Crayfish Party in Manila

Text by Lea Stroem
Scandinavian Society Philippines (SSP) has over 150 members and they have been celebrating this age old practice in Manila since 1997, just like in many parts of the world where Scandinavians find domicile. This year, more than 200 distinguished guests of varied nationalities, including the Swedish general consul of the Philippines, joined the SSP to experience and celebrate this intriguing food and drink degustation. Member flags from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the Philippines; funny hats, colorful bibs, smiling moon shaped lanterns, decorate the ballroom of the Marriott Hotel on 25 September 2010. Singing drinking Nordic songs whilst feasting on the Crayfish and smörgåsbord spread of Baked Oysters, Dill Marinated Salmon (Gravlax), Herring, cold cuts, assorted cheeses, Baked Ham, Assorted Quiche, Swedish Meatballs, Wiener sausages, Janssons Temptation and sumptuous desserts …… was the main feature for the night.

       Following the karaoke-like prompt from the Scandinavian side, many of the other guests of different nationalities came forward to share their popular drinking songs from their homeland.  Guests from Mexico, Ireland, Italy, France, Canada, Wales, the UK and the US, sang to the audience delight. Then followed some fun games and raffle draw of close to 400,000 pesos worth of prizes and dancing all night.
       Generous sponsors included El Nido, Wayfair Tours, Werdenberg Int’l (I’m Angus Steakhouse, Chesa Bianca, Carpaccio),  Marriott Manila, The Farm, Magallanes Square Hotel, The Manila Club, David’s Salon, Jeepney Tours, Coral Beach Club, Valhalla Bistro, Boracay Strand, Sheridan Resorts, Tara Event Management, Gastro Chef, Picasso Serviced Apartments, Asian Tigers Lane Moving and Storage, Tower Club, Ayala Land, Brasserie Boheme, Apo Reef Club, Howzat, Microtel Hotels, Chef Laudico  Bistro Filipino, Union Jack Tavern, Action Asia, Retail Software Associates, Big Apple Dive Resort, Nirvana Hotel Boracay, Pevonia, Scandinavia Trend, Via Travel Marine Inc., Asia Spa, l’entrecote, Handlebar Bar and Grill, Sun Cruises, HanCa Designs, Sun Cruises, Flushing Meadows and Commercial Freight Forwarders.  
       Many look forward to next year’s Crayfish Party with enthusiasm.  Also, after the highly supported raffle of the Crayfish party, a charitable organization will now stand to benefit from the proceeds of the raffle. Meantime, the SSP will start planning for the Scandinavian Christmas Party on December 4 where traditional Scandinavian Holiday fare shall once again be served, the Lucia Fest will be celebrated and Julenisse  will come to visit and distribute gifts to the SSP kids.   
Then next year, SSP will celebrate “Kråftskiva” again when the crayfish is harvested!  Till then, “Skål” to everyone for a very well attended and successful Crayfish Party 2010!
       For more information about Scandinavian Society Philippines, please check out: www.ssp.org.ph

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