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| The colossal mascots of the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition. Photo by Charito Nario |
Geographically, Taiwan is one of the closest
countries to the Philippines and the flight going there takes around 2 hours
from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). There are many airlines
that offer flights to different major cities of Taiwan.
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| Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Photo by Charito Nario |
If you want to visit the capital city of Taipei, you can book a
round-trip flight through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, China
Airlines, EVA Air, or Air Asia. If Kaohsiung is your destination, Air Asia
recently launched their new flight to the city last October 30, 2018. China
Airlines is another option.
Taiwan is visa-free and a new destination for Filipinos
I casually asked several Filipino friends, colleagues, and
acquaintances who have been outside the Philippines why they would consider
visiting Taiwan, aside from the fact that it is visa-free, and most of them
answered, “Maiba naman” (For a change). "Maiba naman" is
what you normally hear from a Filipino commenting on trying something new,
different or out of the ordinary.
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| The author at the Rainbow Village, Taichung. Photo by Charito Nario |
Filipinos’ favorite travel destinations are Hong Kong,
Singapore, Thailand and other SEA countries since visas are not required upon
entry to these countries. But when Taiwan’s visa policy for Filipino travelers
was temporarily lifted, Filipinos started to consider Taiwan as their next
travel destination. Thus, Taiwan is a new destination for Filipinos.
Taiwan is home to Taichung World Flora Exposition
The 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition gives people the
opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the various species of flora. Apart from
that, the expo also promotes environment-friendly activities which involve
several local industries like agriculture, biotechnology, tourism, and
academic research.
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| 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition. Waipu Park Area Entrance Gate. Photo by Charito Nario |
(1) Waipu Park Area (14.32 hectares) - features the flower
and fruit village with the theme Production, Green, and Sharing. It teaches the
value of sharing with nature and that Taiwan has been and will continue to be
an agricultural country.
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| Harvest Blessing Pavilion at the Waipu Park Area. Photo by Charito Nario |
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| They call this section as 'the March of Inheriting Agriculture' inside the Agri-tech and Conservation Pavilion. Photo by Charito Nario |
(2) Houli Horse Ranch and Forest Park
Area (30.04 hectares) – presents the core value of symbiosis which features the
ecosystem, nature, and its coexistence.
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| The Ranch Stable. Photo by Charito Nario |
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| Horse Riding Area. Photo by Charito Nario |
(3) Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site
(16.52 hectares) – displays the theme Floral Metropolis by the Water. The
area features life, people, and their harmony.
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| The Cinderella inspired carriage at the Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site. Photo by Charito Nario |
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| Photo by Charito Nario |
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| The Glass Art at the Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site. Photo by Charito Nario |
Unfortunately, the exposition will last only for a certain period of time. The Taichung Floral Exposition started last November 3, 2018, and will end on April 24, 2019.
Taiwan offers a fusion of gastronomic delights
Food is what every traveler looks forward to when they
schedule their trip. If you are into culinary tourism, Taiwan is the perfect
place to start your exploration. Taiwan offers a blend of cuisines from
various foreign countries.
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| Photo by Charito Nario |
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| Photo by Charito Nario |
They were once part of the mainland China so
the culture of the Chinese people can be seen in the local cooking. Of course,
dumplings and noodles are very popular and well-loved. You will not see only
Chinese elements in the local dishes for Taiwan’s food is also influenced by the
Japanese, Dutch and Spanish cuisines since Taiwan was once colonized by these
countries.
Taiwan is the go-to place for TEA.
Filipino's favorite alternative to coffee is tea. In fact, many
tea cafes have popped up and gained popularity among tea lovers. One of their
favorites is pearl milk tea, also known as bubble milk tea.
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| Ingredients for the workshop at the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse. Photo by Charito Nario |
But did you know that bubble milk tea originated in Taiwan?
I learned the history of this yummy drink after listening to
some stories during our stopover at the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse in Taichung.
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| The bubble milk tea do it yourself workshop at the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse. Photo by Charito Nario |
In 1983, Liu Han-Chieh founded the Chun Chui
Tang Teahouse. He incorporated the Japanese style of serving cold coffee into
his way of preparing tea, and that’s how cold tea came into existence. Then, in
1987, Lin Hsui Hui, the product development manager, introduced cold tea with
tapioca pearls. And that was the starting point of the business’ success which
allowed it to expand to many branches.
By the way, the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse also
offers workshops that teach you how to make pearl milk tea and create your own
version.
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| Ready to taste my DIY pearl milk tea at the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse. Photo by Charito Nario |
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