Hong Kong Disney Turns 10!

If you think you and your kids have seen it all Hong Kong Disneyland, you may want to reconsider.

Because Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating their 10th Anniversary and there are a lot of new products and experiences awaiting!

I know that for a fact, because I've seen sneak peeks HERE,

...and not only are they meant to be watched, they are meant to be shared with your future travel buddies too.

Because yes, after seeing all the new attractions and events happening for Hong Kong Disney's 10th Anniversary bash, you might want to book that trip soon. To get you all excited, here’s a fun rundown:

- "Disney in the Stars" fireworks. Made even more stunning with the enhanced castle projection!

- "Mickey and the Wondrous Book" show, a Broadway style musical featuring many new and classic Disney characters. It’s a show that shouldn’t be missed.

- The Fairy Tale Forest, a brand new attraction at Fantasyland where you can see miniature scenes of Disney Tales. Opening on December 17, 2015.

- Anna & Elsa leading the Frozen Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, only happening this Christmas!

Do I hear a collective, “Ooooh!”? And to think, there’s so much more!

That said, while planning your trip, visit the Hong Kong Disneyland Special Offers page to get the best deals on your visit! ;)

For more on Hong Kong Disneyland 10th Anniversary celebrations and offers, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com/10th

Frozen Giveaway for Hong Kong Disneyland Fans!

I shared this “Find Your Light” music video last week, showing the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland, home to many of our homegrown and world-class talents.

You must have seen the video a couple of times by now, like I have, right?

If this got you hankering for a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland sometime soon, well here’s something to ease the anticipation! 

I am giving away 5 Elsa and 5 Anna dolls, for a total of 10 lucky readers of MFO, who will each get one Frozen doll!!

How fun, right? And so easy to join too! Simply:

1) Like the Hong Kong Disneyland Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/disneyland.hk

2) Watch the Find Your Light music video

3) Leave a comment on this blog post answering the question:  

What did you like about the "Find Your Light" music video?

Make sure to join by using the Rafflecopter Widget below so I can keep track of your entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is that the sound of your little girls shrieking with excitement now?

Terms & Conditions:
 
Winners must have a Philippine address. 

Contest ends 11:59 PM on March 16, 2015. Announcement of the winners will be on March 18, 2015. 

Winners will be contacted by email and MFO will coordinate with the winners for shipment of prizes.

First name drawn gets first dibs on preferred doll, and so on. 

These Terms and Conditions are subject to the interpretation of MFO, which shall be final and conclusive. In the event of disputes, MFO reserves the right to make final judgment on the dispute and otherwise in respect of this contest.

Find Your Light at Hong Kong Disneyland

Ask my 5 year old daughter Berry where she wants to go for vacation and she'd say, "Hong Kong Disneyland!" with such enthusiasm, it's hard to say, "Not again!".

Watching this Find Your Light music video pretty much reminds us why she loves it there though.

The magic of Hong Kong Disneyland, home to many of our homegrown and world-class talents who performed in Disney’s Find Your Light Music Video.

So yes, even if she's been there twice, as we have been going every year for the last two years, Disneyland will always be part of the agenda when traveling with them.

Our first time was with our family friends, where we had such a wonderful time...

Mommies and our Mini Mes, in Fantasyland, as the Dads take our photos, teehee

That she decided she wanted to celebrate her 5th birthday, back at Hong Kong Disneyland.

I totally get it though. There really is something magical about Disneyland in a child's eyes.

In fact, the magic begins right at the Disneyland train, where the subtle hints of Mickey Mouse on the windows and the dangling overhead handles are enough to get the little ones giddy with anticipation.

Actually, make that at the Disneyland Ticket Express booth at the MTR Hong Kong Station. Clutching onto those tickets are enough to set the mood. Kind of like the golden ticket to happiness.

Just as I was when I was little, a huge part of the allure of Disneyland are the Disney Princesses. 

When I was 7, and  all I wanted was to see Cinderella. Who doesn't love the fairy tale ending of a good, hardworking girl getting her Prince, then being whisked off to a palace, to the annoyance of her wicked stepsisters?

