By Francis Allan L. Angelo
Last of two parts
Cebu Pacific hosted a group of Iloilo-based media representatives and social media personalities, including Daily Guardian, on an exclusive familiarization tour from March 3 to 6, 2025.
The tour showcased Hong Kong’s top attractions, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks while highlighting Cebu Pacific’s direct Iloilo-Hong Kong flight service.
A DAY OF ADVENTURE AND CULTURE
The day commenced with an immersive visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of Asia’s premier marine-themed amusement parks.
The Giant Panda Adventure was the first stop, where the team had a close-up look at Ying Ying, Le Le, and the twin cubs, along with a visit to the red panda exhibit. The tour continued to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures, home to giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, followed by an enchanting experience at Panda Wonders: An Illuminated Journey. The Grand Aquarium provided a multisensory journey through the depths of the ocean, featuring a breathtaking underwater spectacle.
At noon, the group enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at Ginger Grill, a renowned Ocean Park dining spot, before taking the cable car to the Summit area. The Polar Adventure exhibit was a highlight, where visitors marveled at penguins, seals, and a walrus, alongside a thrilling ride on Arctic Blast.
By mid-afternoon, the Ocean Express transported the group back to the Waterfront area for a nostalgic experience at Old Hong Kong, which recreates the city’s 1950s-1970s charm with neon-lit streets and local delicacies. Before departing, attendees had time to pick up souvenirs at Waterfront Gifts before concluding their Ocean Park visit at 4 p.m.
EXPLORING CENTRAL HONG KONG
The next stop was Central Market, a revitalized historic landmark turned into a vibrant hub of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. The tour continued on foot, allowing participants to explore Central’s rich heritage and modern attractions.
Among the highlights was the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, offering panoramic views of the bustling district. The group then ventured to Hollywood Road to admire the iconic street art murals that transform alleyways into urban masterpieces.
The culinary journey included a visit to Lan Fong Yuen, a 70-year-old cha chaan teng renowned for its Hong Kong-style milk tea. For a taste of local flavors, the group sampled the Michelin-starred Kau Kee Beef Noodles, a legendary cash-only noodle shop.
No Hong Kong trip is complete without indulging in pastries. The group visited Vission Bakery for its viral pistachio tart and Bakehouse for its famous egg tarts.
For shopping, the attendees explored PMQ (Police Married Quarters), now a hub for local boutique brands offering unique souvenirs. The final stop was Goods of Desire (G.O.D), a shop known for its creative, Hong Kong-themed gifts.
A TASTE OF LUXURY AT HARBOUR CITY MALL
Before flying back to Iloilo City on March 6, the Iloilo media delegation made a stop at Harbour City, Hong Kong’s largest and most iconic shopping mall. Situated along the stunning Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, this retail paradise is home to over 450 shops, 60 restaurants, and world-renowned luxury brands, making it a must-visit destination for shoppers and food lovers alike.
With its prime waterfront location, Harbour City also offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing shopping experience. Visitors can explore flagship stores from top international brands, trendy boutiques, and lifestyle shops—all under one roof.
Lunch at Azure 80 (#Azure80 @Azure80hk)
For lunch, the group dined at Azure 80, a stylish restaurant located within Harbour City. Offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, Azure 80 is known for its elegant ambiance and diverse menu, featuring modern Asian and Western cuisine. Guests indulged in signature seafood dishes, premium steaks, and fusion delicacies, all served in a chic, contemporary setting.
The restaurant’s Instagram-worthy interiors and plated gourmet meals made it a highlight of the trip, with many capturing and sharing their experience online using #Azure80 @Azure80hk.
A Quick Stop at Pop Mart (#PopMart @PopMartHK)
After lunch, the group made a quick stop at Pop Mart, the global leader in collectible designer toys. Located within Harbour City, Pop Mart is a haven for toy enthusiasts and collectors, featuring exclusive blind box series, limited-edition figures, and collaborations with popular artists.
The Iloilo delegation explored the store’s latest character releases, from Molly and Dimoo to Hirono and Skullpanda, taking home unique finds as souvenirs.
SHOPPING AND CULTURAL EXPLORATION IN MONG KOK
We then embarked on a shopping and cultural tour of Mong Kok, one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant and bustling districts. Known for its maze of narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and street food stalls, Mong Kok is a paradise for bargain hunters and foodies alike.
The group visited several must-see spots, including:
- Sneakers Street (Fa Yuen Street) – A haven for sneakerheads, with countless stores selling the latest sportswear and limited-edition footwear.
- Flower Market Road – A colorful street lined with shops offering fresh flowers, bonsai trees, and exotic plants.
- Bird Market – A traditional market where songbird enthusiasts gather, featuring intricate birdcages and rare bird species.
- Ladies’ Market – A shopper’s paradise packed with stalls selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and electronics at bargain prices.
Nearby, the Temple Street Night Market offered a mix of local delicacies, fortune tellers, and eclectic goods, adding to the authentic Hong Kong street experience. Travelers also indulged in Mong Kok’s famed street food stalls, tea houses, and casual eateries, sampling dim sum, egg waffles, and milk tea.
SEAMLESS TRAVEL WITH CEBU PACIFIC
The familiarization tour not only provided an in-depth look at Hong Kong’s attractions but also highlighted the convenience of Cebu Pacific’s four-times weekly flights between Iloilo and Hong Kong. Previously, travelers from Iloilo had to endure long layovers in Manila. Now, with direct flights, passengers can reach Hong Kong in under three hours, saving both time and costs.
Cebu Pacific operates Iloilo-Hong Kong flights every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, while Hong Kong-Iloilo flights are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
With this seamless connection, more Filipino travelers can easily enjoy Hong Kong’s dynamic blend of culture, food, and entertainment. The tour successfully showcased not only the city’s top destinations but also the unparalleled convenience offered by Cebu Pacific’s direct service.
Special thanks to #CebuPacific and #TravelSpecialistVentures for making this unforgettable experience possible.
