These pretty ladies were trying to act scared (or thrilled?) as if they were going to be crunched by those sharp teeth in real life.

More photos with three theme here.

Were they watching:
(a) the Pacquiao-Cotto fight on big screen?
(b) the Formula One Grand Prix?
(c) a football practice?
(d) the making of 2012?
(e) None of the above. To provide the answer/guess on the comment section
(f) Really clueless

Have a great week everyone!

Remember them? The Toy Story soldiers. I think their synchronized dancing during the Disney Parade is more amusing than the float of Buzz Lightyear.

On the other hand, we saw this guy guarding a toyshop in Dubai. I think he ate too much and forgot his shoes.

(More photohunters)

I’m currently doing a marathon (with several stops, generally during weekends only) of Boys Over Flowers. In the episodes that I saw, Jan Di (the main female character) baked chocolate cookies and gifted a pillow that both look like Jun Pyo (the main male character). What makes it Jun Pyo-ish? The curly hair design.

Had I seen this series last year, I probably had bought one of the Jun Pyo look alike dolls from the night market in Tsim Sha Tsui. Funny how psychology happens. When I first saw these dolls, I thought they were sort of scary ala chaka doll. But as I dug through my photos from the phone and saw this lone shot (I totally forgot I took this one), I thought, “these dolls are so charming”. Just because they are Jun Pyo-ish. Lol.

Victoria Peak at night. Taken from Sky Terrace on 12 December, 2008.

You probably know why these are among my favorite Hong Kong snapshots. In this spot, the city lights and wind are alive.

(More Victoria peak photos)

(More photohunters)

During my visit to Hong Kong Ocean Park, I spent the longest time with the sea jellies. I got so fascinated that I took a number of photos and videos. So engrossed that we were almost late for the sea lions and dolphins show.

The sea jellies appeared to be more mesmerizing because of the effects of changing of lights from green to blue, to red, etc.

I shall say that to a certain extent it became hypnotic because of the background music.

More photo hunters here.

I’m not a huge fan of fairy tales but when I visited Disneyland in Hong Kong and met the characters in flesh, I became childlike and a number of tales flashed instantly.  During the parade, I was more interested with the 7 dwarves than Snow White.   But you’ll notice, as I did also as I checked my archive of Hong Kong photos, there are at most 6 dwarves on all my snaps.  It turned out that during the parade, one of them was always few steps ahead.

Not exactly the main attraction there, but I was absolutely entertained by the It’s A Small World corner.  The guests ride on a boat, toured around the world (showing different attractions), while It’s A Small world was continuously sung in different languages (it changes as the country’s attractions were being showcased).

The Golden Mickeys show was also entertaining simply because this is where you get to see all Disney characters while their evolution is aired.

And whenever I felt I little tired from all the walking that day, I regaled myself by staring at my pretty (*wink*) Twilight Saga shoes.  I felt uniqueness that time because Hong Kong was hit by Twilight Saga, too, and during my visit the movie was not yet shown there.  Also, they haven’t got any copycat of my intentionally mismatched shoes. Each piece was inspired by Twilight and New Moon covers, respectively.

More photo hunters here.

Pagpapatuloy ng kwento mula sa pagbisita sa:
Victoria Peak
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Ocean Park

Ang pinaka inabangan ko sa pagbisita sa Hong Kong ay hindi ang pamimili (shopping) kundi ang pagtikim ng mga pagkain dito. Nang oras na lumapag ang eroplano sa paliparan ay nasambit ko, “Sa wakas, makakatikim na rin ako ng totoong Chinese food.” Naglipana ang mga Tsinoy na kainan sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa. Subalit nananalaytay ang kaisipan na ‘mas masarap ang adobo at kare kare kapag talagang luto sa Pilipinas’. Kung saan iba pa rin ang curry na luto sa India, shawarma sa Gitnang Silangan, at iba pa.

