celebraTINg exisTENce: Search results for taiwan

As I started to embrace the life of travelling (Well, I've traveled a lot this year. Pwede ko na siguro sabihin 'yan. haha!), I have been very very mindful with where I'm spending my money on. The old me would just buy anything I like as long as it's cheap. Shirts? Bags? Shoes? If they're cheap, then expect me to buy one in a jiffy. It was only this year when I realized that buying cheap yet poorly-made product isn't helping me save money at all. So now even if I have to spend more, one excellent product is better than purchasing a lot of products with poor quality. You get what you pay for eh. Mas worth it ang isang bagay na binayaran mo man ng mahal e magagamit mo naman ng matagal kesa sa isang bagay na mura pero masisira naman agad.

Given all the available local and international brands in the market today, how do we know which is one of the best? By setting standards, diba?

Thankfully, Taiwan government has initiated and has started a campaign to help us, consumers, to be able to identify which of the brands is the best among the rest.

So ano naman kung ginawa 'yun ng Taiwan, e nasa Pilipinas ako?

Through the Bureau of Foreign Trade of Taiwan (BOFT) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) , this campaign called, "Taiwan Excellence" has reached the soil of the Philippines.

What is special about TAIWAN EXCELLENCE?

All Taiwan-based brands are eligible to join and then their products will be evaluated by an international panel of judges. Each product should then score evenly on its R&D, quality, design, and marketing categories. Pag okay, the brands will then receive what they call SEAL OF EXCELLENCE. Among the selected products again, the judges will choose the Silver and Gold Seal Awardees. Diba, the Taiwan government has done us a favor kasi sila na 'yung sumala in order to give consumers the best products Taiwan has to offer.

In total, Taiwan Excellence will be bringing in 56 top quality brands here in our country and of those brands naman (for examples: Acer, Asus, BenQ, Draytek, HCG, KingCom, KW Trio, Kymco, MSI, Silicon Power, Sym, Transcend, and others) will be bringing in a total of 175 products under different industries such as in home and living, sports and leisure, and information and technology.

With this campaign, you don't have to spend a lot for an excellent lifestyle. All you need is to be informed which of the available brands/products are worth buying.

Head over to TAIWAN EXCELLENCE WEBSITE and TAIWAN EXCELLENCE FACEBOOK PAGE to know more.

This is a sponsored post.

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People say that Christmas is not an emergency since it comes at the same time every year but why is it that when the holiday season is about to arrive, our finances scream like there's an emergency? Hehe. What if I'll tell you that you have a chance to give someone a gift (from an excellent brand at that!) FOR FREE?

We all know that Christmas is a season of gift-giving and it's not unusual for our loved ones to give out wishlists. Since we love them and we like to make them feel appreciated, we'll buy anything for them. Am I right? Or am I right? So this year, why not try to do something unique?

In helping the Filipinos express their love through choosing high-quality and nothing but the best gifts, TAIWAN EXCELLENCE is hosting a contest wherein you could wish for the ones you love. Instead of just buying things for them, why not join a contest? Not only are you getting your gift for free, you're also able to tell them how much you care. Mas effort 'to oh. :)

F.Y.I. The Award of Taiwan Excellence today is the highest accolade awarded to Taiwan products that encapsulate innovalue. The symbol of Taiwan Excellence heralds Taiwan’s ascent to world-class quality in product innovation, design and manufacturing, representing the highest standards which Taiwan products must meet to maintain its competitive edge in the global markets.

The process to join the contest is really simple and no purchase is necessary to participate.

All you have to do is (1) go to the website: http://www.madetoenjoythelife.ph (2) Select the gift that you wish to give, (3) Upload your photo and last yet the most touching and exciting part, (4) Share the reason why you want to give the Taiwan Excellence product to your recipient. :) Ang dali, diba? Sali na! :)

10 winners will be receiving the chosen Taiwan Excellence product and out of the 10, one lucky winner will then be again chosen. Can you guess what the other prize of the lucky person will get? His/her gift will be personally delivered by none other than the Taiwan Excellence brand ambassador for the Philippines: Ms. Iya Villania - Arellano!

Wishing for an excellent lifestyle? Possible 'yan with TAIWAN EXCELLECE. Sali na. :)

You have until Sunday (November 23, 2014) to join.

There's no harm in trying. Good luck.

*This is a sponsored post.

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I love to bike whenever I get the chance to. Not only is it a great exercise, biking also relaxes me. But even if a bike was included in the things I wanted to have on a post I posted way back 2012, I never had the chance to look around and purchase one because of two things: 1) storage would be a problem. 2) I have no idea about bicycle brands.

Not being able to know which of the available products would be a good buy is one of the things that the campaign Taiwan Excellence is trying to solve.

Of the 56 Taiwanese brands that are entering the Philippine market, some are different brands of bicycles such as Strida, Tern Bicycles and Pacific Cycles.

Slidy Bike

I am also a potential buyer of this bike. Seryoso.

I like that it solves my first problem - storage. I bet you know how big most of the bikes we see here in the Philippines so it's a good thing that this bike is foldable and lightweight that storage even transporting this wouldn't be a problem. And since this is a recipient of the Seal of Excellence, buyers are assured that they're getting a worth it and a sturdy bike.

