Chap Goh Meh Celebration at Quayside

On the 11th of February 2017 was 'Chap Goh Meh' celebration at Quayside condo. For those who do not know what this phrase means, 'Chap Goh Mei' itself is the 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien which also marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. Above was God of Prosperity giving out ang pows consisting of 2 chocolate coins wrapped in golden paper to signify money. Quayside is an upscale condo near Straits Quay Mall in Tanjung Tokong.

There was a lion dance with accompaniment of drums and cymbals. Children were feted to ang pows, notwithstanding a few adults too collected them as well.

In this photo taken by me, many hands stretched out to collect their ang pows or red packets traditionally given out to unmarried singles by the married couples or in this case, by the God of Prosperity. The shed was erected by a beach since Quayside is a seaside condo with many facilities like swimming pools, Jacuzzis, gym and an air-con reading room.

We were treated to a buffet dinner, compliments of the fund collected by the condo management. Each person costs $40 and you have to turn up after signing up, or else your money will be forfeited and you have to pay instead. There is a wide repertoire of food like char kuay teow, fried prawns, vegetables, fish fillets, fried rice and noodles, drinks, desserts and more. For those who were early, they were treated to a plate of 'yee sang' where they can toss for good luck.

We were entertained with live band and music while dining outside with the buffet dinner. Security guards were stood at strategic places to ensure safety and that everything is in order. After dinner, many residents went back to their units while some stayed on to dance to the music and wait for the announcement of lucky draw prizes.

It took about 45 minutes for all the prizes to be given away, with some being contributed by fellow residents. Many numbers were called and had to be cancelled due to absence of the lucky draw holder. Finally when the first prize was announced, no one collected and it was gone. The master of ceremony then picked another number and this time, it was my number being called at 0845 and I got a free night stay for 2 at Lone Pine Hotel with breakfast included. The prize is easily worth at least $600 as Lone Pine Hotel is also a favourite seaside hotel with premium price that is affiliated to E & O, the developer of Quayside Condo.



Above is a short video that I took of the lion dance at Quayside prior to buffet dinner.