On February 16, 2026, at Chowking Sta. Cruz in Manila, Philippines, rising star Kai Montinola headlined the nationwide CHOWlubong Chinese New Year celebration, turning the restaurant into a lively stage of tradition, music, and festive flavors in honor of the Year of the Horse.
The event gathered families, fans, and guests eager to welcome the new lunar year through food, performance, and cultural festivities.
From the moment the program began, Kai’s presence set the tone for the celebration. Her energy carried through the space as traditional lion and dragon dances filled the venue with rhythmic drumbeats and vibrant movement. Guests paused mid-meal to watch the performance unfold, phones raised, smiles wide, as the restaurant transformed into a cultural celebration ground. The atmosphere felt both intimate and grand—an everyday dining space elevated by tradition and excitement.
Kai’s role went beyond hosting. As the face of the Sta. Cruz’s celebration and her interaction with guests created a warm and welcoming tone. She greeted families, joined in the festivities, and encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of the season. Her engagement highlighted how Chinese New Year celebrations can feel accessible and joyful, especially when led by a personality who connects naturally with audiences.
Food remained at the heart of the event. Chowking introduced its festive lineup, featuring the complete Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Lauriat—paired with favorites such as Pancit Canton, Siomai, Buchi, Egg Fried Rice, and Chicharap. The spread encouraged sharing, reflecting the meaning of reunion and prosperity traditionally associated with the holiday. Each dish contributed to the celebratory mood, offering familiar comfort with a festive twist.
A standout moment of the gathering was the debut of the Coco Mango Halo-Halo, a limited-time dessert blending creamy coconut and sweet mango. Its bright colors and refreshing taste captured the essence of the celebration—sweet, vibrant, and unmistakably Filipino. Guests sampled the dessert as part of the festivities, making it one of the most talked-about additions of the day.
Beyond Sta. Cruz, simultaneous CHOWlubong events took place across regional flagship stores nationwide, extending the celebration to communities throughout the country. The festive program also featured special appearances and broadcast segments that amplified the excitement beyond the store walls, ensuring that the Year of the Horse was welcomed on both local and national platforms.
For many attendees, the highlight was seeing Kai Montinola embody the celebration with sincerity and enthusiasm. Her involvement gave the event a youthful, energetic edge while preserving the cultural roots of the occasion. The combination of traditional performances, festive dishes, and Kai’s engaging presence created a celebration that felt current yet deeply respectful of heritage.
As the festivities concluded, the restaurant remained filled with the lingering sound of drums, the scent of freshly served dishes, and the buzz of satisfied conversations. The celebration reflected a broader message: that the Chinese New Year is not only about tradition but also about gathering, sharing, and welcoming fresh beginnings together.
With Kai Montinola leading the Sta. Cruz celebration: Chowking’s CHOWlubong successfully marked the start of the Year of the Horse with flavor, performance, and community spirit—setting a festive tone for the year ahead. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