(May masarap na fresh fruit juices malapit sa Charlie Brown Cafe)

Sa ilang araw na pagbisita namin sa Hong Kong, partikular na sa Tsim Sha Tsui, ang mga sumusunod ang ilan sa nagustuhan ko, ang iba rito ay hindi naman katutubong pagkaing Tsinoy:

(a) Noodles mula sa Traditional Chinese Noodle

Sari saring noodles ang matitikman mo sa bansang ito. Subalit ang pinaka nagustuhan ko ay ang luto mula sa Traditional Chinese Noodle.

Maaari kang mag order ng basic noodle at ikaw ang pipili ng mga panlahok. Ang inorder ko ay pinalagyan ko ng fishballs, bituka ng baboy (pork intestine), century egg, at taba ng alimasag (crab meat). Pwede itong ihapag bilang normal na lasa, medyo maanghang (medium spicy), at sobrang maanghang (hot and spicy).

Medyo maanghang ang noodles na kinain ko. Grabe, ang sarap ng kombinasyon. Medyo sinipon nga lang ako sa anghang. Pero panalo talaga ang lasa. Masarap.

(Nagtitinda ng kastanyas si Manong sa harap ng Bella fashion store)

Ang Traditional Chinese Noodle ay matatatagpuan sa kalye ng Hau Fook. Mula sa kanto ng Park Hotel, dumiretso at kumanan. Sa kalyeng ito ay mabuting mag food trip.

May Vietnamese resto na hindi ko pinasok sapagkat mali ang pagbaybay (wrong spelling) sa karatula (signage). Haha. Ang totoo nyan, pangkaraniwan ang pagkakamaling ganyan dito.

Mabenta rin dito ang mga alimango na inakala kong mga kakanin dahil mukhang suman. Noong nilapitan ko ay mga buhay na alimango pala.

(b) Egg Tarts

Madaming suki ang Sun Yat Restaurant. Isa sa pinaka dinudumog na paninda nila ay ang egg tart. Sa umaga pa lang ay ubos na ang mga tarts na ito.

(Ang tindera at ang pinsan ko ang nasa larawan. Pinutol ko ang imahe nya sapagkat gusto nya ng certain level of anonymity, kagaya ko.)

Sa tingin ko ay swerte ang Tsinay na tindera nila. Siya ay masayahin at fashionista.

Kung nais mo nang mas masarap na egg tart ay pumunta ka sa KFC. Mas mahal ng konti ang presyo nila pero sulit naman.

Subalit ang pinakamasarap na egg tart ay wala sa Hong Kong, kundi nasa Macau. (Ilalahad ko ang kwento sa Macau chronicles ko).

(c) Sopas mula sa KFC at Mc Donald’s

Kahit saan ka pumunta, mahirap talagang takasan ang halina ng Mc Donald’s breakfast meal. Maigi ring pantawid gutom ang mga fastfood outlets na ito para sa mga taong hindi gaanong mahilig manuklas (explore) ng pagkain.

Nagustuhan ko ang KFC at Mc Donald’s ng Hong Kong dahil sa kanilang handang sopas tuwing umaga. Hindi sopas ang pangalan nito sa menu. Subalit hindi ko na matandaan ang partikular na pangalan ng macaroni variation na ito. May kamatis ang sa KFC, sa Mc Donald’s naman ay may green peas na may nakapatong na patty. Makaiba pero parehong masarap.

(d) Suckling pig and shrimp soup mula sa Guangdong Barbecue Restaurant

Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ito tinawag na barbecue restaurant. Wala naman silang gaanong tindang barbecue. Ang best seller nila ay ang suckling pig. Masarap. Okay din ang shrimp soup. Half-cooked nga lang ang pagkakaluto.

Hindi ko makakalimutan ang serbisyo nila. Inabot kasi kami ng 48 na taon bago naintindihan ang order namin. Kahit na binigyan na kami ng English menu, extra challenge ang inabot namin sa pag order. May kasama pang aksyon iyon. Hindi kasi marunong makaintindi ng Ingles ang lahat ng empleyado nila, bukod sa Manager. Mabuti na lang nandoon siya. Kung hindi lilipat na sana kami ng kakainan. Kundi lang magdanda ang feedback sa suckling pig nila. May kamahalan rin ang presyo ng mga tinda nila kumpara sa ibang kainang Tsinoy.

