🇭🇰 HONG KONG

The First Stamp

Hong Kong will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my very first journey outside the country. I traveled there with my parents and siblings, and for someone seeing the world beyond home for the first time, everything felt exciting and unforgettable. Even before reaching the destination, the trip had already become memorable because it was also my first time flying on Philippine Airlines’ Boeing 747—The Queen of the Skies, an aircraft that has since retired from service. Looking back now, I probably did not fully understand how iconic that experience was at the time, but today I realize how lucky I was to experience it. The flight itself felt like the beginning of discovering a much bigger world.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, where I experienced the excitement of theme parks for the very first time. I still remember the long lines before every ride and how waiting somehow became part of the fun because everything felt new and magical. We also visited Ocean Park, where the attractions, atmosphere, and food became some of my favorite memories from the trip. Another unforgettable first was riding a cable car and seeing the city and surrounding landscapes from above—something I had never experienced before. That trip made me realize that sometimes the excitement of travel is found in the little first experiences.

Food in Hong Kong was one of the things that surprised me the most. Even as a child, I remember noticing that everything felt expensive compared to home. Yet despite that, I never once worried because my father made sure our stomachs were always full and that we could enjoy the trip comfortably. Looking back now, I appreciate more how much effort and generosity parents quietly put into family travels. What seemed normal back then feels much more meaningful today.

Some of my favorite memories from Hong Kong were not even the attractions—but the small habits and moments in between. My mother had a habit of keeping things that others would throw away—food containers, hotel toiletries, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and even containers from the airline meals because she believed they could still be useful later. It became one of those funny family memories that still continues to this day. Hong Kong was also where I truly enjoyed taking photos using my very first camera phone and discovered the fun of selfies—something I rarely do and even find corny now. But back then, capturing every moment felt important.

My first trip to Hong Kong was relatively short, and I remember feeling like there was still so much left unseen. Years later, I returned for a second visit—this time with my girlfriend, who is now my wife—and I was finally able to experience more of the city at a different stage of life. Returning made me realize how places change meaning depending on who you travel with and who you become over time. Hong Kong may not be the farthest place I’ve been, but it will always remain unforgettable. After all, it was the destination that gave me my very first stamp.