Taiwan Tourism Administration Forms Delegation to Join Philippine Travel Expo and Promotion Events, Invites Top Influencers to Promote Taiwan

 

Taiwan recently announced a one-year extension of the visa-free entry policy for Filipino travelers to Taiwan (until July 31, 2026). In response, the Taiwan Tourism Administration, swiftly organized a Taiwan tourism delegation comprising 50 representatives from 25 organizations, including the Taichung City Government, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines. The delegation will travel to the Philippines from July 11 to 13 to participate in the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025.

                                                                                                                                                                           According to the latest data from the Taiwan Tourism Administration, the visa-free policy has significantly boosted travel from the Philippines. In Q1 of 2025, arrivals from the Philippines reached 146,581—an impressive 29% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, making the Philippines the fastest-growing source market globally and the largest source market in Southeast Asia.

 

At TME, the Taiwan Tourism Administration will set up a "Taiwan Pavilion" themed around its Tourism Brand 3.0 campaign, “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder.” The pavilion will use vivid colors and playful elements to showcase the charm of Taiwan across all four seasons. Highlighted within the pavilion are popular Instagram-worthy landmarks such as Taipei 101, Taichung’s Rainbow Village, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival in Taitung, and the Morning Hot Springs of Green Island—inviting Filipino visitors to take memorable photos while experiencing Taiwan's rich and diverse travel appeal.

To amplify the impact of this year’s promotion, the Taiwan Pavilion has invited top Filipino influencers, including Carl Chuidian (The Chui Show) and well-known travel vlogger Mommy Haidee. Both will share their firsthand travel experiences in Taiwan, along with must-try cuisine and attractions. Their appearances are expected to generate significant buzz and draw more Filipino travelers to choose Taiwan as their top travel destination.

In recent years, travel from the Philippines to Taiwan has continued to surge. Taiwan’s close proximity, short flight time, diverse cuisine, and distinctive attractions—especially the high-speed rail system, which the Philippines lacks—are all key factors in attracting Filipino tourists. In 2024, Taiwan welcomed 467,000 Filipino visitors, the highest among all Southeast Asian countries. The growth momentum continues in 2025, with a 25.38% increase in arrivals during January to March compared to the same period in 2024. The Philippines now ranks as Taiwan’s top Southeast Asian source market and sixth globally, demonstrating remarkable performance.

 

To further strengthen Taiwan–Philippines tourism industry cooperation and attract more Filipino travelers, in addition to participating in the TME, the Taiwan tourism delegation will also host promotional events in Iloilo (the Philippines’ 4th largest city) and Cebu (the 2nd largest city) on July 15 and 16. These events will bring together over 100 key travel professionals, airline representatives, and mainstream media. They will showcase Taiwan’s newest attractions and tourism incentives, aiming to sustain and expand the strong growth in Filipino visitor arrivals and open up new opportunities for Taiwan’s tourism in the Southbound market.

 

 

“Go Healthy with Taiwan” global contest with grand prize of USD30,000 – now inviting entries on proposals for health and wellness solutions

 

Taiwan Excellence launches their annual contest for innovative proposals, with this year’s theme entitled: “Go Healthy with Taiwan.” To improve global health standards and promote overall well-being in communities and cities around the world, Taiwan Excellence encourages those from governments, institutions, and organizations to submit their original ideas that integrate holistic solutions and high-quality health products from Taiwan.

 

The “Go Healthy with Taiwan” campaign brings into the spotlight five key sectors of Taiwan’s health industry: smart healthcare, medical aesthetics and wellness, fitness equipment, sports technologies, and bicycles. Long recognized as the “Bicycle Kingdom,” Taiwan is a global leader in high-end bicycle manufacturing and innovations in sustainability. Taiwanese companies are among the world’s top suppliers in fitness equipment, integrating AI with strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities. In smart healthcare, Taiwan leverages its advanced ICT, semiconductor expertise, and elite medical system to offer integrated solutions for the global health tech market.

 

 

“Go Healthy with Taiwan” Global Kickoff Event

The event to officially launch the campaign was held in Taiwan on Tuesday, June 3. The press conference welcomed distinguished guests including Mr. Robert Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association; Mr. Jeff Chen, President of the Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association; and Mr. Spark Huang, Director of the Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association, alongside key industry representatives. Media representatives from 12 international outlets across Europe, the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, as well as foreign diplomats in Taiwan, also attended in support of the campaign.

