THE ADVENTURER

Wellington Soong

CEO, Frigate Holdings

Frigate Holdings CEO WELLINGTON SOONG shares his travel philosophies

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU?

Traveling for me is about adventure. It's an adventure but then you also have to gauge the success that you achieve from it. Was the business trip successful? Did you achieve what you set out to do? Business trips probably comprises 85% of all my travels so there's always a business component. And what do you bring with you after a trip? It's the memories.

WHAT MAKES A TRIP MEMORABLE FOR YOU?

Travel is also a form of escape from work and reality, from the arena of your work that bring in different types of experience. What are these experiences? The places you see, the people you meet, the things you accomplish, the food you eat that make you want to return. These are the things that make your stay pleasant and memorable, and these are very private aspects of travel. It could be a two-day trip or a stay in the desert but it's the people you are with that make you enjoy it.

There are external influences and there are intimate and personal experiences that make a difference. You can go to beautiful place like Las Vegas but it can be the most boring trip because you're with no one. On the other extreme, you can be out in Bicol and yet having a very meaningful experience. As far as I'm concerned, travel is not about a thousand-dollar hotel room, eating caviar, or traveling first class on a plane.

WHERE DID YOU LAST GO?

just got back again from Italy. I arrived in Florence at 11 PM, slept, woke up the next morning at 7:30 AM and had breakfast. At 8:30 AM, I went up to the room to sleep. I woke up the next day at 6 AM just ready for my flight back. I never saw Florence.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE SO FAR?

It really depends on the experience. I think every country has its pleasant aspect and its disappointing aspect. New York is a great city unless you know New York. How will you enjoy New York? You have to be with the right friend. I love Brisbane because of the environment. It's really pleasant. I enjoy Singapore, too, for its food, although Malaysia has a stronger cultural appeal. The social component makes or breaks the experiences. I love Shanghai in the sense that it's a such dynamic city, but I do not know Shanghai at all -- so how can I really say I love Shanghai? London, for me, is fascinating. Why? Because they all speak English so you are never lost. Zurich is a great marvelous city. You just have to know your way.