The name “Hong Kong” means fragrant harbor, referring to Victoria Harbor, the body of water connecting Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. In the mid-1800s, the harbor was filled with boats carrying all kinds of spices brought in from and going to be delivered to many parts of the world. It was said that sailing on the harbor, one would smell a certain fragrance from the loads of spices on the boats nearby.
Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, has a population of 7.5 million in a 426-square-mile territory, making it the most densely populated area in the world. The city hosts many ethnic groups, with the Filipinos ranking the highest, at 2.7 percent. It is also the fourth-ranked global financial center and is home to the seventh-highest number of billionaires of any other city in the world.
It’s been eight years since I last visited this former Crown Colony. I was once again thrilled by the energizing buzz of activity that the city is known for and, of course, by the opportunity to have my fill of honest-to-goodness real Chinese cuisine again. Driving through downtown with all those humongous buildings on both sides of the street reminds me that Hong Kong prides itself as the city with the most skyscrapers in the world.
Immediately after arrival, my friends and I decided to spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights of the city. Our Hong Kong-based contact told us that, since my other companions were first-timers in the city, it would be best to make them see the entire city from a perfect vantage point. So we drove up to Victoria Peak and were mesmerized by the magical view of the colors sparkling from the city’s many buildings like jewels of different colors glittering in the horizon.
The magnificent view made us hungry, thus, sumptuous Chinese cuisine was next on the agenda. Our Hong Kong friend brought us to this specialty restaurant known for having the best crustacean items on the menu, which pleased my companions no end, but I had to go for the pork and beef items as I am allergic to shellfish. It was a much-appreciated taste of authentic Chinese food, rich in all the ingredients that give such cuisine its delectable flair.
The event we came to Hong Kong for was the Golden Age Expo and Summit which the city hosted for the ninth consecutive year. It was held at the massive and modern Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center which has 83,000 square meters of exhibition space. Opened 36 years ago, it is easily recognizable by its turtle-shaped roof and is one of two major MICE venues in the city, the other being the AsiaWorld Expo.
This assembly attracted thousands of senior citizens residing in Hong Kong because it displayed many items, gadgets, and facilities needed for elderly care. Of course, we had our booth, for the Philippine Retirement Authority, where we offered our country’s very attractive Special Resident Retirees Visa Program.
From among the thousands who attended the 3-day event, we were able to get 225 serious inquiries. They are Hong Kong residents who have been thinking of retiring to another country. They have already asked us for the list of requirements needed for the issuance of our Retirement Visa and have also inquired which Philippine banks we have accredited to receive their visa deposits. We were also visited by a couple who assured us that they would arrive in the Philippines middle of this month and another couple arriving in December, both having decided to reside permanently on our shores. It was a very productive participation in this event.
Of course, such success demanded a celebration. It was very kind of our Hong Kong friend to mark such a triumph by treating us to a 14-course Chinese dinner! It’s been many, many years since I have partaken of a Chinese lauriat so I wasn’t ready for this onslaught of delectable Chinese dishes over 3 hours, more so my companions who have never had a real lauriat before. It certainly was an experience for all of us, albeit overwhelming, but definitely a fantastic culinary delight.
Although we didn’t have enough time to see more of Hong Kong’s attractions, the amount of delicious Chinese food we enjoyed made up for whatever tourist destinations we missed out on. Although Victoria Harbor is no longer fragrant, the many delights that the city offers continue to please the senses.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
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