As we slither our way into the Year of Snake, the Welcome to Taipei International Club hosted a spectacular annual New Year Luncheon at the Formosa Regent Hotel on February 21, 2013 to celebrate the arrival of this shiny little dragon. Approximately 160 members and guests attended this festive function.

Club president Queeny Lin, wife of the Foreign Minister David Lin, opened the ceremony with a New Year greetings, in which she expressed hope for world peace and goodwill in the year of 2013. H. E. Jasmine Huggins, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis also graciously delivered greetings, wishing for a prosperous new year, particularly in health, love and the natural environment.

Led by Ms Doris Shih, Spicy Ladies Troupe, a vocal quartet started the program with their beautiful balanced harmonies accompanied by a specially -choreographed dance, full of youthful energy and sending a strong message of the approaching spring. The Chorus group conducted by Mrs. Mei-Yen Kao, sang their hearts out presenting classic and popular Taiwanese pieces that also included spring elements, which further moved all attendees into the airy blossoming season.

The Sewing group presented an invigorating fashion show, displaying Chipaos they had made themselves. They were led in this endeavor by Master Tsai Mon Sha, who guided the members weekly, from design, through cutting and finally the creation of their own Chipaos. Ladies proudly displayed their work on stage.

The last performance was from the Salsa group, caught the audience's eyes with the dazzling Bollywood dance, which fused traditional Indian folk dance with Western techniques and influence. Members danced energetically, accompanied with exhilarating rhythmic music and colorful costumes.

The Luncheon featured Cellist Yang Wei as a guest performer. She enchanted the audience with beautiful renditions of Schumann's "Traumerei" and Saint Saens' "The Swan". It has been a tradition of WTIC's New Year Luncheon to round up the event with a prize drawing, members cheered as the lucky winners came up to collect their prizes generously provided by WTIC board and directors.

All participants were attentively engaging during the outstanding performances and warmly interacted with one another during the luncheon. Cheered on by the attendees, and in good spirit, Madame Sawadogo and H.E. Ambassador Jasmine Huggins surprised everyone by singing the famous classic love song "The Moon is the representation of my heart " all in Mandarin. Madame Lin touched by their beautiful voices, also joined in the performance and closed this blissful celebration with the sweet sound of music.