Tag: China
2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races: Fancy Dress Competition
Esquire Philippines recently sent me to cover the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races. It officially ran on the weekend of June 27-28, 2026 at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. One of my top highlights was the Fancy Dress Competition, where 18 teams paraded and raced in playful costumes and colorful attire. […]
Hilarious Knock-Offs Made in China
When my sister Karen went on a business trip to China this week, I gave her a side assignment—to photograph all the knock-off items and funny English signs she sees. I wasn’t just talking about fake Nikes and Louis Vuittons; I was inspired by this 2012 Buzzfeed list that spawned other listicles of hilarious China-made […]
The Real Taste of Hong Kong is in the Streets
I’ve trekked with two types of travelers: 1) the one who prefers to dine in clean and sanitized places, carefully avoiding grade C and below restaurants and 2) the cowboy who doesn’t mind braving underground spots and eating street food as locals do. I prefer traveling with the latter. That old saying, “When in Rome…” […]
Is Fisherman’s Wharf Macau Losing Luster?
It was the first stop of my family’s Macau group tour on December 30, so naturally I expected it to be one of the best spots to welcome tourists to this Chinese region. But it was 11 a.m. and none of the attractions or restaurants was open, except for the food carts outside the entrance, […]
Quirk of the Month: Edible Mickeys
Call it the power of marketing. Just place a popular logo, brand or character on any ordinary consumer item and its selling power increases tenfold. When my family and I spent New Year’s Eve in Disneyland Hong Kong, my sister and I fell for the overpriced Mickey treats—hook, line and sinker. I know it’s just […]
Hello Kitty For Grownups
Sanrio was a huge part of my childhood. At least once a week after school, I would visit Gift Gate, a chain of stores in the Philippines that carries Sanrio products. I would spend hours there, just browsing through hordes of Hello Kitty, Kero Keroppi, and Little Twin Stars items. I would purchase my regular […]