By Karen Villarmia

Sei Mui Vong, Karen Villarmia, Mew Hing Wong, Clarita Esmeralda, and Hipolita Rosete

It was a multicultural celebration at the OHANA Waikiki West, as guests and employees greeted the Year of the Ox on Saturday, January 31.

Guests and ‘ohana enjoyed a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, which was performed on the sidewalk fronting the hotel. Following the dance, the lobby was packed shoulder-to- shoulder, as guests participated in the food tasting and the giving of Li See to the lion (offering to the lion).

Yu Ming Li, Pui Chan Lee, and Karen Villarmia

Mahalo to Herb Fernandez and the Maintenance staff, along with Sam Yip and Fu Chao Wong, for decorating the exterior of the hotel, and the Housekeepers for contributing their time and talent to create a festive atmosphere. This was the first year for this hugely successful event, and Janice Ng deserves a special mahalo for coordinating it — we can’t wait for next year!

Dei Xian Liu, Ok Sim Pae, Ok Ja Chang, Joyce Jon, Marylene Lagasca, Mew Hing Wong, and Janice Ng (kneeling)