The Magic Lives on

CEBU, Philippines - Hong Kong will always be, well, Hong Kong. No matter how frequent you visit this top notch destination, you will always find new places to visit, new attractions to see and more delightful food to taste.

Every year planeloads of Filipinos still vacation in this former British colony. And how British is Hong Kong now? Well, in my recent visits there over the last few years, I discovered the pleasant irony that more Hong Kong residents speak fluent English now than during their days under the British rule! And this aspect itself is becoming more attractive to Filipino tourists.

Last year a record breaking number of 660,000 Filipinos visited Hong Kong and soaked in the ever refreshing sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Sure, more than half may be repeat visitors who have endured many a shop scoundrel in the art of bargaining. Well, you win some, you lose some.

Philippines lies in the 7th spot in terms of Hong Kong arrivals by country, behind Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, USA, South Korea and Singapore. In 2011 Hong Kong recorded 41.9 million visitors compared to the Philippines’ 3.9 million. Also in comparison, our visitor arrivals from Hong Kong recorded only 112,000. For every one visitor from Hong Kong, six Filipinos reciprocate his or her visit.

Two reasons stand out glaringly why Filipinos still find Hong Kong so attractive. First, it’s the destination’s ability to add on new attractions in existing popular tourist spots. In spite of their successes, both Disneyland and Ocean Park have developed new themes in their respective parks. In addition, new boutique hotels have sprung up in the heart of the city like, The Luxe Manor in Tsim Sha Tsui and others, like the Tai O Heritage Hotel in Lantau Island in far flung locations within an hour or two from Central Pier in Hong Kong island.

The second reason is accessibility. Within the Philippines itself, Hong Kong can be reached directly from various points in the country - Manila, Clark, Cebu and just recently from Kalibo all serviced by the country’s leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air, offering the lowest of fares. There could be plans too to reconnect Davao with Hong Kong.

No airline has ever embarked with this level of intensity to connect the Philippines and Hong Kong, promoting tourism between them. With CEB’s expansion program, you will be in for more excitement and wonderful surprises when planning your vacations ahead.

The combination of holiday attractions for all ages and low airfares will maintain Hong Kong as a top drawer for Filipinos 

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What’s new in Hong Kong Disney’s Toy Story Land

(www. hongkongdisneyland. com)

Exclusive in Asia, Toy Story Land brings the cherished stories of the Toy Story movie trilogy to reality, providing an immersive and memorable experience. Upon entering the themed area, guests will feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy as they are transported to the oversized world of Andy’s backyard.

Toy Story Land houses three main attractions – RC Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop – offering Guests interactive and playful adventures. Throughout the themed area, Guests will also be able with their Toy Story friends.

Even more magical experiences will be introduced this summer at Disneyland Hong Kong. Opening soon is Grizzly Gulch, a themed area based on the original story of the “gold rush” days of the American Frontier. Soon after to open will be Mystic Point, which will feature many surprises for you as strange things are activated by the enchantment of a music box which possesses magical powers.

More than 6 million Guests visit Disneyland Hong Kong each year since their opening in September of 2005. It’s beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear together with a cast of over 5,000 at the theme park and two hotels have mesmerized both the young and old.

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Old Hong Kong

(www.oceanpark,com.hk)

Ocean Park’s new attraction, Old Hong Kong opened several weeks to offer an immersive experience of culture, history and tasty delicacies. This themed area, within the fabled tourist attraction, showcases the streetscapes and spirit of Hong Kong between the ‘50s and ‘70s from various perspectives, including a replica of Star Ferry Pier’s clock tower and its signature toll, a manually retrofitted tramcar and rows of classic “tong lau” style apartment buildings.

Guests can even sample more than 70 local street foods and drinks to reminisce the flavors of old Hong Kong. Also brilliantly recreated to life is the Dai Tat Dei – a Hong Kong style marketplace where locals hang out to watch martial arts performers, street opera singers, storytellers and fortune tellers, amidst passing rickshaws, bicycles laden with rice and hawkers yelling their merchandise.

Drop by the old tram and the double decker bus and watch out for the Grand Cinema and Suzie Bar (remember World of Suzie Wong, eh?). If you are a twenty something, bring lolo and lola with you. It’s somewhat refreshing what these theme parks are revolving to! And I am smirching.

Ocean Park has the traditional attractions of the sea show, Aqua City, Amazing Asian Animals (don’t miss the pandas) and balloon and cable car rides.

Cebu Pacific flies to Hong Kong from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Kalibo, offering the most number of flights from the Philippines.Visit www. cebupacificair. com for flight details, lowest fares and holiday packages. (FREEMAN)