'I Heart PH' explores HK's hidden spots

LIFESTYLE and Travel show "I Heart PH" continues to explore new adventures in its new season.

FOCUS ON HONG KONG Hong Kong Tourism Board Regional Director Liew Chian Jia (left) and ‘I Heart PH’ host Valerie Tan (right) during the media launch of the show’s new season at Novotel Manila Araneta City. TV8 MEDIA PRODUCTIONS PHOTO

After clinching the 38th STAR Awards for TV Best Lifestyle and Travel Show trophy from the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), "I Heart PH" is on its winning streak, gaining the support of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) as its new partner in bringing the latest trends in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food and travel, all with a uniquely Filipino perspective.

Host Valerie Tan has formally welcomed HKTB during the media launch held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City recently.

"The Hong Kong Tourism Board greatly values its partnership with 'I Heart PH.' This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to highlight Hong Kong's rich culinary, cultural and entertainment offerings to Filipino audiences. Notably, 'I Heart PH' is the first television program in the Philippines to offer a glimpse of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary celebrations – The Most Magical Party of All," HKTB Regional Director Liew Chian Jia said.

The multi-awarded events and TV host told the media about her adventures in Hong Kong.

She experienced climbing the 14-meter tall tower as used in the annual Bun Scrambling Competition in Cheung Chau Island.

The said competition is annually held every month of May during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival,

The festival features a traditional Piu Sik parade, where children dressed up in costumes – usually as deities, famous Chinese legends, or celebrities – are carried around the island while standing on steel frames and the famous bun scrambling competition, where participants climb towering bun-covered structures to collect "Ping An" (peace) buns.

Tan's culinary adventure continued as she explored the lively Temple Street Night Market, where she indulged in the city's beloved street treats — flaky, buttery egg tarts fresh from the oven and crispy Hong Kong-style waffles, a nostalgic favorite among locals.

The bustling energy of the night market, combined with the tempting street food, offered the events and TV host a delicious taste of authentic Hong Kong life.

"I guess, one of the most unforgettable experiences is my encounter with the Giant Panda twin cubs at the Ocean Park Hong Kong. I hope I'll get to celebrate their first birthday this coming August. That will surely be one of the park's most anticipated fun events this year," she exclaimed.

Additionally, HKTB aims to attract more visitors, particularly Filipinos, to discover Hong Kong's diverse blend of nature, culture and flavors that makes it a go-to destination.

"Earlier this year, we proudly achieved a historic milestone surpassing previous records with 1.2 million Filipinos arrivals in 2024," Liew told the press.

"As we move forward, we remain dedicated to enriching the travel experience, offering world-class events and seasonal celebrations that bring Hong Kong even closer to the hearts of Filipino travelers," she added.

Meanwhile, Tan takes pride in the show's commitment to promote inspiring stories and aspirational features, showcasing tourist spots here and abroad.

Now on its 10th season, "I Heart PH" gears up for a series of events to celebrate its continued success with "I Run PH" Fun Run as a kick-off event.

The fun run will be taking place at the UP Diliman on July 13, 2025.

Produced by TV8 Media Productions, "I Heart PH" airs every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on GTV.