It's rare to be working in a company that offers all you could ask for, such as but not limited to, progressive career growth, a friendly and supportive environment necessary for learning and growth, and opportunities to travel in and out of the Philippines all-expense paid. I remember when I was still a Management Trainee, my boss would always bring me to different meetings with clients and owners of businesses we were closely working with and send me to various skill-based and leadership training, too. And I've always felt privileged to be experiencing all these things. My exposure to our local market has enormously helped me understand my job and prepared me for bigger roles; roles that I'm currently handling now.
I've worked from one job to another within the same company for the last seven years and at a certain point, I was sent to China for a few days to see for myself our creative process for selecting items that make it to our new products and promotions for the following year. That's how I ended up in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Yesterday, we had a very quick walking tour in the streets of Hong Kong. Today, I'm going to take you on another virtual tour this time at Hong Kong's The Peak or Victoria Peak. Took me a while to write about this because I had too many travels before (and that means too many possible contents) yet too little time to share them here. Enough of the blabber! Let's go! 😎
Thank God, they're here!
It was my second official business travel abroad; the first was in Thailand. I'd say I felt more at ease during this trip because two of our Department Heads were with us. In Thailand, we're left on our own without our heads. Trust is scary, isn't it? 😑
It was our day-off in HK and Ma'am Ann and Sir Marvin suggested we try the Peak Tram to reach The Peak. From what I understood, from our hotel, we had to walk a few blocks to reach the nearest station and from there we'd ride the Peak Tram to reach Victoria Peak. My apologies if I couldn't give details about which station we went in and out because we were just merely following our heads. They walk too fast!
Ma'am Ann took care of getting those cards that would let us on the train. I remember Ma'am Ann explaining where we were and where we're headed and how to use the machine dispensing tickets (cards) but my mind was too occupied and amazed by the experience that the details don't matter to me. I couldn't emphasize enough how convenient and efficient the transportation system in HK is. No jeepneys and fewer motorcycles compared to Cebu and Philippines in general.
I was so amazed when I found out that HK's MTR total network is at 271 kilometers Source ; that's like traveling via train from Santander (last town of Cebu in the South) to Daanbantayan (the topmost in the North). For travelers like me, imagining such a possibility tickled me pink.
To our disappointmenet, during our visit the Peak Tram was closed for renovation or maintenance it wasn't clear. That's how we ended up at the bus station where we took a bus to the The Peak. I was relieved to learn that there were alternatives reach The Peak.
Prior to this trip, I've heard good things about Hong Kong's transportation as well as Singapore's. But experiencing it firsthand was different. I was wishful thinking that we'll have the same efficient transport network in the Philippines; scheduled trips that leave on time and no "Hunger Games" scenario when trying to get a ride. Filipinos in the chain would wish the same! We all know how difficult it is to get a ride without risking our lives each time. This is especially true in Manila and Cebu.
I took the window seat so I had an amazing view of the streets of Hong Kong that were equally stunning!
We're here!
It took us around 45 minutes to reach Victoria Peak, The entire travel time, I felt we're on some kind of school field trip. 😅
The bus didn't take us all the way to The Peak; it stopped somewhere and we had to walk a few meters. It was past 2 in the afternoon but it wasn't hot at all; if we're in the Philippines we'd be roasted by now! Haha! 🤣
We walked with a couple of tourists who were also heading to The Peak. That's when I finally realized that this spot is famous for foreigners and locals alike.
When we reached The Peak Tower, we wasted no time and immediately bought tickets to the Sky Terrace 428. Ma'am Ann took care of everything as always then we walked all the way to the viewing deck. I got excited when on our way up, I saw this view:
Now, this is the view!
When we finally reached the viewing deck overlooking the busy metropolis in HK I was dumbfounded. I remember I kept saying "Wow!" inside my mind. Both of our Department heads had been here before so nothing new really. But for us first-timers, it's a mind-blowing experience! I've never seen like this before in my life. It's not like there aren't any skyscraper in the Philippines; there are but it's nowhere near these buuilding I'm seeing on top HK's mountain side. I wonder how magical it'd look at night with all the city lights!
I was exultant the moment we stepped on that viewing platform and there's absolutely no way I could hide my happiness. This trip was prior to the pandemic so social distancing and wearing masks weren't a thing yet! Thankfully!
Here are proofs of me unsparingly making the most out of that trip! Glad I didn't travel alone or else I might have fewer photos of me! 😂
Glad I somehow dressed up for the occassion because back in the day, my taste in fashion was too bad I cringe everytime I recall how I used to dress myself. I could do better! The view is stunning, you don't want to visit there like you're a bummer!
Okay I heard you, you're done seeing my face lol! Let's take a look at what you can see when you're at the viewing deck! Again, this trip was three years ago so some might have changed already. 🤩
Is it just me or are you also seeing legos stacked on top of each other whenever you look at the tall buildings below? It felt fancy and surreal at the same time!
Some insane shots I manage to take. That's Sir Marvin trying to channel his inner comedian. This pose is definitely not for kids! 😅
You've seen the city ciew but what about the other side facing the mountain? Your wish is my command! 💯
The side facing the mountain is the total opposite of what you have seen earlier. Here, it's all green and massive forest without any signs of industrialization. We have something like this in Cebu too and it made me happy thinking that despite Hong Kong being a center for trade and technological advancements, there's this part proving that both could co-exist. 🥰
More shots at the back portion of the viewing deck!
We couldn't resist how picturesque the place was so here are some group photos we took during the trip! We do look like a cute family on a trip abroad! LOL! Who says we're here for work? 🤣
Towards the end, of course, we didn't skip the chance to pose in this heart-shaped thing installed at the center of the viewing deck with The Peak signage on its side!
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is in The Peak as well but no one's a fan so we didn't go inside!
Wooohooo! The entire Peak Tower experience was like riding a rollercoaster from start to finish and my heart is filled with overflowing gratitude every time I remember how I ended up here all for free (that's the best part of this trip!) 😁
I'll show you around HK's Packaging/Gifts and Premiums Fair soon so stay tuned!
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