That's me, not looking at the camera, probably too busy watching out for Cinderella to appear

For Berry however, it was Snow White in 2013. I think its because she can relate to Snow White's short hair, fair skin, and her sweet and caring disposition.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Snow White, of course!

A year later, she was into Elsa, along with 50 million little girls across the world it seems, drawn to Elsa's regal presence, her powerful magic, and her resolve to protect the ones she loves, even if it means being misunderstood.  

Doesn't hurt that she has long, braided platinum blond hair and wears a gorgeous, sparkly gown while exercising her powers.

Elsa and Anna dolls, selling out fast!

The memories of the fun rides are a huge come on, of course! We all loved the "Jungle River Cruise" in Adventureland. Even our little Xavi, who was only 8 months old at the time, enjoyed it!

But "It's a Small World" will always be a favorite. Even if you've seen it a dozen times, it's always a thrill seeing dolls dressed in Filipiniana costumes, looking out a stylized nipa hut, singing "Ang liit lang ng mundo".

And for this, Disneyland never gets old.

We actually can’t wait to go back, when the two younger boys are big enough to appreciate the fun and magic that is undeniably Disney!

What's your Disney story? Plan your trip at www.hongkongdisneyland.com so you can Show your Disney Side too!

Hong Kong with Dada + MUJI to Go

Late last month, my favorite travel companion – Dada, and I flew to Hong Kong. 

We stayed at our favorite hotel in Central, JW Marriott, because it’s just so accessible to our favorite neighborhoods. 

Not that we needed to be anywhere fast. It was the kind of journey where we had no set agenda. 

Call it a babymoon/inspiration seeking/food trip kind of thing where we just let our feet take us where they wanted to go, where we kept our eyes open for new business ideas, and armed with a list of must try restaurants from HK-based friends, let our hungry tummies lead us to the nearest must-try spot. 

Yup, what was certain about this short vacation was that Dada & I wanted to eat well. Not necessarily the fancy “eat well” sort of thing, but we wanted to check out those hole-in-the wall kind of places that locals frequent and love. 

They’re so good, I really ought to share them with you, so here goes: 

Mak’s Noodles 

77 Wellington Street, Central 

 

We already had dinner, but Mak’s Noodles was in the area, and we just had to try their dry noodles sprinkled with prawn roe, and soup of wontons stuffed with saltwater prawns. Small on serving size, but big on taste! Definitely a great place for a late night snack. 

Yardbird 
33-35 Bridges Street, +852 2547 9273

Don’t let their bite size servings of chicken yakitori fool you. Give everything that’s highly rated on their menu a try, and you might just have to roll yourself down the steep climb to Bridges Street to get back to your hotel. You must order their heavenly sweet corn tempura, chicken oysters, Korean fried cauliflower aka KFC, chicken meatball yakitori with egg yolk and finish this off with their chicken and egg rice. If these don’t hit the spot, I don’t know what else will. Warning: we came by on a Monday night and the place was packed. They don’t accept reservations so just go early!

Yardbird's chicken meatball yakitori

Yat Lok 
G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central

If you’re a huge fan of goose, duck or BBQ pork meals, then your goose is cooked at Yat Lok. Dada had roasted goose with noodles for afternoon merienda and he says the goose was perfectly cooked. He’d want to go back and try it with rice next time. The couple in front of us (yes we were seated across complete strangers) had BBQ pork with rice and that looked good too. This is a place that’s definitely worth coming back to.

Dada's roasted goose with noodles

Tai Cheong Bakery 
35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, +852 2544 3475

Two words: egg tarts. Theirs are said to be the best in Hong Kong.

Tim Ho Wan
Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station, IFC Mall, Level 1, +852 2332 3078

Yes, we have Tim Ho Wan in Manila, but still, HK is the birth place and nothing is more convenient than checking in your suitcase early at the Airport Express in IFC and then killing time waiting in line at Tim Ho Wan. Of course, the food does not disappoint, so what’s not to like?

