Invitations to hotel events poured in during the summer.
Although it is quite a struggle to crisscross the metropolis in this debilitating heat and worsening traffic conditions, the hotels always make it a point to come up with interesting events, so I find myself hurdling all the physical challenges I am faced with, just to experience what they have to offer. Here are two that caught my attention.
Century Park Hotel’s Ting Hun
Filipino-Chinese families have their own version of Pamamanhikan (engagement tradition) which they call Ting Hun, widely known for its unique and traditional rituals presented during the ceremony. One ritual is the walking of the bride backwards when entering the place where the event is held. This is to prevent the bride from seeing the groom immediately and to avoid negative energy.
The backward walk is followed by another ritual, where a married woman with a wealthy and healthy family, whom the bride should see as a role model, turns the bride around three times until she is allowed to meet the groom.
After the entrance, the ceremonial serving of the drink ensues. The drink, which symbolizes happiness and good luck, is served from the eldest to the youngest members of the family, while the soon-to-be married couple is served last. Sweet tea soup, which signifies harmony, is also served to the entourage.
Ting Huns are also known for their extravagant gift exchange between the couple’s respective families. It is common to exchange jewelry, but it all depends on the families’ financial capabilities. What is important is that the gifts come in pairs.
Noodles, eggs, rounded fruits, cakes, and sweets are also exchanged. Noodles, in the Chinese culture, have always signified longevity. Eggs, on the other hand, symbolize fertility towards building a family in the future. Fruits represent wealth, while the cake and sweets signify a sweet start for the couple.
Ting Huns are usually held at the house of the bride-to-be, as it is the future groom’s time to formally ask for the woman’s hand in marriage.
But for those who prefer to host the event, Century Park Hotel offers a complete Ting Hun package, making it easy for couples to focus on other matters related to their forthcoming wedding.
Call (02) 528-8888 or 0917-528-5888, or email information@centurypark.com.ph for more information.
Conrad Manila’s The Perfect Pair
I have always enjoyed sipping my favorite cocktails at the C Lounge of Conrad Manila because of the breathtaking panoramic view of the sunset it offers. After a long day, nothing beats such de-stressing ritual, especially because the food served enhances the feel-good moment. This is why I was so excited to learn of the hotel’s new offering at the C Lounge.
The Perfect Pair is a weekly (Wednesday evenings), three-course degustation, specially prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Patterson, paired with red and white wines. It is part of the hotel chain’s #EatDrinkHilton seasonal produce dining campaign, turning the spotlight on an “ingredient of the month.”
General Manager Laurent Boisdron proudly announced their use of sustainably sourced seasonal ingredients, such as mint leaves, coriander, grains, and tomatoes. Their choice items are chili for July, chocolate for August, and lemongrass for September, among others, and they make sure that their menu pairings change every week.
Additional information are available at (02) 683-3990 or conradmanila@conradhotels.com
With all these interesting attractions offered by the hotels, it’s small wonder why I find myself all over the metropolis any day of the week.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.