It seems that many in the Philippines have a family member, a friend or both working in Hong Kong. Personally, I think it is a great experience because there are more than 100,000 Filipinos, both male and female, working in Hong Kong. It is true that those working in Hong Kong are away from their family and friends in the Philippines but there would be fewer locations in the world that are more Philippine friendly than Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and south China was our home for 9 years. In my opinion, Hong Kong rocks! We are happy living in the Bacolod Area of the Philippines but if we just had to move, it would be to Hong Kong. We still have family and friends working in Hong Kong and we know it very well.
On the weekends in Hong Kong, it is almost like being in the Philippines. You will see Filipinos everywhere! In the malls, in the parks, on public transportation, in restaurants and especially in World Wide Plaza, aka World Wide House, located in the area between Connaught Road Central, Pedder Street and Des Voeus Road Central. Every Filipino in Hong Kong, except maybe those who just arrived during the last day or two, knows where World Wide Plaza is located.
World Wide House Plaza
The photo was taken at night and it has a good shot of the moon!
At World Wide Plaza, you can buy everything Philippines! There are many shops, which are operated by Filipinos, selling cell phone loads, snacks from the Philippines, canned goods from the Philippines, newspapers and magazines from the Philippines and just about anything one would want from the Philippines. There is a San Miguel Brewery in Hong Kong, so no need to go to World Wide Plaza just to buy a cold Pilsen brew! San Miguel Beer is sold in all the 7-11, grocery stores and in small shops most everywhere in Hong Kong. You can send money to the Philippines and receive money from the Philippines at World Wide Plaza. You can also exchange currency. There are also several camera shops, cell phone shops and jewelry shops.
Do you need a new barong or terno dress in Hong Kong? World Wide Plaza is the best place to find both and you can even have them custom designed and hand made. Do you need a Tagalog Bible? Look no further than World Wide Plaza. In the mood for Philippine cuisine, then you will find several small Philippine restaurants located inside World Wide Plaza. There is also a Jollebee Restaurant located right next door to World Wide Plaza. However, be aware, on the weekend, you may have to wait a long time for a seat!
The churches in Hong Kong very much welcome Filipinos to their services. The Baptist churches especially cater to Filipino OFWs, Overseas Filipino Workers. KIBC, Kowloon International Baptist Church, is one where there are many Filipino members and the choir is mostly Filipinas. Kowloon Filipino Baptist Church is another one to attend if you want to meet compatriots. KIBC often has field trips on Sundays to the different scenic places in Hong Kong and they often have Sunday pot luck lunches. You can enjoy food from Manila, Ilocos, Negros, Iloilo, Cebu, Mindanao and other places from the Philippines.
On a Hong Kong Street
Everyone loves to shop in Hong Kong.
Tree house in Hong Kong…
at Disneyland!
Always a drummer!
Yes, I have always been a drummer and you can ask my old elementary teachers! Without thinking in class, I would be drumming on my desk or on my books, sometimes with my hands and sometimes with two pencils in hand.
Donald Duck says “Hey!”
And we would soon be saying, “Bye Bye” and back to the Philippines we would go the next day.
There remains a lively Philippine-Hong Kong connection and it is never as good as being home but it is not so bad if you find yourself in Hong Kong and you need to find some of the comfort foods and other things from back home. The good thing is, people from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao can meet together without regional differences and unite as being Filipino together.
All Around Bacolod 