JW Marriott Room Service 
One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong

Even room service at our hotel did not disappoint. It was 2 am and our tummies were grumbling (granted that we were eating practically non-stop the entire day) so Dada and I split JW Marriot’s bacon cheeseburger and fries, and it was divine!

Kau Kee
G/F, 21 Gough Street, Mid-Level, Central

Honestly, we didn’t really get to try this place, but we hear their curry noodles and beef brisket noodles are legendary. The line outside tells me there is truth to the legend, so we are definitely coming back to get a taste of their noodles on our next trip.

While disappointing to miss out on Kau Kee, and ten more different restaurants on our list, the upside is, this gives us all the more reason for Dada & I to plan our next adventure! But after I give birth na, heehee. 

Speaking of traveling and planning adventures, I might as well let you in on MUJI's latest campaign, MUJI to Go! 

 

Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI launches MUJI to Go, a campaign that puts the spotlight on MUJI's unique, functional travel items - from hard and soft carry-on cases, to portable bags, compact garment, toiletry and passport cases, neck pillows, notebooks, pens even mobile speakers and a portable washboard!

There’s no need to worry about baggage weight restrictions with these portable and compact travel tools and organizers from MUJI. They’re the perfect travel companions, next to your favorite travel partner of course!

As if these chic and practical items are not enough reason to shop MUJI now, customers get 15% OFF on their total purchase when you buy any Muji luggage and 2 or more selected travel items this month of August!

Perfect to have them ready now, for when you’re feeling spontaneous. With these on hand, you can just always pack up and leave!  

For more on MUJI and MUJI to Go, Like the MUJI Philippines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/muji.ph

Hong Kong, January 2014: Day 2 IFC, Pacific Place & Tai Hang

After spending our morning at Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau, we went to Citygate Outlets too. If you are into sneakers and athletic wear, or you are the type to wear Gieves & Hawkes, Aquascutum, Brooks Brothers and such, you will love Citygate.

While bargain hunting at outlet destinations are fun, a trip to Hong Kong is never complete without going to IFC and Pacific Place. The same can be said of COS too actually, ahihihi.

When we were there, most of the stuff at COS were still for Fall/Winter though, so I miraculously left empty handed. I suppose another trip sometime April/May is due.

I really wanted to go to IFC  because supposedly, Lane Crawford stocks the eyeglass frames I've been meaning to buy for Berry. While the store was abuzz with shoppers ogling and trying on their fantastic assortment of shoes, bags and accessories, I was told the kids section in Lane Crawford IFC is nada! Like, it used to be there, but is now long gone. Ugh.

But of course, I was just happy browsing the shops. From outside. My conscience was with me. As in a living, breathing conscience, aka Dada. Haha.

I want that divine white dress from Chloe. Its perfect with those blush chunky heeled pumps right below it

Only because my friend Kaye asked me to check out these 3.1 Phillip Lim bags

I wish I had the chance to leisurely go around IFC, but given that we had to get back to our hotel to scrub up and change for dinner, I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have wanted to. Which was ok, because, who the heck wants to torture herself looking at pretty things she has no serious plans of buying? Pray tell!

When we got back to Pacific Place, Dada went straight to our hotel room to rest and freshen up while I wanted to make full use of my 1 hour of free time to walk around the mall. It is a lot more quiet here than IFC, that I could hear myself think. "Go inside, take a look, no one is stopping you" Parang ganon.

Checked out the bags for my friend Kaye, only to report that Mini Luggage Totes are now HKD22000

Mainit sa mata! If I were a burly bag snatcher I would go for this bag, so fantastically donya! Or maybe not. A sharp-eyed policeman would  immediately spot this, put two and two together, and decide we don't belong together

More hot pink and bright yellow - ipikit ang mata, baka mapabili ka!

After stumbling into the doors of Chanel, I was faced with an all black, canvas, double soled version of my two-tone espadrilles. In. my. size. Can you guess what happened next?

Anyhoo, change topic. Did you know that Tai Hang is so happening? 

