I Heart PH Marks Season 10 with New Adventures
Award-winning travel show I Heart PH celebrates a major milestone this year as it returns for its 10th season. This season, the show embraces a renewed commitment to showcase Filipino travel dreams, backed by a new partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Local sources said the collaboration launched at Novotel Manila Araneta City, where host Valerie Tan and HKTB Regional Director Liew Chian Jia previewed exciting overseas destinations and experiences featured in the new season.
Fresh from winning Best Lifestyle and Travel Show at the 38th PMPC Star Awards for Television, I Heart PH is the first Philippine program to spotlight Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary, dubbed “The Most Magical Party of All.” Liew shared, “This partnership presents a unique opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s cultural, culinary, and natural wonders to Filipino audiences.” She added that more than 1.2 million Filipinos visited Hong Kong in 2024, and they aim to attract more visitors by highlighting immersive experiences beyond usual tourist spots.
Valerie Tan’s Immersive Hong Kong Adventures
Valerie Tan herself experienced these unique Hong Kong offerings. Among her memorable moments was climbing a 14-meter bun tower during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a beloved local event featuring parades with children dressed as deities or celebrities. She also explored Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage by tasting exclusive dishes at Tim Ho Wan’s original location and even made shrimp dumplings with one of the restaurant’s pioneering chefs.
Her journey took her through the lively Temple Street Night Market where she enjoyed crispy waffles and fresh egg tarts. She balanced this with visits to quieter spots such as the Tai O Fishing Village and Sai Kung’s volcanic rock formations, showcasing Hong Kong’s stunning natural beauty rarely seen by tourists. For Valerie, the highlight was meeting the adorable panda twins at Ocean Park. “They were just lounging around and munching and adorable! I hope to be back for their birthday in August!” she shared.
Reflecting on a Decade of Storytelling
In a candid Q&A, Valerie reflected on the program’s unexpected success: “We launched pre-pandemic, never expecting to reach ten seasons. This milestone validates our hard work and shows viewers still connect deeply with our stories.” She emphasized that in a digital age full of content creators, I Heart PH stands out through thorough research, long-form storytelling, and a strong focus on substance, rather than competing with creators.
HKTB’s CJ Liew echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of revealing “hidden alleys, 100-year-old cafés, cultural workshops, and nature escapes” as fresh reasons to revisit Hong Kong. She noted a growing interest among Filipino travelers in immersive and wellness experiences such as making dim sum, trekking through the city’s green spaces—which cover 40 percent of the area—and attending world-class music events like the Blackpink concert at the newly opened Kai Tak Stadium.
Valerie’s hosting journey remains deeply purposeful. “Travel reminds me how vast the world is and how alike we all are. We want to love and be loved,” she said. Her must-have travel items? “A power bank, a toothbrush—because I love to try food and freshen up—and a secure bag with locks.”
Looking Forward with I Heart PH
As I Heart PH kicks off its 10th season, it will celebrate with the I RUN PH Fun Run on July 13 at UP Diliman. The show continues airing Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on GTV, highlighting both domestic and international destinations through a uniquely Filipino perspective.
Valerie expressed her gratitude: “This show gave me a platform to grow and share, and now with Hong Kong as our partner, we’re ready to bring even more unforgettable journeys to Filipino homes.” Local sources noted that produced by TV8 Media Productions, I Heart PH’s new season started airing on June 8.
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