(e) Potato Swirl

Kapag nagawi kayo sa Ocean Park, huwag nyong kalilimutang tikman ang pulu-pulupot (swirl) na patatas na ito. May iba ibang flavor, gaya ng curry, barbecue, at iba pa.

(f) Pagkaing Kalye

Eksakto sa pagbisita ko sa HK ay ang balita na may bird flu raw dito. Parang noong unang beses kong nadestino sa Baguio (para sa 2 linggong trabaho), kasagsagan ng SARS noon kaya naman naka maskara ako araw araw. Pero dito sa HK, hindi na ako nag maskara. Para naman kasing dedma (walang pakialam) lang ang mga residente at turista. Kung magmamaskara pa ako ay baka masabihan naman ako na sobrang arte ko at hindi ako papasukin sa mga lugar pasyalan. Haha.

Bukod sa kawalang takot ko na tumikim pa rin ng putaheng manok sa kabila ng alertong pangkalusugan, ay sumubok rin kami ng pagkaing kalye. Sa isang kanto sa Tsim Tsa Tsui pa rin, dinudumog ang isang tindahan ng mga pagkaing tinutusok.

Hindi nakakaintindi ng Ingles ang mga tindera. Kaya tinanong ko ang isang magandang mamimili,

Ako: Malinis ba ang tinda nila? Safe bang bumili dito
Tsinay: Oo, wala namang nagrereklamo.
Ako: Anong masarap na bilhin? (May tinuro ako. Sa tingin ko best seller yun, kase by batch ang luto) Yun, masarap ba yun?
Tsinay: Oo! Masarap yan.
Ako: Mukha nga, madaming bumibili nun. Ano kaya yun? Karne ng baboy o manok?
Tsinay: Hindi ko alam.
Ako: Hindi mo sigurado kung baboy o manok?
Tsinay: Hindi ko alam kasi hindi ko pa natikman eh.
Ako: Ah Okay. (Ang gusto kong sabihin, bakit nya sinabing masarap hindi nya pala natikman).

Suma total, bumili kami ng tofu at nang mukhang best seller. Para itong bituka ng baboy. Masarap. Kinabukasan, nag craved kami nito eksakto para sa midnight snack at bumalik sa tindahan. Sarado. May schedule pala sya.

(g) Hang Cheung’s Kitchen

Kung kainang sosyal naman ang tipo mo, irerekomenda ko ang Hang Cheung’s Kitchen. Maganda ang lugar at risonable ang presyo kumpara sa iba. May kabagalan nga lang ang serbisyo.

Masarap ang kanilang steamed pork dumplings, abalone and pork congee (the best!), pan fried seafood, at pangkaraniwan naman ang lasa ng kanilang fresh fruit crepe at banana split.

(h) Korean Squid

Ito ang numero uno sa aking listahan ng patok na mga pagkaing natikman ko sa ilang araw na pagbisita sa Hong Kong. Ito ay ibinebenta sa ilang kiosks sa Disneyland, kasama ang cotton candy, mushroom pie (sayang, hindi ko natikman) at kung anu ano pa.

Nagsisisi ako at hindi ko na-tsek sa mga tindahan sa Pilipinas kung mayroon sila nito. Nagdala sana ako ng marami pabalik rito. Habang sinusulat ko ito ay kasalukuyan akong nagsasaliksik kung saan makakabili nito sa Pilipinas, wala kasi nito sa UAE. Darating ang kaibigan ko dito sa Marso o Abril, at plano kong ipasama ito sa mga dadalhin niya para sa akin bilang kontrabando (pasalubong), bukod sa Eraserheads concert DVD, Meiji chocolates, at ilang pirasong anik anik at pampaganda.

Gusto kong bumalik sa Hong Kong kung may pagkakataon. Nakaramdam kasi ako ng sense of belongingness doon. Haha. Seriously, madami pa kasing dapat i-explore na pagkain, lugar, at ibang bagay.