You might say that using a bike here in the Philippines is inconvenient but we should still point out the benefits of using a bike as a mode of transportation.

1. Healthy Mind and Healthy Body

- I know, right? Healthy body! Kaya nga, I bike whenever I get the chance to. It's a good cardiovascular exercise that is gentle to joints. Biking also improves and tone muscles. Leisure biking is actually relaxing.

2. Greener World

- Biking doesn't require gasoline therefore it emits no pollutants. Through biking, you're not only reducing your fats but also your carbon footprint. (Sige na nga. We're not only reducing OUR fats hahaha.)

3. Easier on the Pockets

- Since you're not anymore paying for fuel, you can lessen your transportation expenses and obviously, bike maintenance is cheaper compared to car maintenance.

This post is a part of the Taiwan Excellence campaign which commitment is to provide better products for us, Filipinos and one of the products they offer are innovative foldable bicyles from the above-mentioned brands.

Visit Taiwan Excellence Website here and Like Taiwance Excellence's Facebook page here to know more about the brands and the products they offer.

*This is a sponsored post.

The Taiwan Excellence campaign, organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade of Taiwan (BOFT), and implemented by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), is the symbol of quality that guarantees the superior value of Taiwanese lifestyle brands across Asia is now in the Philippines.

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I was only reminded that I haven't posted about our complete Taiwan trip when the announcement that Taiwan has decided to extend the visa-free entry of Filipino passport holders.

Summary of our Taiwan trip last December link: here.

[Klook Link] Maokong Gondola Combo Ticket in Taipei

In order to get to the station, you need to ride the Brown Line of their MRT to Taipei Zoo. What we did was we first explored the Taipei Zoo before riding the cable car to Maokong. Allot enough time for this place because Taipei Zoo is huge plus Maokong Peak and Zhinan Temple are places of interests as well.

You can use the your Metro Card to pay for the zoo and for the cable car ride.

We were able to ride the crystal cabin on our way to the top. Lucky us there weren't lines when we got there.

The rate is $120ntd/adult per way, the charge is the same for the regular and glass bottom cabins. The line of tourist is just the problem because the latter definitely has longer line on most days.

I've ridden a cable car in Genting Highlands in Malaysia, San Jacinto State Park in California, Wynn Hotel and Guia Hill in Macau but Taiwan's Maokong Gondola is my favorite so far.

First reason is because of the crystal cabin that we rode since the greenery/forest below can easily be seen and it's way more exciting because of the glass floor.

It's not expensive and you can see the cityscape of Taipei and the lush forest while riding.

From Taipei Zoo, there's a stop in Zhinan Temple - a temple complex you can explore should you have enough time. We weren't able to go down this stop 'cause we felt that we were running out of time.

This is the Maokong Station where you'll ride the cable car down. I'll create a separate post about Maokong too.

After spending around three hours in Maokong, we decided to ride the cable car down already to beat the crowd. The time of operations is: 8:30AM to 9PM

It was continuously drizzling that day hence, the view.

This is really a must-visit when in Taiwan because it's not all the time that you can ride a cable car. <3

If you're riding the cable car a bit late, I believe there's a light and fountain show near the Taipei Zoo MRT station every Friday - Sunday nights.

[Klook Link] Maokong Gondola Combo Ticket in Taipei

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My mother and I have different personalities (Sige na nga, pati physical appearance! HAHA). One of our differences is that she's very organized which is why she dislikes seeing my room because its state is everything she hates. But if you hate something, change it diba? For a lot of times, I left home with a messy room and came home to very clean room because she couldn't stand all the clutter. Proud pa ba talaga dapat ako nito? Basta I'm thankful for all the people who love cleaning and organizing. :))

Like myself, all of us have our own shortcomings that our mothers magically fulfill. Do you need one of these? Cook, nanny, nurse, doctor, teacher, janitor? Our mothers can easily change their roles into the person we need, don't they? And the reason why they can juggle all these responsibilities is their desire to give their family the best of the best. One component of that "best" are products they can purchase for their loved ones to have a wonderful and excellent life.

So in the search of the best products, it's a good thing that the Bureau of Foreign Trade of Taiwan (BOFT) and Taiwan External Trade Developtment Council (TAITRA) has launched the Taiwan Excellence Campaign (which I have already posted about here.) in the Philippines.

Just by looking if a certain product has a seal of excellence, Mothers can easily identify products that are of good quality which they can purchase without compromising their families health, safety and comfort.

To date, Taiwan Excellence carries 56 different brands (more than 175 products from brands like , Tatung, TECO, Cashido, Acer, ASUS, Transcend, MSI, Strida, Microlife, and Thermedic

etc. ) for home and living, communications technology, sports, transportation and personal care. Given that this campaign carries a wide variety of Taiwanese products, mothers would surely be able to find the products they need and want not only for their family but also for their selves as well.

Visit Taiwan Excellence Website here and Like Taiwance Excellence's Facebook page here to know more about the brands and the products they offer.

*This is a sponsored post.

