"I heard it’s like the Paris of Asia " one offered as another one challenged this statement by saying "No, I heard its like New York!" Patrick was bored by the contrasting testimonies that he exclaimed "Paris...New York...basta we’re ready!" I, being absent because I was scanning cuties at Amanda G’s super cool fashion show at Dish, doubled up with laughter as I heard Wendy recount Patrick punctuating the inane debate.
I was lucky enough to be invited to Shanghai by Panda Travel Services, Inc. to participate in their familiarization tour of the city that everyone is now calling the chic-est city in Asia. First of all, it’s now a breeze to get there, with Philippine Airlines’ new non-stop three-hour flight to Shanghai, commenced last month. No more tedious transfers from Hong Kong! Chong Chit Sing of Panda Travel Services says that now is the time to visit Shanghai since it is still relatively affordable and that it’s the perfect place – given the weather and its boundless offerings for stalwart shoppers such as the Pinoys.
Shanghai really is a booming city. Though some may find the city lacking depth in terms of character, it is fascinating nonetheless given its unbelievable growth the past few years. For example the number of buildings rose from 150 to 1,300 in just four years! So, as Shanghai shifts its gears and moves faster, it’s clear why everyone is flocking to this city which boasts of stunning architecture ranging from the days of yore to the foreshadowing of the Jetson years. There’s a multitude of shopping places for every budget, culinary delights in every corner, and beautiful people everywhere.
During the tour, I was witness to the fantastic sights the city has to offer! It’s one thing to visit, but right now I’m hoping that then zeroes in my bank book increase to the left so that I can have a sequel to my fling with the Orient!
So what got me hooked?
1. The most beautiful tiangge I’ve ever seen. New York has the Chelsea flea market, Paris has an equally amazing one, Manila is all about that, and so are Bangkok and Hong Kong. However, Shanghai’s shangge, wins the Emmy for being the most fab among the lot. My favorite is the Xiangyang market a.k.a. the "fashion market" which is a manicured, maze-like and almost hospital-clean outdoor emporium carrying the coolest tiangge clothes you can score.
2. The city’s evening garb. Shanghai at night is gorgeous! And just like any babe, it knows it! The most popular haunts for nightcrawlers in this town highlight Shanghai’s budding personality as the next party pit. Begin the night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel’s 87th floor Cloud Nine and enjoy a superb cocktail while gazing down Shanghai’s urban landscape. Try to choose the side that faces the Bund, which is the strip containing some of Shanghai’s most sophisticated buildings. Then apres din-din, it’s time to choose your own adventure as Shanghai offers a bouquet of fresh new clubs and lounges. M at the Bund (sister of M at the Fringe in Hong Kong) is a glam place that has the view of the most scenic spot of the city. It’s almost Colby/Carrington-standard with its exquisite furnishings and fab menu. I missed this place since I was gone when they visited this spot, but my posse tells me it was sublime!
3. The gastronomic excitement. Shanghai is all about food! From the authentic Chinese chow at Zhi Wei Gan, which is the real deal when it comes to Shanghainese cuisine, to the hairy crab dinner at Xin Guang Restaurant ( for reservations call: 632-239-78) which serves the hairy crab six ways. I swear we were six during dinner and we licked off 120 crabs. I was high from the aligue...I’m so cheap talaga! There are the excellent dim sum joints in every corner. You also have to try the caramelized fruit that they sell on the street and the corn on the cob is a great snack without the calories! When coming to Shanghai, you’re not limited to the Chinese fare (although what’s the point of eating burgers in the land of yang chow, hairy crab and black mushrooms?), there are several establishments that boast of world-class international cuisines. We tried a churascarria in front of the Garden Hotel, where they served killer beef shanks. I convulsed when I tasted how good their Caparinhas were! Another must try are the Chinese wines which gives the Mexican tequila and its evil cousin Agwa a run for their money!
If the Chinese can cook a Peking duck in three ways, it can also burn me in three ways! It offered my three weaknesses with an abundance and casualness bordering on wanton and hedonistic. It burnt a hole in my pocket with all the shopping and goodies, it burnt my "be a good girl" manifesto by making me party like there was no tomorrow and it burnt my diet as I shoved calories and fat in my face impudently. However as I say all this...I’m not complaining at all...burp!