From MTR Tsim Sha Tsui station, we got to and off the Admiralty station to get in the double decker bus dedicated to the Ocean Park visitors. You may purchase your tickets from there. Ocean Park tickets are significantly cheaper by almost 50% of Disneyland’s rate.

We had the chance to be seated on the upper deck. It felt like a quasi city tour on our way there because we passed by the Immigration, Revenue and other government towers, Chinese schools, and other interesting establishments.

It took us 35 minutes to reach this marine themed Park. Towards the entrance, I got a glimpse of a seemingly scary ride, it looks like a never ending roller disoriented intestine shaped ride. I already knew I’m not brave enough for this.

I got a first glimpse of this in Pido Dida, movie of the late Rene Requiestas and then a new comer Kris Aquino. I remember it was only Rene who rode in there. In addition, I recall Daphne’s account, a fellow blogger, of her traumatic ride/experience. I still hope I will be brave enough to try this someday. Just the thought of oddly falling to the beautiful Repulse Bay scared me to death.

For now I’ll just imagine the adrenaline rush emanating from these rides.

Personally I enjoyed Ocean Park more than Disneyland, which is not the case for most of the visitors. While Disneyland is indeed a happy place that you’ll be instantly transformed to like it as you set foot in the gate, that it automatically brings the kid in each visitors’ heart, I find Ocean Park more popular for the thrill seekers because of a number of ‘gonna make you dizzy rides’ and for those who are appreciative of nature and marine life. Gawd, that’s a long sentence!

These are the ones that hugely appealed to me, aside from the view of Repulse Bay:

(a) Flamingos

Would you believe it’s the first time I saw a flock of these?

(b) Japanese Garden

It’s interesting that they have this type of garden here. The same way that we have our Japanese and Chinese gardens in the Philippines.

Of course, I had a relapse. I was reminded of a movie of who must not be named (no, not Lord Voldermort).

(c) Madagascar

My appreciation was at peak because a week before this visit I’ve seen the movie sequel. The sounds would add to the feel that you’re in a jungle.

There are also Madagascar characters near the hub. Here’s a foggy view of them with the cable cars. Indeed a foggy day.

(d) Acrobat Show

We watched this in the morning. Hence, the breeze complemented the show. I’m wondering how grander it could get at night (I forgot to check if they have one) once funky lights and other effects are done.

(e) Atoll Reef

It has a great collection of school of fish, seahorses, etc. A gentle reminder though, don’t spend much time in the primary areas. The best stuff are located towards the end, especially the giant aquarium.

A gentle reminder not to use flashlight and not to scare the fish.

Of course, no one wants to scare Nemo.

Incidentally, the keeper was doing the maintenance the moment we were there. So a lot of people stayed in front of it to take a look how he feeds the fish and what else he would be doing.

(f) Sea Jelly

I spent much time here. My companions actually thought I got lost because I was not picking up the phone when they tried to locate me. I was busy taking photos and videos that no one else and nothing else mattered. Hahaha. Of course, that’s just a joke. I mean, I never thought sea jellies are very fascinating. Or maybe the song being played inside the museum was hypnotic enough.

The jellies’ movements are very pretty as they swim, open and close their muscles. Here are two of the many videos that I took. I’ve watched these numerous times already and still like them.

(g) Ocean Theatre

We were almost late for the dolphins and sea lions show. Because of me. Heehee. Blame the sea jellies. Anyway, we were able to ‘insert’ ourselves to whatever (good) seats were still available. Lucky us, we secured very good spots, i.e. near the front row. Lesson: Don’t loose hope when they announced that the Ocean Theatre is already closed because it has reached it’s seating capacity. No harm in trying.

A visitor was being taught how to tame the sea lion(s). I think this one was sort of scripted. In the end the lady in pink pretended to have fell to the waters and she was rescued by the sea lion. The latter strangely gave her an MMR (mouth to mouth resuscitation). That was well-applauded.

