Ateneo Invades Macau

AdNU Institute of International Exchange organized a five-day tour in Macau/Hongkong Disneyland/ Zhuhai (China) last October 16-20, 2007. A group consisting of administrators, faculty, staff, (Academic Vice-President, Dr. Becky Torres, Babes Hermocilla, Billy Molina, Andro Borromeo, Eloys Fabi and Joanne Imperial from the Treasurer’s Office, Del Volante from the College of Education,  and Cely Panga from the College of Commerce), Tourism students (Kris Francisco, Joy Guliaba, Sjeisten Bermejo, Frelyn Imperial and Maiza Nantes) and friends of Ateneo de Naga University (Mary Lee, Tess Teodoro and the second  honeymooners Ed and Nilda Somera) joined the tour.

The tour was a combination of cultural, religious, gourmet and shopping experience for those who went.  It also provided the participants, especially the tourism students, with a wealth of knowledge gleaned from the destinations and trivial information shared by the tour coordinator, Mr. Dondi Ocampo, owner and manager of  Allpoints Travel Services.

Highlights of the tour were the XingDynasty Cultural Presentation at the New Yuan Ming Palace in Zhuhai, the museum trek in Macau which included the Macau Museum, the Grand Prix Museum, the Wine Museum, the Hand-over and Arts Museum, and of course the fun-filled  visit to Hongkong Disneyland.

Of special importance to the group was the pilgrimage component of the tour that consisted of the visit to four of the thirteen Catholic Churches in Macau. Closest to the hearts of the Atenistas, of course, was the St Francis Xavier Chapel in Coloane Village where the arm bone relic of St Francis Xavier is housed.  Another great picturesque site was the ruins of the Church of St. Paul, the first church in Macau built by the Jesuits in 1602.  Except for its great stone facade, the church structure was destroyed by fire in 1835.

While in Zhuhai, China, the group’s bargaining skills were put to the test. A three level underground shopping mall offering factory over-run goods from clothes to watches, cell phones and bags at unbelievably low prices stretched the budget for everybody. 

An unexpected destination which really delighted the group was the newly-opened Venetia Hotel and Casino where Venice in all its glory was replicated. Old palazzos, Piaza de San Marco, canal complete with gondolas and even Italian gondoliers who will sing for you “O Solo Mio” upon request magically transported the group all the way to Italy. 

The tour was a total feast to the senses and a gourmet’s delight. It was a full board tour where lunches and dinners were in notable and famous restaurants like the 360 Restaurant on the 60th floor of the Macau Tower and the African Restaurant at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. The spread of food in an international buffet made eating a truly remarkable experience.