Video of Singaporean woman doing ‘pull-up dance’ goes viral

SINGAPORE — Need to lose some flab after all the Chinese New Year feasting?

A video of a Singaporean woman doing a “pull-up dance,” which has been viewed at least 60,000 times, may offer some inspiration.

The video shows Ming Leong, clad in a tight red dress, doing pull-ups from a bar installed at the bathroom door, while dancing to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.

She uploaded the 15-second clip on her Facebook page on February 19, the first day of Chinese New Year.

By 6:30pm on February 22, it had 27,000 views. Her video was also picked up by citizen journalism site Stomp, where it was viewed about 15,000 times.

Ming, who goes by the moniker Suzie Wong on Facebook, told The Straits Times that she decided to try the dance at her mother’s home while she was visiting for Chinese New Year.

She had been challenged to it by others who had viewed the original dance by personal trainer Marissa Inda from the United States.

Ming, who described herself as a “health nut,” said: “Many people showed me the video, and kind of challenged me to it. I honestly thought I couldn’t do it at all.”

The fitness instructor wears many hats. She does pole dancing, aerial fitness, and cross-fit. On top of that, she goes jogging four or five times a week. She also owns a pole dancing studio and co-owns an aerial fitness studio.

She said that there are people who follow her fitness journey on social media. She posts four to six times a day on her Facebook and Instagram accounts to document her journey.

She said: “Being an older woman and being fit, many people tell me that they are inspired by my fitness.”

source: technology.inquirer.net

American lobster: the new Chinese New Year delicacy

PORTLAND, Maine — Now on the menu in Beijing for Chinese New Year: lots and lots of American lobster.

Exports of U.S. lobster to China have rocketed in the past few years, largely to satisfy the appetites of the communist country’s growing middle class, to whom a steamed, whole crustacean — flown in live from the United States — is not just a festive delicacy and a good-luck symbol but also a mark of prosperity.

And that’s good news for Maine, far and away the No. 1 lobster state in the United States. The lobster boom has put more money in the pockets of lobstermen and kept shippers and processors busy during the usually slack midwinter months.

For Stephanie Nadeau, owner of The Lobster Co., a wholesaler in Arundel, Maine, the demand has meant 14-hour nights spent stuffing wriggling lobsters into crates so they can reach China in time for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Thursday. She said she sends 100,000 pounds a week to China this time of year.

“There’s lot of orders, lots of demand right now — it is a race to get them there for Chinese New Year,” Nadeau said.

On the other side of the world, every morning at 9, the Auspicious Garden restaurant in Beijing receives 800 lobsters that have just crossed the Pacific aboard a cargo plane. In the evening, hundreds of diners fill the two-story restaurant in the gigantic Pangu Seven Stars Hotel for a nearly $80 all-you-can-eat buffet with New England lobster as the main attraction.

Xu Daqiang, a 35-year-old businessman on a romantic date with his girlfriend, said food-safety concerns in China make him choose expensive high-class restaurants where he can find imported seafood.

Cao Lijun, a 24-year-old Shanghai resident celebrating her friend’s birthday, alluded to lobster’s reputed aphrodisiac properties with a laugh: “How to say it? It makes my husband healthier. Really, this is what we say, because it is high in proteins.”

Lobsters and other foods seen as luxuries are popular at Lunar New Year and other festive occasions. The bright red of a cooked lobster is considered lucky, as it resembles a dragon.

China also imports lobsters from Canada, Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere, but the market for the U.S. variety is exploding, with the demand strong year-round, not just at New Year’s.

American exports of live or processed lobster to China climbed from $2.1 million in 2009 to $90.5 million in 2014, federal statistics show. China took about 12 percent of U.S. lobster exports in 2014, up from 0.6 percent in 2009.

For the Chinese, the preferred way of enjoying lobster is to cook it in plain water and then dip the pieces in soy sauce and wasabi. Another popular way is to braise it with green bean vermicelli noodles in garlic sauce, said Lv Hui, the cook in charge of the daily buffet at the Auspicious Garden.


Wang Kang, a marketing manager at Zhangzidao Group, a seafood distributor and processor in Shanghai, attributed lobster’s popularity in China to rising incomes.

“That naturally means that people are buying more foreign luxury goods,” Wang said.

New England lobstermen have been recording epic catches in recent years. Maine, which accounts for more 80 percent of all U.S. lobster, hauled in more than 250 million pounds in 2012-13, the highest two-year total in the record books, which go back to the 1800s.

Chinese New Year is on the verge of becoming Maine’s second-biggest lobster shipping week of the year, behind Christmas week, according to industry officials.

Lobsterman Gerry Cushman of Port Clyde said the year-round demand from China has helped drive prices up, and he is using the extra money to build a new boat.

But so far, Cushman said, the surge has not driven large numbers of Maine fishermen to go out in the middle of winter, a punishingly cold and wet time of year in the Atlantic when lobsters head out into deeper, more dangerous waters.

