45
{ }
INTERVIEW BY
CHARMAINE BAYLON
c h i k k a
d i s p a t c h
MIGUEL’S FAMILY
moved to Hong Kong
in 1992, and he’s been living here on and
off for about 21 years. I only moved here in
2006
when we got married, so I’m still a
newbie compared to him.
Living in Sheung Wan — and Hong Kong
in general — has spoiled us. It’s stable,
safe, vibrant, peaceful and full of life. And
contrary to popular belief, it’s not always
fast-paced. You can live out your days
slowly and steadily if you so choose.
And of course, there are great work
opportunities.
Rent is generally expensive in Hong
Kong; you can get more space for your
money in Kowloon or the New Territories.
But living in Sheung Wan and Hong Kong
Island has its perks
.
KINGS & QUEENS
OF CONVENIENCE
Sheung Wan has gone through a lot
of positive transformations. Many art
galleries and restaurants have set up
shop along Hollywood Road and in the
SoHo area. They attract international
shoppers and interior designers looking
for that special piece to complete a
project. Young people from overseas also
reside in Sheung Wan because of its
close proximity to the business district.
We don’t have to take long ferry rides or
compete with hundreds of commuters
during rush hour, and everything we
need is within reach. It only takes 15
minutes to walk to SoHo if we want
amazing food; while Lan Kwai Fong is
about 20 minutes by foot or five minutes
by taxi. There are plenty of shops and
street markets in Hong Kong Island as
well, and we don’t have to contend with
the tourist area of Kowloon.
WINE AND DINE IN SOHO
SoHo is within walking distance from our neighborhood. There are a lot of
new bars and restaurants to try. Most of the food is of good quality, close to
Michelin-star levels, and not too expensive. If you want to get good deals on
meals, come over the weekend from 10am to 4pm. Most restaurants have a
brunch set menu, which normally includes a three-course meal from HK$98
to HK$200 (PHP522 to PHP1,065). Some restaurants also offer a champagne
buffet on top of their brunch set. You can pay extra for all-you-can-drink
champagne, Bloody Mary and Mimosa.
YOUR GUIDES:
Lappy and Miguel Capistrano
LIVE IN:
Hong Kong
WORK AS:
Lappy is the vice president of
Brillkids, an educational software company;
husband Miguel is a Native-speaking English
Teacher (NET) in a local primary school
THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD:
Sheung Wan,
Hong Kong Island
The good life
There’s always so much to look forward to in Hong Kong
—
which is why living in the city is everything this couple
could ever hope for
Street art in
SoHo
Get more tips on how to enjoy
Hong Kong from our guides,
Lappy and Miguel. Visit
cebusmile.com.
