Stories of Places, People and Photography in the Philippines and Beyond
I’ve been interested with the aboriginal heritage of Taiwan since it has close proximity with our islands. I know some Itbayaten have Taiwanese ancient lineage based on the paler complexion and somehow thin eyes. Could ancient Taiwanese have stone houses similar in Batanes? That I have to see as we visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Yuchi, Nantou County, central Taiwan.
Our last stop in Taichung City before moving to another county is probably the most colorful. The Rainbow Village in Nantun District in Taichung is famous for its colorful murals. But a visit here would offer a deeper appreciation on the story behind these vibrant street art. How a retired soldier managed to help save a village through his vision and art. Coming from In Sky Hotel in Fengjia, it was just a short 30 minutes ride until we found ourselves walking on the colorful pavement of Rainbow Village.
It’s been a busy day at Taichung with so much activities packed in like the Chungshe Flower Market and Houfeng Bikeway. But the night is young and the city has one of the most lively night life in Taiwan. What better way to spend the evening? It’s strolling (or shopping) through Taiwan’s biggest and oldest night market, Fengjia Night Market in Taichung. Taiwanese loves their night markets for their great bargains and variety tasty and cheap street food. A trip to Taiwan is never complete without a visit to a night market.
One thing I really like about Taiwan is how bike-friendly the country is. Bikeways are some of the main attractions in Taichung. Still at Houli district coming from the Chungse Tourist Flower Market, we found ourselves near a horse ranch and city park where there are several bike rental services in the area. The area is part of the Houfeng Bikeway (also called Hou-feng Bikeway). An extensive 4.5 km bike path running along an old mountain railway. It offers a unique experience of varying sceneries from the country side, the longest railway tunnel and a steel bridge.
Taichung is not short of IG-worthy places to visit. Coming from Liphao Land, we had a short ride to Chungse Tourism Flower Market also found at Houli District. Also known as the Zhong Se Guang Guang Flower Market, the flower market is famous for successfully growing tulips in low altitude areas in central Taiwan. There’s a variety of blooms all year round that it has become a favorite place for pre-nuptial or post-wedding shoots or simply having wonderful portrait with a European-like back drop.
Since Taiwan opened up to Filipinos with VISA-free entry, it became one of the hottest destinations from Manila. I have always wondered what Taiwan looks like having seen the large island country on a clear day from Batanes. It is so close from our farthest island at only 218km distance. That’s why I got so excited when I got a chance to experience Taiwan for a week courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Board. And our first stop upon landing at Taoyuan International Airport is Liphao Land in Taichung. The biggest theme park in the country. Let’s get started. It’s time for Taiwan!
The island of Mindoro is also home to the indigenous people of Mangyan. There are eight tribes scattered around the island, from Oriental to Occidental Mindoro. I’ve encountered several tribes already from my past visits and wrote extensively on the Buhid and Iraya Mangyans. Won’t be repeating the same general information from them but rather focus on our visit with the Panaytayan Mangyan Settlement at Manansalay. This time we take a glimpse on the life and culture of the Hanunuo Mangyans.
