Being a Filipino abroad fills me with immense pride, as it allows me to showcase the rich tapestry of our culture, values, and resilience on a global stage.

Resilience and Adaptability: Filipinos are renowned for their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether overcoming natural disasters or adapting to new environments (like being in Taiwan,) our ability to persevere and thrive is a defining characteristic that I carry with pride.

Warm Hospitality: Our reputation for hospitality precedes us. Filipinos are known for making others feel at home, offering warmth and kindness to everyone we encounter and for the guests coming over for a visit.

Global Contributions: From teaching professions, factory workers, and caregivers, we Filipinos play pivotal roles not just in Taiwan. Our contributions in various sectors highlight our expertise, work ethic, and dedication.

In conclusion, being a Filipino abroad is not just about representing a nationality; it's about embodying values that resonate universally—family, resilience, hospitality, contribution, and cultural pride. These qualities make me proud to carry the Filipino identity wherever I go.

MECO (Manila Economic and Cultural Office)

MECO (Manila Economic and Cultural Office) is in charge for the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) of the following services: passport, visa, notarial, and assistance to nationals. The three offices in Taiwan are in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, taking charge of the north, central, and south, respectively. Changhua County where I am belongs to Taichung office located at 20F, No. 220, Section 2, Taiwan Blvd, West District, Taichung City.

I won a cash prize of NTD 1,000 during the MECO annual Central Christmas Party, known as "Paskong Pinoy," where the Labour Attache himself, Atty. Bienvenido Cerbo, Jr., personally handed me the prize—which I spent to buy a flat iron!

For more details, please visit its website:

https://www.meco.org.tw

Jade Mountain

Together with 13 fellow Filipino climbing enthusiasts, I embarked on a journey to Jade Mountain, the highest peak in Taiwan on February 8-9, 2024. Although we were unable to reach the peak - 3,952 MASL due to heavy rain and negative degrees, the experience was still unforgettable and at least reaching the lodging area, Paiyun at 3,402 meters is remarkable. Moreso, one of the most special moments was seeing real snow for the first time in my life—a magical and unexpected highlight of the adventure!

Across yunlin county

When some fellow male Filipinos from my province took me on a tour across Yunlin County, one of the highlights was exploring the Yun-Chia Five Peak Trail. We passed through a picturesque tea plantation, where a raised wooden walkway guided us from the heights down toward Longxing Temple. A truly special moment was experiencing the Plum Blossom for the first time—seeing its delicate petals, feeling its texture, and breathing in its gentle fragrance. That sensory encounter was a beautiful bonus to an already unforgettable trip.

Beidou Basketball League

The Beidou Basketball League (BBL) consists of various Filipino factory workers from Beidou, Tianzhong, and Xihu who form teams to compete in both the Winter and Summer Leagues. I have been invited to judge the teams' uniforms and the Muse presentation contest. Occasionally, I also serve as part of the officiating team.

Xihu Flower festival 2025

Kaoshiung

A group of Filipino folk dancers had invited me to join with them to perform a minute of the national dance, "Tinikling," just to show the varied audience how Filipinos can dance on the spot.

One of the reasons I took my flight from Kaohsiung International Airport to Manila during my short personal leave was to reunite with Randy, a friend and former colleague from 2001–2002. He has been living in Taiwan for over ten years, working as an engineer in a factory. What made our reunion even more special was when he introduced me to his only son—a heartwarming moment that added even more meaning to our time together.

EXPLORING NORTH: TAIPEI, ETC.

For the first time, I was visited by a family member—my niece Joana—along with her friends and glam team. We made sure to spend quality time together over one weekend in May 2024.

My former college Student Affairs and Personnel Director, who also served as the moderator for the ROTC Cadet and Cadette Troops, has been living in New Taipei for almost 30 years. He was glad to tour me around northern Taiwan. We reminisced about our days at Ateneo de Naga University, where he served during his time as a Jesuit.

taiwan international baloon festival

The 2024 Taiwan International Balloon Festival takes place in Luye, Taitung County, from July 6th to August 19th. The festival features tethered balloon rides, night glow concerts, and other attractions, with hot air balloon activities as the main highlight. However, as Filipino visitors, we only had a half-day tour to witness the festival and bought souvenirs, followed by another half-day stopping by interesting spots along the way.

Christmas season

As most Filipinos are Catholic, I try to attend religious gatherings and Holy Mass whenever possible—especially during the Christmas season. Attending Mass makes me feel "at home," even when I'm far from my family and relatives. As most Filipinos are Catholic, I make it a priority to attend religious gatherings and Holy Mass whenever possible, especially during the Christmas season. These moments of worship bring me a deep sense of belonging and comfort, making me feel "at home" even when I am far from my family and loved ones.

Gladly, I’ve had the chance to visit two churches—St. Joseph the Worker Church in Chiayi City and Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Douliu City—both of which are served by some of my fellow Filipino friends. Their presence has made my experience even more meaningful. I also had the privilege of meeting Fr. Greg Sebastion, SVD, a dedicated missionary priest who has been serving in Taiwan for many years.

MORE ADVENTURES WITH my guests and Kapwa-pinoy

Filipinos enjoy rest and recreation by watching movies together, exploring tourist spots in Taiwan, and I also like entertaining visiting friends from the Philippines.

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