For Jay Dela Cruz Ingles Jnr, a 27-year-old Geodetic engineer from the Philippines, his family members were not just impressed by British rock band Coldplay’s concerts in Hong Kong, they were also wowed by the new Kai Tak Stadium.
“It was just jaw-dropping as we were walking towards the stadium, the architecture alone is magnificent,” he said. “And man, the transportation – we didn’t have the slightest inconvenience.
“The MTR is so efficient, and I really envy that for my country.”
The family chose to see Coldplay in Hong Kong rather than at the band’s other regional stops mainly because Filipinos can enter the city without a visa for stays less than 14 days, he said.
The family of six stayed for four nights, spending HK$4,000 (US$515) on two rooms at a hostel. They also took part in volunteer work with local charities, explored Disneyland, the Chi Lin Nunnery, Tai Kwun and the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, as well as a hike at Braemar Hill.
“Food was also one of the most notable expenses here. Luckily, we discovered ‘two-dish rice’,” he said, referring to affordable, pre-cooked takeaways.