(h) Cable Car Ride

This is the highlight of my visit. If this is your first time to visit this blog, I’m admitting (again) that I have fear of heights. But there’s indeed a necessity to use the cable car or else we would be going to lowlands/highlands through the steep and long escalators which scared me a bit, too (but that’s a long process, so why prolong the agony) or walk, and walk.

Caught this during the cable car ride. There’s an ongoing construction. I wonder what will be the added attraction. Perhaps another scary ride.

(i) Giant Panda Habitat

I was wishing to see real pandas after I watched Kung Fu Panda. There are four breathing pandas inside the habitat.

They are Ying Yang and Lele who are in deep sleep.

This is Jia Jia, who is a year older than me.

The fourth one is An An. She tested my patience. Unlike the three other pandas, she moves fast and hides inside the stoned corner most of the time.

There, she wants to hide again.

This is how the enclosures look like. From there, we waited for An An to show up her face. Whenever she goes out, she faced backward. This is the only shot I got wherein I had a glimpse of that much-coveted panda face. Truth is they look like the same. But her playing hard to get made the difference.

If you’re not patient enough, settle for these fake pandas.

Or with this one who is busy with a bamboo stick, situated near the entrance of the habitat.

Just as before we need to leave Ocean Park, we were able to catch the sunset as it kick off. This was a worthwhile day.

We earmarked the second day for Disneyland. From Tsim Sha Tsui, we took the MTR and transferred to Sunny Bay Station to get in the Disney Train. We went early so we had ample time and privacy to take photos of gold plated Disney characters at the corners inside the train, hip stuff and more.

(Aren’t they cute?)

The ticket rates are expectedly higher that day because it’s a weekend. Be careful in buying tickets from the travel agencies and other sources. We met a group of Filipinos, maybe 15 years my senior, and claimed that theirs costed more than double of ours. Incidentally, what was quoted to them by the travel agent is the annual pass. While they have no plans of visiting Disneyland again for the coming months. Caveat emptor (buyer beware).

(aka Train Station to Disney’s Main Street)

Admittedly I was more excited about the other attractions in Hong Kong than Disneyland. Maybe because I grew up not watching Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, etc. Though I consumed all the media related to these during my post-adolescence. But as we approached the welcome arc and felt the blood rush of the other visitors, I jibed in.

(Mickey’s wonderfully trimmed face in the garden. One of the most photographed spots.)

I can just imagine the excitement of the children and the young once who actually loved the characters just in the right moment. My cousin (who toured with us coming from her Manila flight) who is a year younger than me claimed that this was the highlight of her Hong Kong visit.

Other than bringing a friendly camera, one of the major rules must be to check the map before anything else. There are so many attractions that you need to prioritize which to cover that day. I remember a friend who visited this months after its opening in 2005. She was so disappointed declaring that Enchanted Kingdom is even better. As of December 2008, I would say it has much to offer.

These are the theme park’s attractions which appealed to me, in no particular order:

(a) House of Finest Collection of Curiousities

There’s a number of fancy buildings and stores in Disneyland. But the name of this store got me. Majority of the items inside it are similar to the other souvenir shops around. I got a Mickey Mouse pendant, tee, bags for my consumption and other stuff as pasalubongs. We did the shopping part before visiting the main attractions and put the items for free safekeeping in the admin office.

(b) Festival of the Lion King

I was expecting for a repeat of High School Musical. But instead they had the Festival of Lion King. This is included in my Top 3 attractions.

The musicale was well-executed, special effects especially the fire, are amazing.

(c) Golden Mickeys

You need to allot ample time to queue for this since you get in the theatre on a first come, first serve basis. It’s a musicale of evolution of Disney characters starting with Mickey Mouse until the current ones. I remarked, “Mickey had a nose job. I saw some of the recent illustrations, his nose is not that too pointed now.”

(I took this not from the Golden Mickeys show, but in the window display of one of the souvenir shops).  Pinchable nose eh?

It’s a continuous showcase of Disney films like Toy Story, Lilo and Stitch, Pocahontas, Beauty and Beast, etc.

It’s great to see all these lovable characters altogether in the finale.

