When in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one territory that is so near the Philippines. It's just two hours away by plane. Sometimes, if the weather is good, it takes only one and a half hours. It is one very popular destination especially for the shopping-go-lucky Pinoys. It is our Mecca for cheap and up-to-date fashion finds.

Personally, Hong Kong is one concrete jungle where, literally, east meets west. I like the fusion of eastern culture and the fast pace of western life. Well, both can co-exist in Hong Kong since it is a financial hub of Asia.

There are a lot of things that one can do when in Hong Kong. Aside from the usual shopping, there are may places to visit. Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland and a lot more are places that Hong Kong can offer. Though is has a small land area, it seems as big as the other metropolis in Asia because of the many automobiles that traverse it limited streets. Couple it with the growing number of people who visit the whole year round.

It offers tourists and residents alike different activities to everyone's enjoyment. In one trip, I was able to visit a floral festival. In another trip, I was able to witness a garden design competition. The Hong Kong Fashion Week is held twice a year.

Despite the influx of modernity, Hong Kong has maintained it oriental mystique. It has adapted to western culture but there is still the eastern side to it.

Many times I have visited Hong Kong but it is one city that I will not get tired of visiting. Of course, my main agenda is to shop. Its many boutiques and stores entice me to go back every now and then. When in Hong Kong...enjoy!

Amazing Macau

Macau is dubbed as the Las Vegas of Asia. It is true! What with the rise of different casino-hotels which can only be seen in Las Vegas. It has lived up to its image as the freeport of China. It is part of the country's Special Administrative Region aside from Hong Kong.

It is a former territory of Portugal that is why some buildings, street signages and other significant establishments still have the Portuguese language printed on them. Not only is the Portuguese culture evident in signages. Macau people still cook food that the Portuguese colonizers have imbibed in them. After 1999, it was returned to China and is now enjoying the perks of being an "open" city of sorts.

The catholic influence is very much evident in Macau. In its tourist area alone, you can see its famous St. Paul's church ruins and when you go lower, you will see the Church of Sto. Domingo.

Of course, Chinese culture is very much felt. Obviously because it is actually part of Mainland China. Macau is one territory which successfully combines the cultures of the East and the West. Just like Hong Kong, it is a place where two different ways of life co-exist.

It is dubbed as the Las Vegas of the East because of the rise of different gaming venues. Each time I visit the city, casinos and hotels are newly-built. Shopping venues spring up left and right. Macau may be small but it is teeming with activities suited for one's taste and purpose of travel.

Macau can be reached via different international airlines that fly to the territory. Ferry service from Hong Kong regularly service those who plan to cross to the city. Mainland Chinese people can enter the border in Zhuhai and take land transportation.

The many times that I have visited Macau, I still find it amazing each time I see it. It has become at par with its neighboring "open" city and will continue to amaze people who will go to visit.

The Scene in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is located in the southern part of China. It is nearer to Hong Kong. In fact, I just took a train from Hong Kong which is around 45 minutes away to this shopping haven that part of China. It is one city which is a continuing development. What with its vast land area and a good number of tourists not only coming from Hong Kong but from other parts of the world as well.

 

When you arrive in Shenzhen, you get awed by the many tourists, both local and international, who come to the city mainly for cheap shopping. Transportation is not a problem when you reach the train station because buses and other public transport abound.

When you reach the city center, you will be surprised at the rate development is going in the city. Tall buildings, tourist places, condominiums, shopping destinations and the like have mushroomed in Shenzhen. I think that the national as well as local governments have planned well for all people to enjoy.

We were brought by our tour guide to the Window of the World. I thought I was in Europe when I went down our service van. Even the ambience was not like China. It is one of the tourist attractions in the city.

Of course, a trip to Shenzhen will not be complete without shopping. Buildings upon buildings of shopping areas have been constructed for everyone's pleasure. I would compare the shopping area as what we can see in Divisoria and Baclaran but they were more orderly and cleaner. Haggling is a must. Just like my shopping style in Beijing, haggle up to 70% from the original price. It is up to you or the seller who gives in first.

Before I went to Shenzhen, I had doubts if I will enjoy the trip since I have already visited Beijing and Shanghai which are the more popular and cosmopolitan cities in China. Despite the limited hours of touring and shopping in the city, I would say that, given the chance, I would like to visit the city again in the future. For cheap goods, I would recommend to do some research and try going to this southern side of China.

Given a few years more, Shenzhen is another city in China which can offer a lot to tourists. From Hong Kong, it can be reached by train or bus. There is also an airport where international airlines fly to. The scene in Shenzhen is simple but for shopping hounds, it is a must-go haven.

Grill Seoul Korean BBQ in Clarkfield, Pampanga

Sometime ago this month, I was in Clarkfield, Pampanga for an invitation by the Clark Development Corporation. My trips to this former American airbase always bring back nostalgia. When I was still an assistant director and during my early years as a fashion director, I did shows in Mimosa courtesy of Mondragon and Holiday Inn Clark. The Clark then is a far-cry to what Clark is now. On the downside, the duty free shops have closed down. Only a few are left for business. On the upside, many other establishments have opened. Call centers, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other businesses have made Clark their business enclave. Thanks to the effective management of the people in Clark Development Corporation (CDC). One of the restaurants which is worthy of dining in is Grill Seoul Korean BBQ.

It is located at the back of Clark Museum. It is near the parade grounds of CDC. One cannot miss it especially in the evening because of its glaring lights both outside and inside. During the day, it can easily be seen because of the big letters of KOREAN BBQ on the facade. It's building is modern and one cannot even tell that it's a Korean restaurant save for the signage outside.

Even the interior of the restaurant is very modern. If not for the hanging pipes, one would not think that he is inside a Korean BBQ restaurant. I thought I was in a coffee shop. Lighting is as clean as the inside of the restaurant. I commend the staff for making sure that the place is as clean as can be. The feel is casual yet classy.

Food is definitely Korean but I think the restaurant gave it a modern twist. I am not an expert in Korean cuisine but by the looks of the food that we ordered, they are not the traditional Korean stuff but I should say that they still taste good. Price-wise, it is affordable considering the big servings. We were not able to order much that evening because we were already tired from judging Mr. and Ms. Clark 2015.

Grill Seoul Korean BBQ is one pitstop to go to when you are in Clark. The staff are friendly, price is reasonable, nice interiors, good Korean food with a twist and a sight to behold amidst the other establishments around.