Miss Cebu Girls Discover Hong Kong

CEBU, Philippines - Hong Kong is definitely one of my most desired vacation places of all time. It is tourist-friendly and undoubtedly one of the best shopping destinations in the world. I was privileged to have visited this amazing city twice but what made this last trip more fun was travelling with Cebu's most fabulous and beautiful ladies.

Some weeks ago, Miss Cebu 2011 Mia Zeeba Faridoon travelled with her court Tiffanie Lene Llamada, Vanessa Claudine Amman and Rose Mary Gore for a three-day-four-night vacation to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific Flight 921. They were accompanied by Cathay Pacific's Connie Cimafranca, Cebu City Tourism Commissioners Joey Gaisano and Marco Protacio, CCTC's Anna Quisumbing and Cinbeth Orellano, ace director Junjet Primor, ABS-CBN's Marketing Specialist Clark Bayalas, and this writer.

COURTESY CALLS. Before going shopping and exploring the city of Hong Kong, the girls had the chance to go on a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate where they were met by no less than Deputy Consul General Kira Christianne Azucena. The girls also had the opportunity to visit the world renowned Cathay City. We are grateful to Cathay Pacific's Connie Cimafranca for that special arrangement. It was an afternoon full of wonderful experiences, camaraderie, learning and a lot of freebies for the girls.

GOING AROUND HONG KONG. The weather was quite unpredictable during our visit but it didn't stop us from going around the metropolis. It was so much fun going to our next destination from one train to the next via Mass Transit Railway or MTR, Hong Kong's most popular public transport. It has 85 stations located at all major entertainment, shopping, eating, commercial and residential areas of Hong Kong. It's really convenient. For most of the girls, it was such a thrill seeing one of Hong Kong's must-see tourist spot – The Avenue of Stars, centrally located at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. It orders a spectacular panoramic view across Victoria Harbour. At night, it's a popular viewing place for the Symphony of Lights display. And to pay homage to the outstanding professionals of Hong Kong's film industry, you can see star carved stones and plaques honoring the celebrities. Out of the so many famous personalities that were given a tribute, it's good to know that we were familiar to some of them like my favorite film and martial artists Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, Jet Li and Bruce Lee. Shopping is absolutely fun in Hongkong. It's like New York with Chinese characters in it. We went to Mongkok, Hongkong's most famous night market. It's definitely a shopaholic heaven. You can buy anything that you want from clothes to shoes, bags, belts, accessories and a lot more. The girls enjoyed every minute of it. "We love Hong Kong!" enthused Tiffany Llamada who was a first time traveler.

HK DISNEYLAND. On our last day, we took the girls to Hongkong Disneyland. Cebuana divas Maria Donna and Jhing Fegi-Zoleta gave us free passes to enjoy the magical world of Disneyland. We were welcomed with the newly choreographed parade which made the girls truly ecstatic. It's my 10th time to be in the park so I kinda know my way how to enjoy the park to the fullest, without a map. While Rosemary and Vanessa opted to line up for refreshments, I brought Mia and Tiffany to have a picture taking with the world's most famous character, Mickey Mouse. After the endless picture takings, we immediately lined up for Space Mountain which for me is one of the best attractions of the park. Space Mountain is the fifth version of the outer space-themed enclosed roller coaster in Disney parks. Nothing beats this one, according to Vanessa Amman. The girls wanted more but it was time for Lion King. We were so proud that a Cebuana was performing before a large audience from all over the world. Jhing Fegi-Zoleta was an amazing Nala, per Junjet Primor, who always got Jhing for special performances when she was still Cebu-based. We also couldn't afford to miss the Golden Mickey's Show which features Disney films in a Broadway style. The show was definitely outstanding.

Three days is too short especially if you are with good company. The girls surely made good memories in Hong Kong. "We had a blast even though the weather did not cooperate at times. The fast paced place, Mongkok, Disneyland, Cathay City tour completed our Hongkong visit. I have never walked as long and as constantly as we did there ,"expresses Mia Zeeba.