With Taiwan’s visa-free policy for Filipinos extended until July 2019, there is no other perfect time to visit this neighboring country which is only two hours away by plane from Manila.
Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei alone is worth the trip with its temples, shopping malls, tourist landmarks and night markets. Not to mention, it is teeming with delicious food!
I had the pleasure of traveling to Taiwan way back when my youngest daughter Lucia was still a baby and it was very memorable in many aspects. I rode the elevator to the top of Taipei 101 for the first time, ate at Din Tai Fung’s original location, sampled stinky tofu and savored staying in a hotel with a hot spring.
This was my souvenir photo outside the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall back when I was ten pounds heavier, haha.
It’s a good thing that Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism is now going full blast in promoting their destination to entice more Filipinos to visit. According to the department’s Deputy Commissioner Chen Yu-hsin, there is a big 68.59% increase in tourist numbers from the Philippines, from only 172,475 in 2016 to 290,784 in 2017, when visa requirements were lifted for Pinoys.
Word of mouth also plays a big role on why more Filipinos are discovering and liking Taiwan. Internet personality Mikey Bustos made this nice video about his recent visit to Taipei entitled “My New Crushie” and he only has positive, exciting things to say.
Mikey’s story is spun around how he met this cute Taiwanese girl named Venus who shows him the sights and sounds of her city, and they go on dates where they taste the delicious food. Mikey ended up leaving his heart in Taipei when his great vacation was over.
A traveler tip I can share you is to look no further than Taipei for the ultimate food trip.In fact, plans are now afoot to offer 24-hour nonstop eating tours 🙂
Chal Chang Lontoc-del Rosario of Jeron Travel, who is an expert on all things Taiwan, says there’s a lot of interesting food in the city to delight serious foodies – from mouthwatering hotpot choices to the 100-layer scallion pancake and the big cuapao which is Taipei’s own version of the hamburger.
During the Fun Taipei 2018 Media Launch held in Ascott Hotel Makati this week, we had a preview of the best that Taipei has to offer when we met leading food providers and food brands.
KQ Tea’s yummy beverage concoctions are a must-try, so is Smoothie House and Sun Merry bakery which specializes in fresh Asian desserts.
Que Restaurant at Amba Taipei Shongsan has this really filling and satisfying Beef Spare Rib Noodle Soup. Ma La Hotpot is also worth checking out, so is My Warm Day for breakfast and brunch choices that never disappoint.
When in Taipei, a lot of people bring home Asha Noodles as take-home gift or pasalubong. It is readily available in supermarkets and retail shops. I tasted this myself and I must say I highly recommend this because of its umami flavor and unique chewy texture. One serving can really take your hunger pangs away.
Here is another must-try: Fried Chicken Master! The spicy flavor is simply addicting. It’s a good thing they are opening soon in Quezon City and the prices are very affordable, just within the 100-peso range.
If you’re in Manila and reading this right now, don’t forget to drop by the Activity Center of Glorietta 2 Makati City for the Fun Taipei promotional event. Guests will be able to sample Taipei food for free and have a chance to see Mikey Bustos perform his song “My New Crushie.” The audience can even win special prizes when they take pictures at the event and use the tag #FunTaipei.
Taipei City is also participating in the 2018 Travel Madness Expo ongoing at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City until July 8. Travel addicts can get great deals such as what Jeron Travel is offering. For only $400, get economy class round trip tickets from Eva Air (Manila-Taipei-Manila), 2 nights hotel accommodation and half day city tour using the double-decker sightseeing bus.Look out also for Jeron’s Fun Taipei Gourmet Package and Fun Taipei Takaw Package as these includes those much-coveted Michelin restaurant visits and walking tours of places only the locals know about.
I enjoyed my first visit to Taiwan and I can’t wait to go back again. Still so many places to discover! Please watch this video for more photos of #FunTaipei!
Recent Comments