Friday, October 10, 2008 Staying Awake in HongKong By Jinggoy Salvador Less is more
HONGKONG. Probably the most visited Asian spot in the Filipino travel list.
It's geography makes it possible to visit as easily as visiting Davao from Manila -- the travel time as well as the plane fare cost is the same -- though HK is more alluring to visit and revisit than our city. Maybe they haven't been here yet and experience what we have to offer or the "unknown territory" is feared.
But who gets to say no to the original shopping territory? HongKong seems to be growing more powerful financially-wise, more alluring -- tourism-wise and on our side, more tempting, shipping-wise, especially when the $ to P exchange rate was down to 40.
However, HK is still the most inexpensive out-of-the-country destination by far and quoting a frequent traveler "I find HongKong always exciting".
Small the territory may be, yes, it is very exciting. The place is dynamic, where east meets west chic and so cosmopolitan!
Purchasing a new computer made it a good excuse to revisit the place, Manila price = laptop + HK tour. Tell me if that's not a good deal. Plus the chance to see friends I haven't seen in ages.
This time, I am staying with Ogee O, host extraordinaire and college pal I haven't seen in ages. Accommodation was in Tung Chung, a stone's throw away from the famous airport. Towers of residences, mall, efficient transport, a town in itself. Far, yes it seem, but it is exactly only 28 minutes to Central via the MRT.
I got more than I bargained for. The five-day visit was filled to the brim with a flurry of activities that allotted minimal time for sleep.
The two-day weekend was designated club-hopping nights along the famous Lan Kwai Fong strip. It was pretty much walking on a European street- the Caucasians outnumbered the Asians.
Admitting to doing this for the first time in Hong Kong is suicidal. It's owning up to no nightlife on the previous visits which is hmmmmm pathetic since I am in the business of everything nocturnal. Still, I had a so-fab time working the HK night scene, gobbling on noodles at the 24 hour noodle house nearby with the same faces you saw in the clubs and getting kised by the first ray of the sun while dozing off on the ride home.
Shopping will never be denied, it's the caffeine to the sleep deprived -- the shot of adrenaline. Resist-a-shopping I tried, but to no avail. I just have to see it all and have something from this visit aside from the fruit computer.
A double G tote perhaps? I like! That's the reward after I have made my dutiful courtesy call around the chic malls about town and touristic duties of photo-ops at the IFC tower, the pinnacle of high-rise architecture in Hong Kong and a front row seat at the harbor to see the Symphony of Lights (permanent daily show at 8 p.m.).
Dubbed as "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been further expanded to include 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.
After the hectic and adrenaline punping day to night to day timetable, Ogee had to go back to work and I had to visit Xavi who ended up back in the Far East after a short Morocco stint. He is now with Regal Airport Hotel, the hotel attached to the airport which explains why I got VIP treatment upon arrival.
He was so gracious enough to let me smaple the Regal hospitality with an afternoon spa retreat in one of their posh suites plus a (near) healthy meal after. But that's a topic for next week.
I think I will be heading back there sooner than planned. HongKong is always nice to visit, eat in and shop if your credit card permits. Next excuse will be, it's my birthday!