(d) It’s A Small World

In the south wing towards the mountain view, the small world attraction is housed.

I love, love. It made me feel childlike riding in a boat while being toured inside the ‘world’ of each area having display of nations’ identities. I was LSS-ing (last song syndrome) on the song ‘It’s A Small World’ after that. The song’s lyrics change depending on which country the boat passes by (yes, we heard the Filipino/Tagalog lines ‘O, Kay Liit ng Mundo’). And at the end of the ‘tunnel’ there are placards with different versions of goodbye. It made me smile seeing “Paalam”. Since we liked it much, we went in twice.

(e) Pooh Corner

Of course, Pooh will be eternally cute.  But I’m not a huge fan.  I don’t know why.

(f) Let It Snow Christmas Parade

We unintentionally did catch the parade twice.  Right after the Golden Mickeys show was the second round of parade.  The backgrounder was especially merrier for the Christmas season.  I enjoyed taking photos being in the good spot, i.e. just few steps from the starting point of the parade.

These are Filipino musikeros, who are stationed near the carousel whenever they’re off the parade. Seeing them reminded me of fiestas in the Philippines.

Each float has a group of dancers and they are my favorite.  I wonder if some of them are actually gays.  But they are very good, anyway.

Wish I can get a real yum-o.

Toy Story’s float is especially entertaining because…

… of these soldiers.  The army dance is great.

Aaaah. I like, like Princess Arielle.  Just that I can figuratively see the stockings in her costume.

The jelly fish dancers will make you giddy and giggle.

I guess everybody loves the seven dwarfs, even without Snow White!

I can just imagine the feeling of every little girl wishing to be in her shoes during the parade.  I remember the remark from overwhelmed kids, “Yipeeee! She waved at me!”

No, I actually thought she waved at me.  Hahaha.  Honestly, I’m thinking of these people’s job.  Always dolled up, waving, smiling, and other sorts of pleasing.  And it must be fulfilling to make someone happy.

Yes, Princess Aurora is indeed the main princess.

I find nothing special about these.  They are a staple in Mall of Asia and Panagbenga.

All the time Alice smiled like that.

I call this the gang’s float.  The mice, ducks, doggie (Pluto) are here and they’re making the finale.

Chica red shoes no?

(g) The princesses

People lined up (including us) to have their photos taken with Sleeping Beauty and the prince.  This kid had an extra time of chatting with the two. They asked her if she actually dressed up like that for the whole day or just for this particular photo.  Princess Aurora had an instant daughter.

Lines are up for them, too.  They set cut-off time for the shoots.  So when you catch them, go for the click immediately.  I personally didn’t appreciate much this Snow White.  She seems like not very Snow White.

If there’s a box-office queue for the preceding two photos, Princess Belle is very much available.  Easily spotted because of the dress.  Nice yellow.

(h) Royal Banquet Hall

We had lunch in the Royal Banquet Hall.  Inside it are royal couples dancing like them.  Nice.

(i) The Castle

The sight of the castle itself made me feel young again. From the moment I’ve stepped in the park’s entrance, I was significantly eyeing its corners.  This one was taken near Pooh’s Corner.

This is how it looks like few hours before Princess Aurora Show.  I intentionally captured the bulbing system in both sides.

Here’s how it looks like before Princess Aurora Show and while the fireworks display is about to kick off.

(j) Princess Aurora Show and Fireworks Display

The fireworks display begins after Princess Aurora Show.  The fiery is synchronized to the backgrounder, which are popular Disney songs like ‘A Whole New World’.  The castle’s color also change from blue to red, and so on.  I opted to upload these videos I recorded near the finale for better appreciation.  A friend who has experienced both, claims that fireworks display here is better than Disneyland Paris.

(k)  ‘Surprise’ snowing during the night

Before the closing time, the visitors were surprised when it ‘snowed’.  I’m not oriented about the materials used.  But the drops felt like icy bubbles which felt good.  A lot of camera clicking followed.

Just when I thought I was less excited for Disneyland.  I am young once again and rode everyone’s first favorite ride.