Merry Christmas to all my readers. Since most of you have been requesting my Hong Kong travel review, here it is. 

This article is perfect for those who want to take a Christmas break or spend New Year in a nearby country. I am pretty sure that after the pandemic, many of you have not yet visited Hong Kong since it was one of the last countries that opened its doors to the public.

The reason is that during the worldwide lockdown, Hong Kong underwent a stunning facelift that has taken its allure to new heights. At the heart of this transformation lies the revamped Avenue of Stars. It took my breath away. From the moment I set foot on the waterfront, I was amazed by the massive transformation. Once a popular promenade, the Avenue of Stars has been reborn with a modern twist. The redesigned Avenue of Stars pays homage to Hong Kong's cinematic legacy with the iconic statues of Hong Kong film legends. 

It was a shame that our family only visited the Avenue of the Stars during the day. Maybelle Padillo, a Filipina singer-turned-businesswoman who has the yummiest Italian ice cream place near the Avenue of the Stars called Il Bel Paese, told us about her experience in the Avenue of the Stars at night.

“You should return to Hong Kong, Giselle, just to see the Avenue of Stars at night. They have a stunning LED light show that illuminates the avenue in the evening. The dynamic display showcases the city's skyline in a dazzling array of colors, creating a mesmerizing backdrop perfect for your Facebook and Instagram pictures. The symphony of lights complements the glittering panorama of Victoria Harbour. On top of it all, augmented reality installations bring Hong Kong movies to life. These installations allow tourists to interact with virtual scenes from classic Hong Kong films, perfect for your reels for the gram. You get to immerse yourself into the world of cinema with these installation experiences. I cannot really explain by words alone, you really need to experience it yourself. To add this tourist experience, street performers and local artists contribute to the lively atmosphere, infusing the Avenue of the Stars with a positive energy that reflects the spirit of Hong Kong.”

I asked Maybelle about other “must-visit” places in Hong Kong. “I will bring you to Discovery Bay, where I opened my new steak restaurant, The Rink Italian Kitchen, and my Italian café Pascucci. Then there is Lantau Island, where Disneyland is located, but you should also visit Ngong Ping 360 and Po Lin Monastery, which offer a unique cultural and scenic experience. If you love Disneyland, you should also go to Ocean Park, another popular theme park in HK, which introduces new attractions and rides. Then head to the West Kowloon Cultural District, where you will find the M+ Museum, which focuses on visual culture, design, and architecture, showcasing both local and international works. Lai Chi Kok Park has undergone a facelift as well. It has a lot of green spaces, jogging paths, and recreational facilities. Let’s not forget the awesome dining experiences in districts like Central, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay. Hong Kong's culinary scene is ever-evolving, so I keep opening new restaurants with chefs introducing creative concepts. Trendy neighborhoods in Hong Kong are popping left and right, Sham Shui Po, known for its vibrant street food scene and hipster cafés.” 

I will definitely be going back to Hong Kong because three nights is just not enough anymore. Thank you to siblings Maybelle and Pads Padillo for showing us around your second home.