TRAVEL GUIDE: Where to go in Hong Kong if you want to relive KathDen's 'Hello, Love, Goodbye' moments
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards' unforgettable portrayal of Joy Fabregas and Ethan Del Rosario's bittersweet romance continues to capture our hearts. But fans would be excited to know that their love story will unfold with an upcoming sequel.
In case you didn't know, Kathryn and Alden, dubbed KathDen, will return as on-screen partners in Hello, Love, Again, the sequel to the blockbuster 2019 film Hello, Love, Goodbye. The film is set to be released in the Philippine cinemas on November 13.
While its 2019 film catered to a star-studded cast, witty banter, and reel-to-real-life narratives that draw us in, the film also fuels our wanderlust with dreamy scenes of Hong Kong.
From the Avenue of Stars to the Instagramable areas in Central, discover the places that witnessed the love story of Joy and Ethan below.
Avenue of Stars
First on the list is the famous Avenue of Stars, which celebrates the city's artistic offerings and elemental aesthetics. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), it was originally modeled after Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, the place features the country's biggest entertainment stars immortalized via handprints and statues.
This is a pivotal location for Ethan and Joy. Here, their feelings for each other blossom as Ethan helps Joy with her side hustle. It's also where Joy gets a glimmer of hope, realizing she almost has enough money to pay for her work permits in Canada.
Aqua Luna: Evening Harbour Cruise
Another way to explore Hong Kong's picturesque skyline and relive some scenes from the film is through Aqua Luna: Evening Harbour Cruise.
In this 1,500-square-foot cabin, tourists can enjoy the view while indulging in cocktails and snacks.
In the film, Aqua Luna is one of the places Ethan and Joy visit before the latter goes to Canada. Here, they recreated Jack and Rose's famous Titanic pose.
Pro tip: For a more romantic experience, visit at night. You'll get to enjoy the cruise's aesthetic lights, the city's vibrant lights, and the relaxing sea breeze. Plus, there's a light show held every day from 8:00 p.m. for 13 minutes.
Central Pier, Victoria Harbour
Meanwhile, Central Pier number 9 witnessed all of the highlights of Ethan and Joy's love story.
Among the ten central piers in Hong Kong, Central Piers No. 9 and No. 10 are less crowded than the others. From here, you will get a magnificent view of Harbour City, with its breathtaking waterfront and skyscrapers.
For Joy and Ethan, who struggled with their personal lives and love story, this Victoria Harbor viewing deck, which overlooks the Kowloon side of the island, has become a regular hangout place. It is also where they initially converse as strangers at the beginning and, in the latter part, when they finally come to grips with their connection and relationship.
Central
A familiar sight in Central on Sundays is overseas Filipino workers enjoying their day off. This location was used to film several sequences for Hello, Love, Goodbye, including one in which Joy is seen forming bonds with her fellow Pinoy friends and doing side projects to support her family.
Mong Kok
Ethan used any excuse to visit Joy in Mong Kok, buying things from Joy's stall just to be near her.
As the movie goes on, Ethan becomes her apprentice, selling random things so that she can earn money for a Canadian Visa.
More than anything else, Mong Kok, which was described as the busiest district in the world by the Guinness World Records, is a bustling district with winding alleyways that is popular with tourists for its shopping. It features kiosks of clothing and trinkets from the Ladies' Market, and shoes from Sneaker Street, among others.
Lan Kwai Fong
Joy finds herself short on funds after negotiating the remaining terms of her contract with her present employer. She takes a side job as a waitress in the heart of Hong Kong's nightlife, Lan Kwai Fong, but little does she know, this chance encounter with the bustling bar scene will lead to a near brush with the law and, more surprisingly, the beginning of her love story with Ethan.
According to HKTB, over 90 restaurants and bars are located in Lan Kwai Fong, one of Hong Kong's most well-liked nightlife hotspots. The cuisine selection reflects the diversity of the patrons, with events ranging from sophisticated wine pairings to wild jelly shots.