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Train ride from Taipei Main Station to Shifen Old Street link: here.

Walking along Shifen Old Street link: here.

The post below will have pictures of our walk to Shifen Waterfalls. It was drizzling that day so I couldn't take better photos... as if naman may matino talaga. :)))

From Shifen Old Street, we rode a cab 'cause we felt that we were getting nowhere walking by the road. Don't even know if it was alright to walk there because no one was walking with us. HAHA!

Pero pwede naman pala lakarin, wag lang kayo dadaan dun sa lagpas ng hanging bridge. Diretsuhin niyo lang 'yung hanggang dulo ng Shifen Old Street kasi dun may naglalakad.

When we reached the gate/trail head, we just followed the crowd until we reached the bridge. There were too much people that we had to wait for our turn to cross the bridge since they made it one way.

Since it has been raining that time, the current for both the waterfalls and the river was strong as you'd notice.

I was thrilled seeing these maple leaves that turned gold. AUTUMN!!!

Will this be my lucky charm in being able to experience winter this year? Let's see. :))

After walking for quite a while, we reached the waterfalls. No wonder this is called the Niagara Falls of Taiwan. Looking at the strong current of the water that cascades from this waterfalls.

The observation area is of two levels. You just have to wait for your turn in taking pictures because this is really a touristy spot.

Where the water falls. <3

Overall, I liked that we went to this part of Taiwan because trips like this is my style. I love trekking to waterfalls and here is actually one of the easiest trek that I've done that led to a breathtaking view.

Going back to Shifen Old Street was a bit of a problem... while you can walk back, it was drizzling so we had to ride a cab again but then, there were no cabs and if there was, they were servicing other tourists which led us to meeting a kind cab driver again.

We walked towards his cab 'cause we thought that he was in line but it turns out that he was a service of other tourists. He told us something but we didn't understand so we said yes and went back to the waiting shed to shelter from the rain. Realizing that we didn't understand what he said, he went out of his cab, walked to us while it was raining, and showed us the other waiting shed (the one in the main road) where we should wait. Nakakatouch! Grabe, when strangers do kind things rather than try to take advantage of tourists. Hay, Taiwan!! <3

[Klook Links]

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen Shuttle Bus from Ximen (with Tour Conductor)
Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour with Taiwanese Pastry Making

Shifen Half-Day Guided Tour with Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience

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For my recent trip to the USA, I flew with Eva Air. I purchased the tickets from the BDO Travel Fair in SM Aura, BGC last January. Even before arriving at the mall, I knew that I wanted to buy plane tickets from them so I didn't even roam around the venue and and I immediately fell in line for Eva as I entered.

My previous trip was with Emirates and although I liked it that I was able to step in the airport of Dubai, those flights (MNL - DXB - LAX) were tiring and draining because of the length. I'd take that DXB layover if I'm going to Europe (UMAASA HAHA) but for USA flights, East Asia layover and/or direct flights from Manila are the best options.

Our flight from NAIA terminal 1 was around 4 AM and we were at the airport at around 1 AM so I haven't slept. This is my kind of travel time actually 'cause I sleep well in airplanes but for some people who can't, this can be draining for they have to be awake for a long time.

I was awaken by the smell of food and even if I wasn't in the mood for breakfast, I ate since I didn't wanna spend money at the airport to buy food.

Taiwan is still visa-free for Filipinos.

Taiwan Photodump link: here.

Taipei and Taiching Travel Itinerary and Guide link: here.

PURCHASE YOUR TAIPEI PASS HERE.

Sunrise above clouds... <3 The reason why I love short haul sunrise flights. I've lost count of the times I've ridden an airplane but thankful more than ever.

This is a Hello Kitty themed waiting area at the airport. There are several themes there that would introduce you to the culture of Taiwan - just that I love the Let's Travel Around The World of this one and hello, it's Hello Kitty!!! <3

One at a time.

Soon... Mt. Fuji
Although I saw it from the airplane en route to LAX.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Lounge Service by Plaza Premium Lounge

Three hours layover in TPE was bearable. Enough to roam around the airport and rest before the long haul flight.

TPE - LAX flight

There weren't a lot of inflight movies unlike Emirates but not bad since I was asleep almost the entire time. I was able to watch some like Crazy Rich Asians but during the return flight, I saw the movie of Kyungsoo's Swing Kids and Park Seo Joon's Youn's Kitchen. Guess what? I was awake more than I was asleep. :)))

Didn't ran out of snacks all throughout the flight.

Food was great. It was like an eat-all-you-can buffet up there. hahaha! But mainly because I'm more used to dishes compare to that of Emirates which were more of Middle Eastern Cuisine.

Bintana pa lang kinikilig na 'ko na makita Mt. Fuji, paano pa kaya next year. hahaha.

I should've known that the flight is the start of a month-long food trip in the USA. HAHAHA!

Even if it has already been three months since this flight, I still can't believe that I was able to return to the USA in just three years.

USA Sojourn 2016 link: here.
Busan Sojourn 2018 link: here.

I'm back Hollywood!!!!

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. - Leonardo da Vinci

PURCHASE YOUR TAIPEI PASS HERE.

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