Dada and I met up with our friends Paz & Buddy Carale, Paul & Dot Pery and Connie Chu for dinner at Island Tang in Central and after a delicious dinner (a must try is their Braised Fried Rice with Diced Chicken, Black Truffle and Wild Mushroom)

Island Tang at The Galleria in Central

We went dessert hopping (as Connie says, this is the bar hopping of people our age) at Tai Hang. First stop was Lab Made Ice Cream.

What makes it different from other ice cream joints is that there's a science behind how they make their ice cream. Using only fresh ingredients, their ice cream are frozen at-196℃ with super cold Liquid Nitrogen, which allows them use less cream than other premium ice creams, yet still retaining that super smooth texture, all in 60 seconds.

Apart from that, it's just a cool place for young kids to hang out. Even if it means just standing on the sidewalk, because really, there is no seating here. Unless you would count the stackable plastic stools they have lined up against the wall.

I got the crunchy sea salt gelato with caramel sauce,  and ordered the tai chi tofu pudding for Dada.

delicious, but melts quickly!

At HKD44 a scoop, it's an indulgence that you pay for such a novel concept. You can pretty much get a pint of Ben & Jerry's at that price. Or 3 scoops of Bono Gelato here. And Bono Gelato is by leaps and bounds so much creamier and yummier.  But I did enjoy our ice cream, so, Lab Made is still definitely worth a visit, if only for the novelty of saying you've tried it!

Lab Made Ice Cream
G/F, 6 Brown Street
Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Xiao Tian Gu across the street was our next stop. They make traditional desserts made of fruits, almond cream, red bean, black jelly, shaved ice and such. I really enjoyed it here.

We all sat on stools around a flimsy table, in an alley way converted into a seating area, with the electric meter behind me & Dada. I was half expecting Jackie Chan to roll off the tarp awning, bad guys in hot pursuit, and my almond cream with mango spilling into my leather trousers. It was that authentic. I. loved. it.

Xiao Tian Gu 小甜谷 
G/F, 10-11B School Street
(across Lab Made Ice Cream)
Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, January 2014: Day 2 at Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau

Vietnam vet meets Mary Kate Olsen

The one thing I love about going to Hong Kong in January is that I get to wear the Fall/Winter clothes I've accumulated during the early years of my married life, when Dada was still a lawyer in Manhattan. They've been unused for close to 3 years now, ever since we moved back to Asia. 

I excitedly packed my old Lanvin boots for this trip. I've had them since 2008, back when I was still pregnant with Berry.

Honeys, let me tell you. Don't scrimp on shoes. I've had these for 5 years now, and they still look great, considering they have survived 2 East Coast fall/winter seasons, and 3 years in storage. I remember searching high & low for them, ever since I saw Mary Kate Olsen wearing a pair back in 2006.

It was love at first sight then. It's still love when I slip into them. Even if I just wear them with Topshop leggings, an Isabel Marant pour H&M linen tee, and a Gap army parka, it makes the whole look I think. Plus, these boots truly are made for walking. 

The whole of Saturday was devoted to outlet shopping, window shopping and eating. The first order of the day was brunch at Tim Ho Wan.

Since we were staying in Admiralty, we decided to go to the Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong Station, Central. Take note that even if the address on the website says IFC Mall, it is not in IFC Mall per se but at Podium Level 1, at the Airport Express check-in area, close to the elevators.

If you step out the train at Central station, just walk towards Hong Kong Station/Airport Express and Tung Chung. When you take the escalator up to Hong Kong Station, you'll reach the level where the taxi stands are. Walk straight and then take another escalator up to Podium 1. That's where Tim Ho Wan IFC is at.

We got to Tim Ho Wan at about 10:45, and we found ourselves seated in just about 10 minutes, with just 2 groups ahead of us. Shortly after 11, seemingly appearing from nowhere, a throng of about 20 would-be-diners were outside, waiting for a table. I strongly suggest that if you intend to eat at Tim Ho Wan, make sure you get there before 11 am.

That said, the baked BBQ buns were as good as I remembered, and Dada & I enjoyed them a lot.

