First time in Taipei, Taiwan

With just two hours flight from Manila, I arrived at Taipei’s Chiang Kai Chek Airport at half past midnight via Cebu Pacific Air. This was the first time for me to visit Republic of China or Taiwan.Arriving late at night would mean that I have to stay at the airport for awhile and have some rest. Good thing that Taipei airport has lots of benches for me to relax and strech a muscle until the trip to Taipei in the morning by bus. 

For travellers wanting to proceed to the city at that time, you can catch a bus at 1:30am and and 3:00am departure for NT$130. You can exchange Peso to Taiwan Dollar just outside the immigration and withdraw money at the ATM with cirrus, maestro sign. 

Whats comes to your mind when we talk about Taipei or Taiwan. Perhaps we have the same thing, Taipei 101, the 2nd tallest building in the world. Taipei is the capital and the largest city of Taiwan, its a major industrial and commercial hub in the East Asia region. Taiwan is a small tear shaped island, north of the Philippines. For such a small country, it is one of the richest country in the world.

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VISA-FREE entry for Filipinos to Taiwan, Republic of China

Despite its close promiximity to the Philippines, traveling to Taiwan has been difficult because of the visa requirements. But not anymore, at least for me and for those Filipino passport holders with a valid US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian, British Japanese and Schengen Visa.

All you have to do is fill up an online application form from Taiwan National Immigration Agency and must have a printed-copy of the form. Its so easy, it only takes 10 minutes to answer it. 

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Sun, Sea, Sand - The Top Beaches in Mindanao

Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is blessed with beautiful landscapes, tropical forest, friendly people and pristine beaches. A large number of travelers are hesitant to travel to Mindanao because of the negative news it receives from the national media, this has great effect especially on the tourism industry. News are sometimes sensationalized and irresponsible that tagged the island as an unsafe destination but the reality is that the conflict is barely located 10% of the total land mass of Mindanao. 

It is a privilege as a proud resident of Mindanao to showcase what Mindanao truly is and its full potential to be the eco-tourism hub in the region. Its about time that Mindanao will take its full glory to be in the world tourism map. My travels to Mindanao has been very enriching and I believe that strong tourism will eliminate conflicts through job opportunites that has wounded Mindanao for along time. 

This article I would like to share is the collection of my Top 10 beaches of Mindanao. The island is generally typhoon free and if  rain comes in your way, it wouldnt last for a long time. The sun continues to shine  and the possibilites are endless depending on your budget or time, there is one beach perfect for you and will surely entice to coming back. So, get your sunblocks ready for these marvelous beaches. 

10. KISULAD, DAVAO DEL SUR

Just a 2 hour drive from Davao City is a beautiful coved resort in Kisulad, Sta. Maria, Davao Del Sur. The place is perfect for people who long for quiteness and solitude. The resort has no restaurants, sports facilities but simple accommodations and the excellent mountain view. I think the best to do here is to lay down a camp and a bonfire at night. 

9. PINK BEACH, STA CRUZ, ZAMBOANGA CITY

The Pink Beach in Zamboanga is worth the visit because of its unique pink colored sand that can be found in only few countries around the world. Thank God that we have it here in Zamboanga. 

8. TAWI-TAWI BEACHES 

Tawi-Tawi is the remotest province in the Southern Philippines, it comprises of small islands thats waiting to be discovered. Right now, it has daily flights from Zamboanga. There is alot of potential for Tawi-tawi to be on the number 1 because of its pristine beaches, the reputation of the province has left some small islands to be pristine and undiscovered.

7. CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Camiguin is not just about Lanzones, they also have one of the best beaches in the Philippines and its part of Mindanao. Mantigue and White Beach are picturesque with beautiful mountain backdrop. Go on, you have all the beach yourself. 

6. BISLIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR 

Are you still not convinced with this photos?

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Manila Domestic Airport Walkthrough

Manila Domestic Airport is just one of the terminals in Manila serving local flights from Zest Air, Seair and SkyPasada. The first time I was in the old airport was a feeling of being in a airconditioned bus terminal but things have changed a lot and its quite good. 

It was late in the afternoon when I went to the terminal for my Zest Air flight to Davao. First thing I noticed was the shiny white floor , it gives me an impression that its a clean and well maintained airport. Good job to the management of the terminal.

The check-in counter at the airport was fast and organized. 

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