Natcon Directory | Page 97

35th UAP National Convention The Power of Architecture DREAM • C REAT E • T RANS FO RM of Prof. Roxas and her husband, couple Ian and Shalla, and Tony-Kar. The first stop was the Peak Tower via tramway. The wax statue of Jacky Chan welcomed us at the station. In 30 minutes we made our way to the Tower and enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Hongkong and the cool breeze. After a quick lunch, we headed for the flea market near Public Square Street via Hongkong streets and the subway. Minus the merchandise and the Chinese-speaking locals and signages, The night market is no different to the market stalls Carriedo back during the days of Mayor Atienza. Shalla bought a jade chess playset. Eghai got his money’s worth for a vintage watch. I bought some chopsticks and a red shirt with the word “Buddha” printed in Chinese. After two hours, we chose to have dinner along the streets. Diners here were open under the night sky and sandwiched between passing cars and market stalls. I particularly enjoyed the buttered chicken with lemon sauce and sauted fish in basil leaves. We returned to Macau before midnight. The following morning, Anthony and I made one last tour of Macau. After some last minute shopping at a nearby grocery store, we returned and readied ourselves. In many ways, Macau is like Manila. And one of the most admirable is that they made heritage tourism work. It was sincere and unpretentious, making me wonder if there’s a chance we can do the same here in Manila. Who knows? (L-R) The Church of St. Francis Xavier and a small Chinese temple. Posing for posterity before heading home: couples Ian and Shalla Billano, Josie and Rino Fernandez, Manuel Noche, Tony-Kar Balde, Prof Connie and Eghai Roxas, Jenny Sanchez, Anthony Sarmiento, Tutit Quiambao, Fr. Ray Martinez, and Juanito Malaga. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr. The editor-in-chief of the UAP Post and the Souvenir Program of the 35th National Convention, the author was chapter president of UAP Rizal-Kalayaan 100 chapter. Behind the lens is Fr. Ray Bernard Martinez. Belonging to the Archdicoese of Capiz, Fr. Ray is a student of Cultural Heritage Studies (CHS) at the USTGS. He is currently based at Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish. 95