Maine’s small number of winter lobstermen, Cushman said, consists of “stragglers who are stupid like me, or who have kids.”

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Binondo makeover under way

MANILA, Philippines—The plan to rehabilitate Manila’s Binondo district—the biggest and oldest Chinatown outside of China—could be as basic as getting rid of the spaghetti wirings, scrubbing the grime off the facades of buildings and introducing Chinese decorative elements.

But the plan also includes proposals to build a “vendors’ paradise” and parking structures over the esteros, according to Manila Councilor Bernie Ang.

Ang is the vice chair of the Manila Chinatown Development Council formed by Mayor Joseph Estrada to oversee the renewal of Binondo and develop it into a tourist destination.

“We want the old buildings to change their facades so that the aesthetics will be Chinese,” Ang told the Inquirer. “Architect Simeon Tan will suggest how to do it using the cheapest materials available in China and Hong Kong.”

Tan said building owners could use Chinese characters on signs, introduce Chinese décor and architectural elements like red paper lanterns and roof tiles, and use the colors red, emperor yellow and green.

The proposal also includes construction of a new Chinese-Filipino friendship arch, tourist information centers at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz and Plaza Sta. Cruz, parking structures and vending stalls over the Tetuan and San Fernando esteros, and expansion of the Gandara police station.

Vehicular traffic could also be rerouted to make Ongpin Street pedestrian-friendly and attract more visitors to do walking tours of the town.

Quick fix
In a separate proposal, Kelsey Ngo, president of Pinwheel Media Group Inc., suggested a quick fix: Give Binondo a face-lift by putting on outdoor stickers bearing Chinese motifs. These stickers last at least five years, according to Ngo. His project portfolio includes Filinvest City and Greenhills Promenade.

Ang said the city government would ask the Chinese government to support the Chinatown project.

“By next year, we will see physical changes in Binondo,” he said.

The four umbrella organizations of the Chinese community—Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Charitable Association, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Philippine Chinese Business Club—have agreed to support the city government’s development plan.

Unified celebration

The groups used to hold separate celebrations of the Lunar New Year but this year, with Jan. 31 being declared a special nonworking holiday and the city government spearheading the festivities for the first time, Estrada asked them to hold a unified celebration.

A solidarity dinner was held at the Lido de Paris Hotel on Ongpin Street on Thursday night, followed by a countdown at 11:15 p.m. In Chinese tradition, a day is divided into 12 cycles, with the first cycle, the start of the day, running from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to Ang.

The countdown and the musical fireworks display were held at Plaza Sta. Cruz in front of the North Gate on Ongpin Street.

On Friday afternoon, a solidarity parade featuring at least 20 dragon and 100 lion figures will pass through the five gates of  Chinatown. The dragon dance parade ushers in prosperity, according to Ang.

With at least 5,000 people expected to participate, the parade could stretch to 3 kilometers, he said.

Parade route

The Chinese umbrella groups donated 6,000 boxes of tikoy to be distributed at the start of the parade at 1 p.m. at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz.

From there, the parade will proceed to Juan Luna Street, turn left to Plaza Cervantes, right to Quintin Paredes, left to Escolta, left to Plaza Sta. Cruz, right to Ronquillo, left to Ongpin, left to Sabino Padilla, right to Quintin Paredes, right to Ongpin, left to Sabino Padilla, left to Soler, left to Reina Regente and end at Lucky Chinatown Mall.

Traffic will be stopped on major streets on the route of the parade. Congestion may be expected at the southern and northern approaches to MacArthur Bridge and Jones Bridge and on the south and north sides of Rizal Avenue and Quintin Paredes.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

18-treasures feast for Chinese New Year, French féte for Valentine’s Day

Sofitel Philippine Plaza kicks off the Year of the Horse with two important festivities that many Filipinos look forward to—the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

A preview of Sofitel’s celebrations and offerings for the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day was held last Wednesday at Spiral’s Epicure Private Dining Room. Three huge round tables were beautifully set up in the room, each laden with a sumptuous spread of dishes for each occasion.

The dishes for Chinese New Year included Braised Pork Knuckle with Iceberg Lettuce and Oyster Sauce, Steamed King Prawn with Fresh Garlic, Braised Sea Cucumber with Minced Chicken Szechuan Sauce; and for Valentine’s Day, Caviar Pie, Green Salad with Cheese and Edible Flowers and dark and white chocolates in all sizes, shapes and flavors.

The middle table was meant for the ceremony of Yusheng to bring good luck to the whole year. Yusheng is a prosperity toss raw-fish salad consisting of strips of raw fish (tuna and salmon) mixed with shredded vegetables (carrots and green radish) and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients.

The Chinese ceremonial toss was participated in by Sofitel’s Chinese executive chef Mok Chee Wah, food and beverage director Damien Marchenay, sales and marketing director Chanelle Garvey, general manager Adam Laker, resident manager Carl Gagnon and regional executive chef for Asia Pacific Eric Costille.

“Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day have been two of the most celebrated occasions in the Philippines,” said Laker. “And, Sofitel has lined up fabulous ways to observe these momentous events. We’ve prepared an extensive spread for the Lunar feast and the most romantic dinner for Love Day.”





For Chinese New Year, chef Mok Chee Wah has prepared a special 18 treasures-themed menu, ongoing until Feb. 2 at Spiral, from different regions of China (Cantonese, Szechuan, Shanghainese and Peking-style).

In Chinese numerology and phonetics, the number 18 is associated with prosperity. The 18-treasures menu features 18 types of steamed and fried Hong Kong dim sum, 18 main courses, several live cooking stations, including Mongolian with fresh meat, seafood, and 18 kinds of sauces, lobster laksa with 18 kinds of condiments, and 18 desserts.

Dishes include Braised Sea Cucumber with Szechuan-style minced chicken, Shanghai-style fried spicy chicken, Cantonese-style wok-fried pork chop, and Peking-style wok-fried long bean and minced beef. There are more dishes to feast on, such as Spiral’s signature chili crabs, various Hong Kong roast meats, and foie gras siomai.

On Jan. 29, Spiral will hold a 15-piece fashion show with the Shanghai Nights Collection featuring the look and feel of Shanghai as interpreted by renowned designer Albert Andrada.




On Jan. 30, Chinese New Year’s Eve, there’ll be dragon and lion dance performance at 7:30 p.m. plus fireworks display. A Chinese cultural dance will cap the celebrations at 10 p.m.

French-style Valentine’s

For the love month, Spiral French chef Bettina Arguellas will sprinkle flowers on dishes from main courses to desserts to cocktail drinks on Feb. 13-16.





The floral feast starts with barley salad with basil flowers and broccoli, lavender and couscous salad, and glazed spring vegetables with squash flowers. The romantic rendezvous blossoms with peppered lavender beef tenderloin and honey pork loin with plum and lavender relish, deep-fried courgette flowers with basil dip and seared prawns with chamomile beurre blanc.

The French culinary touch is highlighted in other dishes such as Foie Gras and Duck Prosciutto with Compote of Strawberry and Roses and Glazed Iberian Pork Belly with Swiss Chard, Lavender Poached Apples and Grape Mustard Vinaigrette.

On Feb. 14, guests can have a private dinner for two at Sunset Bar. They can indulge in a six-course set menu prepared by Arguellas while being served by a personal butler. The experience will be made even more special with live entertainment by a romantic duo, a bottle of champagne, a box of heart-shaped chocolates, a bouquet of roses and a special gift from Jewelmer.

Singles are not left out on Valentine’s Day. In fact, it’s Black Valentines at Le Bar with no romantic intonations but rather live entertainment and guaranteed lots of fun to help them forget it’s Valentine’s Day.





For reservations and inquiries on Sofitel’s Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day treats, call 8326988, 5515555; or e-mail fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com

source:  lifestyle.inquirer.net

Second Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert at Fremont Street Experience

Celebrate the Year of the Water Snake as Fremont Street Experience, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Golden Catalyst present the second annual Chinese New Year in the Desert festival in Downtown Las Vegas from Feb. 8 – 10.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will kick-off the three-day festival during the opening ceremonies on Friday at 6 p.m. at the 3rd Street Stage which will feature a live authentic dragon dance by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin.

Throughout the three-day festival, guests can enjoy Asian entertainers on the 3rd Street Stage and visit the International Vendor Village, located on 3rd Street North between Fremont Street and Stewart Avenue, to taste the international flavors from renown food vendors. This is open on Friday, Feb. 8 from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10 from noon-9 p.m.


To commemorate the Lunar Lantern Festival, which officially ends the Chinese New Year celebrations, primary grade students of Clark County School District will be constructing paper lanterns marked with their “wish” for 2013. The lanterns will then be on display throughout Fremont Street Experience during the Chinese New Year in the Desert festival. Additionally, guests and passersby are invited to stop in at a booth located near the 3rd Street Stage to build their own lantern to display on Fremont Street Experience.

Throughout the three-day event, several women will compete in the Miss Asian American Pacific Islander USA Pageant. Contestants will participate in the Macy*s Fashion Show, a talent show emceed by Ian Ziering from Beverly Hills 90210, and interview segment for the chance to be crowned Miss AAPI USA. Events run nightly Friday-Sunday at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, Feb. 10 local businesses and organizations will come together to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year during the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade. Parade participants will showcase their talent and creativity with the most extravagant floats in vibrant colors to commemorate the rich history of the most important holiday of the Asian community. Starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Gass Avenue and 4th Street, the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade will travel up 4th Street through Fremont Street Experience and end at the intersection of 4th Street and Ogden Avenue.


When: Friday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Fremont Street Experience, 425 Fremont St, Las Vegas

Cost: Not available

Age limit: All ages

source: lasvegassun.com