Healthwise in Hong Kong (Part 1)

Mr. Charles Lim of Selrahco Mgt. Services approached my tv show (HEALTHWISE, looped daily on RCTV Channel 36) producer/director Ms. Joanna Wu-Po for a tie-up with Cebu Pacific’s “My Happy Trip” promotion. It was a win-win deal, as we had the chance to go to Hong Kong for a couple of episodes: one for the sights and the other is on traditional Chinese medicines and vegetarian dishes.

So, off we went, together with the winners: sisters Marilou and Marilyn Sy, together with pretty little Mikki (Ricci Mikhaela) Sy whose birthday wish to be in Disneyland came true. Thanks to Cebu Pacific.

Fortunately for us, I had initial contact – through my Hong Kong-based niece Ellery Jane Roa-Salva — with Ms. Jenny Chan, Gen. Mgr. of the imposing Hotel Panorama of the Rhombus International Hotels Group. The Rhombus Group provided accommodations for us, and what lovely, breath-taking rooms!

Our first night was at the centrally located boutique business hotel – Hotel Bonaparte – Hong Kong side, next to the upscale shopping area of Times Square, between Causeway Bay & Wan Chai. A great amenity of Hotel Bonaparte is providing its guest with a mobile phone during the stay, free of charge, so you can make local calls for free. Ideal for business travelers, indeed! (11 Morrison Hill Rd., Wan Chai. Email: bonaparte@ hotelbonaparte.com.hk/ website: www.hotelbonaparte.com.ph)

Then, we moved over to the jewel of the Rhombus Group – Hotel Panorama in Kowloon, with close to 80% of its rooms with a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. (8A Hart Avenue, Tsimshatsui. Email: [email protected]). With a 39- storey edifice, Hotel Panorama participates in the stunning nightly Hong Kong experience called “ A Symphony of Lights” Laser Show at about 8pm. From Nathan Road, access to Hotel Panorama is Mody Road. You can’t miss it!

The other multi-awarded member of the Rhombus Group is Hotel LKF also in Hong Kong side, just at the top of the frenetic night scene of historic Lan Kwai Fong, where expats and tourists congregate for a truly Hong Kong clubbing experience. (33 Wyndham St., Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]) The hotel’s restaurant (29th & 30th floors) Azure is awarded 2008 Best Restaurant by Hong Kong Tattler and LKF Hotel as one of The World’s Top 1% of Hotels by Expedia Insiders’ Select 2008.

We had a fun day at Victoria Peak where the Peak Tram is refurbished for its 120th year celebration. I “interviewed” Jackie Chan over there – have you seen it at the end of our current episode of Healthwise?