Career = Passion 'CEBUano Tours'

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

~ St. Augustine

CEBUano Tours - a story like no other.

It started out as a mere school project.

But this mere project accomplished more than just good grades.

"I've always believed that God puts us in circumstances to serve His greater purpose."

Passion was ignited, dreams were becoming reality, and the beginning of priceless memories were laid out.

A little background about the company that we established.

Its not just your ordinary agency. We don't sell airline tickets and we don't sell tours abroad. We don't do visa processing and the like. What we do really, is showcase the best of Cebu province thru nature, culture, heritage and people.

A rural-inbound travel and tours agency aiming to strike a balance between economic, environmental and social development in Cebu ~ that's CEBUano Tours

Business for the CEBUano Tours team is not all about money - we put the people first. Fisherfolks, tricycle drivers, plain housewives, teachers - all locals from each municipality that we go to- providing jobs and livelihood for them, uplifting their lives through our own little ways.

My passion for travel and dream of wondrous escapades was just put inside a small box in my heart. I didn't have the luxury of time to do so and there were a lot of restraints. At some point, I thought I won't be able to live it until such time that the Lord poured out His great love for me.

His amazing grace. He does indeed know, the desires of our hearts.

Now, long drives to the country-side with picture perfect views of the ocean is but a weekly thing. Who would have thought that I would be able to live that dream of mine, everyday!

Through Genesis, the beauty of God's creation, we are able to come up with tours, packaging them in a way that locals get the most benefit. A win-win for both the tourist and the locals. You get to enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time uplifting the true worth of the local people.

One of best things about being in this career is that i get to meet a lot of people from different walks of life.

And the best thing? Great relationships paired with local travel and adventures.

I never was a big fan of my own country until I entered this. I've always thought that other countries had so much more to offer. Talk about Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Singapore ... these countries are beautiful indeed. But the end of the day, you never get to appreciate what you have in your own backyard. A place too familiar for us to to even fathom.

Slowly, I'm learning to embrace more and more and more of our Filipino - Cebuano culture.

Slowly able to admire the contour of our naturally mountainous region.

Learning to selflessly help others, putting their lives ahead of mine.

Learning to take care of nature, as stewards of God's creation.

I do hope, you'll find time to give this a shot.

Travel really has a way of stretching one's mind.

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

Read More

Macau '11

I call it Macau - Asia's Las Vegas!

I've heard so many people talk about Macau - the new las vegas, gambling capital of the world, las vegas with a twist, and i thought, I have to see this place for myself. They do have a point though, Macau is dependent on gambling and tourism but the place has its own rich culture and heritage under the Portuguese colony for so many decades. I was able to catch a glimpse of that richness, adding it up to my list of must-see places.

Mom & I checked-in The Venetian Hotel in Macau. It was just a modern-day haven with so many facilities inside the hotel. With hundreds of specialty stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Gucci - Giordano, Bossini, Espirit and lots more. Plus, you get the feel of being in Venice with its architectural design indoor and outdoor. Once you're in, there is no need for you to get out! Its really an all-in package!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

The best thing about being in The Venetian Hotel is that this is the only place in Asia where Cirque Du Soleil has regular shows almost everyday for the whole year. I was just so blessed, to have one of the best seats in the house!

The Cirque Du Soleil show that we watched was entitled 'Zaia'. If I'm not mistaken, for every show they have a theme or a story line to follow. Cirque Du Soleil is definitely the best thing that ever happened to Circus combined with stage play.

This is the grand entrance to the theatre.

This is the only decent photo that i was able to take during the show. I was just in AWE. Words, photos or even videos are not enough to express my experience. I can imagine how the actors and acrobats practice. They fly around the theatre as if it was as easy as eating pie! Whew!

A GLIMPSE OF MACAU

This is a city view of Macau. I actually took this photo while inside the van. Looks much like Hongkong, but it leaves you feeling like you're in between history and present-modern day times.

The longest bridge in Macau. This bridge is actually very breathtaking to look at. You'll see curves and waves of steel and concrete making its way to another island crossing the raging seas.

The famous Macau tower known for its ultimate bungee-jumping experience. Too bad I wasn't able to, even if I wanted to. Mom was too scared of the thought. o.O

The landmark of Macau- the ruins of St. Paul Church

So many tourist were all over the place taking picture of the facade of this historical landmark.

THE VENETIAN

Meet Felecita - our pretty gondolier

This was my 2nd time riding on a gondola. My first was in Las Vegas, still at The Venetian. But i don't remember much of that experience except for the golden voice of our French gondolier. This 2nd time around experience was an unforgettable one. I enjoyed every minute of the ride, every song that Felecita sang, and our lovely conversations.

I sure do pray that someday, i'll be able to see her again! By the way, she's half French, half Chinese.

This was our room view from the 20th floor of the hotel. Reminds me with Las Vegas alright with all the casinos, but the feeling is never the same. Macau is Macau, Las Vegas is Las Vegas. Each known for their own distinctive sites and sounds.

Something I discovered at the food court. BOOST - health drinks. The best health shakes ever! They sure do know how to combine different fruits, complementing each other making an awesome drink with lots of health benefits!

I kept on drinking it day and night while inside the hotel. Hihihi

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

Read More

Hongkong '11

Hongkong all over again. This time, brother & I joined a tour. I thought I've seen much of this place from my previous visits. Wrong thought.

Every year, Hongkong never fails to add or stir up something new for the tourists, whether first time or returning, to see. Its been 5 years since my last visit to Hongkong & as I return, I can't help but feel like a tourist in an old familiar place.

This was my first time visiting a Disney Resort in Asia. Quite small compared to other resorts the USA, but when you see so many people of all ages with expressions of excitement, you can't help but think what Disney has done to world.

The Sampan boat ride was one unforgettable experience. My brother and I were able to see fisher folks in their houses. They live in their boats. It was like a subdivision full of houses and families, only on water though. By the way, the guy on the center is Randy. He was our tour guide. Fun guy!

This was taken at the Mid-level of Victoria Peak. Look at all those skyscrapers! Unbelievable! Almost all people living in Hongkong live in apartments.

Avenue of stars: Bruce Lee

From left meet my niece Amy, Vicky my cousin, Di Um my aunt and muah!

I remember coming to this place before, but how come I never took photos of this breathtaking view of the harbor.

The one thing that gave me a warm feeling during this week-long trip - FOOD!

I was able to EAT my all-time favorite dishes - dishes that I can't prepare or find in the Philippines >.< These treats reminded me of my years in Mainland, China. I just miss those times.

On the contrary, this one is something new! I forgot what this is called, but its mango flavored, with fresh slices of mango, some sticky rice balls and iced- mango cream :)

Introducing, my all-time favorite dish! (I can eat this everyday for the rest of my life)

HOTPOT on half spicy and half chicken soup base. Oh so yummy!

I can prepare this in the Philippines, but the ingredients are never the same.

Some of my favorite ingredients: dou fu pi, zhu xue, huang dou ya, jin gu

Now this is what we call Lao You Tiao. This reminds me of my childhood in China where my aunt would buy us freshly fried you tiao from the market. This pairs well with sweetened milk with peanuts and soya milk.

My comfort food when I was still in military school. This is called the Black Sesame Pudding. I like it better when served cold. ;)

This may seem ordinary, but i just love to eat Bihon with lots of vegetable and some hotpot mix.

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)

Read More