and special spices, wrapped in front of us, we were wary at first, but upon the first bite, we were lost in the enchantment of this dish! My Number One dish struck a fine balance between Chinese and Filipino, the Deep-Fried Pork Belly with Chinese Bagoong. It was brilliant, Chinese flavors and Filipino spices combined into one perfect dish, alternating between the two cultures with ever bite, it was a most gallant entry in the Year of the Horse menu.
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The Unmissable Tikoy!
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without tikoy! Red Jade’s tikoy offerings, available in Red Bean and Almond flavors are perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in a sweet moment of tradition. Each bite symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and good fortune for the year ahead.
I wish you and your family a wonderful welcome of the Year of the Horse at Red Jade!
Cheers!
Spanky Hizon Enriquez
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