I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting this Macau trip to be as fun and interesting as my other trips. I don’t really gamble, first of all, so I wasn’t looking forward to the whole Las Vegas casino theme it had going for it. But you know what: overall, it was a really exceptional trip. I learned about Macau’s history, got to do a little shopping, and actually learned how to gamble–well, kind of haha. This was, of course, a work trip. I was there for Trending Now (shameless plug: its on every Sunday at 9pm on ANC), but that didn’t stop me from appreciating Macau and all it had to offer.

We stayed at the Venetian Hotel–one of the newest hotels in Macau. And I have to say, it was pretty awesome. The rooms were so grand and you can really get lost while exploring its malls and casinos. One thing I kind of enjoyed in the beginning, but later got tired of: getting ID-ed all the time. They are really strict with their policy “no minors on the casino floor” and for some reason all the bouncers and casino personnel thought I was a minor. In the end I kept telling them–I’m a Pond’s model, that’s why I look so young hahaha.

My favorite part was visiting all the tourist sites. I’ve been to Macau a couple of times for work back when I was still modelling in Hong Kong, and I never really got to see its heritage sites, nor did I ever get to buy their famous egg tarts or that yummy preserved pork (it comes in these sweet, glazed sheets–they have it all over Hong Kong and Singapore). Anyway, I really really enjoyed learning about Macau’s history and was happy to be there to experience its everyday hustle and bustle. Whenever I go on a trip, I make sure to see how the city works. There is something so interesting about seeing how other people live, especially when its so different from the Manila life we all know.

Here are photos from my trip.

When at the Venetian, do as the Venetians do haha–ride a gondola!

Okay, so I had to do this for the show. I did enjoy it though very much. Its a requirement for these gondoliers to be able to sing well, and this guy could really sing!

What you don’t see on the show–the camera and crew of Trending Now!

With all these talented gondoliers. They can really belt it out–I really enjoyed their singing.

Now with the Trending Now team!

Apart from riding a gondola, I got to eat in a Michelin star restaurant. The Golden Peacock is this amazing Indian restaurant at the Venetian. Its a must-visit when in Macau.

I got to dine with its head chef, too. He cooked their bestsellers for us–they were, of course, so good!!! A real feast!

While at The Golden Peacock, I couldn’t help but admire its interiors.

I mean, look at those chandeliers!

I love this wall and mirror!I had an incredible time trying out the food here!

Check out my room at the Venetian!

It is so pretty! <3

Taking a selfie!

Taken while waiting for the team to set up.

With the brains behind the show, Reynold Giba. He’s in charge of writing all my spiels.

I really love this dress from Guess.

I did my spiels here. I love this part of the Venetian.

It is almost like being in Venice, or Las Vegas haha.

While waiting for them to set up, this tall guy posed with me.

Senado Square (Largo do Senado) is a public square in Macau. This is one of the four largest squares in Macau; the others being Praça do Centro Cultural, Praça do Lago Sai Van and Praça do Tap Seac. In 2005, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as it forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau.

Lots to see.

The Holy House of Mercy of Macau (Portuguese: Santa Casa da Misericórdia), is an historic white building in Macau’s Senado Square. Established as a branch of the Santa Casa da Misericordia, it was built in 1569 on the orders of the Bishop of Macao. It was a medical clinic and several other social welfare structures in early Macau. It later served as an orphanage and refuge for widows of sailors lost at sea. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I love their street signs!St. Dominic’s Church (Portuguese: Igreja de São Domingos) is a late 16th century Baroque-style church that serves within the Cathedral Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau.

I couldn’t help but admire its architecture.

Where Portuguese and Chinese influences meet.

One of its busy streets.

My view from the steps going up to St. Paul’s Ruins.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s (Portuguese: Ruínas de São Paulo) refers to the ruins of this 16th-century complex, including of what was originally St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul also known as “Mater Dei”. This was once a 17th-century Portuguese cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. Today, the ruins are one of Macau’s most famous landmarks and also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mater Dei.

It is such a beautiful facade.

The street going to Ruins of St. Paul’s. It is so busy, and each shop offers “food tasting”, so you can get full just walking this street!

Macau’s famous Portuguese egg tarts! My favorite!

And pork fillet, in different “flavors”–so good!