We had the steamed egg cake, shrimp rice rolls, hakaw and pork& shrimp dumplings too, and while they were plump and filling, I am of the opinion that one goes to Tim Ho Wan to enjoy those delicious pork buns. I am so happy that Tim Ho Wan is finally opening in Megamall so I don't have to wait for the next trip to HK or Singapore just to get my fix.

With happy tummies, we went down the elevator to get a taxi to take us to Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau.

Horizon Plaza at Ap Lei Chau is the outlet mall where shopping legends are made of, consisting of 28 floors of fashion, food, home decor and furniture finds.

This is where Lane Crawford, Joyce, Goods of Desire, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Marni and the distributors of Carven, Anya Hindmarch, Repetto, 3.1 Phillip Lim and more bring all their past season stuff to be marked down to sometimes, almost nothing. 

Love Carven? Check out bluebell warehouse on the 19th floor, which also houses past season Anya Hindmarch, Nancy Gonzalez, Blumarine and Moschino

Lane Crawford had stuff down to up to 90% off.

While a lot of the shoes were too wild for my taste, such as these platform Alaias...

...and studded & beribonned Birkenstocks...

Lane Crawford had Swedish Hasbeens in my size and within my taste range. Reasonably priced too at just about HKD1000.

The cream Celine sweater was at extra 20% off and the white Celine jacket was being sold at an extra 30% off the marked down price...

The last time we were in Hong Kong, my friend Naomi was able to buy Isabel Marant pumps at the  IT Outlet.

Unfortunately for me, there were no shoes to be found. They only had a paltry rack of about 10 pieces of Isabel Marant clothing, with a pair of jeans (not in my size) at 70% off.

Joyce had dresses by Mary Katrantzou, Galliano, Margiela, and more plus a vast array of shoes.

Including Rick Owens and Rodarte. Incidentally, just across is Pollux Books, where you can leave the husband and kids while you peruse the designer-filled racks at Joyce.

Rick Owens wedge and calf hair trimmed Rodarte heels

Girls like me who love flats will love J. Journey Outlet - home of marked down Repetto, Cath Kidston & Uggs.

When I was there, they were selling Repettos BBs for HKD1000 to HKD1500.

As well as the Zizi oxfords and Jackson loafers. There was a even a small section of Repetto for little girls. OMG.

MaxMara offered an extra 20% for the purchase of 4 or more items.

YSL had Belle du Jour clutches for only HKD4000

And Tribute pumps for HKD4400, with some at an additional 30% off for certain sizes. If you are sized 37.5 to 39 in YSL, there's a wide selection of colors to choose from!

Moms would love Bumps to Babes,

They had ELC toys at 50% off!

Architect/Interior Designer Kellyn See frequents Horizon Plaza to check out the furniture and home accessories stores and of all the stores here, I cannot wait to go back to explore the home goods stores more! She says I can actually arrange to have my purchases shipped to Manila too!

At a store selling lacquerware:

At Lene Bjerre

Tree at the 28th floor

OVOstudio

Pet lovers would have a field day at Whiskers N Paws, and if you get hungry from going through all 28 floors, there are a host of cafes and pastry shops such as Sift where you can stop by for coffee and a sweet treat to recharge.

Whiskers n Paws, a shop devoted to supplying the needs of your furry friends

Some tips to help you get to Horizon Plaza & navigate all 28 floors if you are short on time:

- Forget about taking the bus or a shuttle. Just cab it. It will cost you anywhere from HKD95-115 if you are coming from Central

- Get a copy of the directory from the front desk at the ground floor so you can easily find the stores you want to see

- Instead of waiting for the elevator at each and every floor, take the elevator all the way up to Tree at the 28th floor and take the stairs going down

- Leave the husband at home or at the hotel. Let him do his own thing, send him off to a computer shop or bookstore while you devote a few hours or half a day at Ap Lei Chau. Remember, SPACE aka the Prada outlet is also just a few minutes away. Impatient husbands/boyfriends are programmed to kill the shopping mojo or at least curb your spending. Haha.

Horizon Plaza
2 Lee Wing Street
Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2554 9089
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm