The Filipino spirit is always steeped in adventure, and for fourteen years, the famed magazine show iJuander has aimed to satisfy the wanderlust in every Filipino’s heart. Showcasing the many facets of Filipino culture through the years, the show recently celebrated its 14th anniversary with a double-episode special featuring the sights and sounds of Asia’s World City, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, with its proximity to the Philippines, has always been one of the lasting top-of-mind destinations for Filipino travelers. The city reached a monumental milestone in 2024 with the arrival of over one millionth Filipino tourist. This proves that, in a way, Hong Kong registers as somewhat of an extension of home for many Filipinos. iJuander, as part of its anniversary special, sought to highlight just how Filipino-esque Hong Kong can get.
What really makes the Philippines is its people. Empoy Marquez and Susan Enriquez, the dynamic duo of hosts for this show, were able to sneak a peek into the lives of Filipinos who have chosen to live and call Hong Kong their second home. Among them is Ace Chong, a photographer and architect who fell in love with the dazzling sights and cityscapes of Hong Kong. In true Pinoy kilig fashion, through his photography, he was able to meet his would-be wife, Deborah, who happens to also be a photographer just like him. Since then, they’ve been walking and treating the streets of Hong Kong as their own photo wonderland.
Hong Kong-based Filipino photographers Ace Chong (L) and Deborah Sy (R)
Aside from Ace and Deborah’s picture-perfect story, the iJuander team was also able to get a taste of what Filipino hospitality is like in Hong Kong, and nothing screams Filipino warmth more than food. Angelo Reyes and Mary Jean Silva have resided in Hong Kong for twenty years and are deeply familiar with the city and its Filipino community. That’s why their classic Filipino eatery “Angel’s” is a hit with their fellow overseas workers. Their humble beginnings as waitstaff in Hong Kong’s bar scene inspired them to open their own restaurant and give back to their fellow OFWs.
“Angel’s” founders Mary Jean Silva (L) and Angelo Reyes (R)
Of course, Empoy and Susan’s food adventure doesn’t end there. The city is bursting with flavors, both eastern and western, traditional and fusion. The legendary Lin Heung Lau, still serving dim sum old-school style on trolleys, live seafood at Sai Kung, and street food after a round of shopping at Temple Street are some of the culinary wonders that the iJuander team was able to indulge in during their time in the city. For Susan and Empoy, there was a shared love for rice meals and hearty comfort food in the city, as well as the rich flavor profiles. In Hong Kong, you know a meal is good when it leaves you full and warm with comfort.
From L-R: Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, Temple Street night market, Lin Heung Lau
But, if there’s one thing Filipinos love more than food, it’s a sunny day out at the beach or a day trip to their favorite amusement park with the family. Hong Kong has no shortage of picturesque beaches and towering rock formations, as seen in Sai Kung, where Empoy and Susan learned just how the islands of Hong Kong came to be through a volcanic eruption. Susan was particularly amazed by the island-hopping experience and the presence of volcanic rock formations. Even though she had been to Hong Kong before, most of the places visited on this trip were new to her, making it feel like a fresh discovery to an already familiar place.
Paired with a quick hike at Dragon’s Back, Empoy and Susan had the perfect great outdoors experience. But if the outdoors aren’t your cup of tea, Empoy has you covered with his day out at Groundswell, an indoor surf house that lets you ride the waves with ease. And of course, who could forget Ocean Park? With its newest and cutest attraction, the twin pandas, the amusement park is a foolproof family-friendly outing.
Form L-R: Empoy at Dragon’s Back, Groundswell, and Susan cruising through the islands of Hong Kong
Hong Kong boasts more than its proximity to the Philippines; it’s a diverse place that welcomes Filipino travelers with open arms. iJuander, in its 14th year and with its continued pursuit of championing Filipino culture anywhere, has shed much light on the wonders of Hong Kong that are close to the hearts of each and every Filipino who visits.
Watch the full iJuander episodes on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel and check out the Hong Kong Summer Viva promotions if you’re planning your own trip to Hong Kong!