 

The campaign’s promotional theme, aptly titled “Pitching Taiwan’s Best: A Homerun for Proposals!”, was unveiled during the event. The Taiwanese baseball star, Mr. An-Ko Lin, made a surprise appearance along with the mascot of Taiwan Excellence, Fu Bear. With the venue transformed into the likeness of a baseball field, Lin and Fu Bear reenacted symbolic home runs to represent Taiwan championing top-tier health solutions and collaboration with innovators across the globe.

 

Ms. Susan Hu, Deputy Director General of the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), noted the contest’s goal for Taiwan and for the world. “President Lai Chiang-te is actively advancing the vision of a “Healthy Taiwan.” By encouraging global participation and collaboration for a healthier future, this campaign marks a significant step in bringing this vision to life.”

 

Mr. Joe Chou, Executive Vice President of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), speaks about the importance of the campaign from a national to global scale. “This international call not only highlights the strength and innovation of Taiwan’s comprehensive health industry, but also encourages partnerships between nations around the world that advance smart and sustainable healthy lifestyles with the help of Taiwan’s leading technologies and solutions.”

 

 

How to Join “Go Healthy with Taiwan”

“Go Healthy with Taiwan” aims to build on the success of last year’s “Go Green with Taiwan” contest–which received 396 submissions from 45 countries. This year, the contest’s goal is to receive over 500 entries from across 5 continents, further expanding international reach and practical applications from Taiwan. All high-quality entries will be given opportunities to explore collaboration with world-class Taiwanese companies, and the top three proposals will each be awarded USD30,000.

 

The submission period is open from May 15 to August 14, 2025. For more information, visit the official website at http://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org. For updates on the “Go Healthy with Taiwan” contest, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), through the commission of the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), opens the call around the world for proposals under the theme “Go Healthy with Taiwan” –to increase the visibility of Taiwan in the health industry and to foster global partnerships with opportunities for local implementation. Taiwan Excellence, the joint project by TAITRA and TITA, eagerly invites everyone to join the initiative of innovative, healthy solutions for the world.

 

 

Celebrate Father's Day with Timeless Tunes: Join the One Stop Record Fair at Ayala Malls Trinoma!

 This coming Father’s Day, gear up for the ultimate vinyl experience at the One Stop Record Fair happening at Ayala Malls Trinoma Activity Center from June 14 to 15.

The quarterly vinyl record fair promises to take everyone on a nostalgic journey and be reconnected through timeless tunes that have soundtracked generations.

From classic rock anthems to beloved OPM hits, jazz and soul, the event will bring a vast collection of rare, vintage and new vinyl records that will delight dads and music enthusiasts alike.

Last March, Ayala Malls Trinoma housed the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion for two days, right at the heart of Quezon City, which drew in patrons, curious mall-goers and the younger generation.

Due to public demand, the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion Dad’s Day edition will come back to Ayala Malls Trinoma for something bigger and better.

The staple all-day old-school music spun by Manila’s veteran DJs, the intimate and nostalgic atmosphere and a great selection of vinyl records were maintained but more upgrades set it apart from prior fairs.

Over 20 vinyl vendors were present, but beyond music, there were also CDs, cassette tapes, band shirts and other vintage items, such as coins and bills, and collectibles sold at the event.

Trinoma also added its own spin to the event, by offering free freshly made mocktails from TGI Fridays and beautifully curated flower bouquet from Smitten. Customers just need to present a minimum single receipt worth P500 from any Trinoma merchant.

“The energy at our last One Stop Record Fair at Ayala Malls Trinoma was electric!” Sari Osorio, organizer of the One Stop Record Fair, said.

“As we gear up for our upcoming Father's Day event, we are thrilled to see the community so excited about records, art, collectibles and of course, the vinyl community. Let's make this\

 Father's Day one to remember!” she added.

Filipino Gen Zs wins US$20,000 from Taiwan’s Global ENVI Contest calls for Eco-Entrepreneurs

Silliman University Junior Marketing Organizations representatives, Dignity Lagunay (left) and John Edison Tubil (right), give their speech after being awarded Top Proposal in the Go Green with Taiwan contest.

Pinoy pride is felt again with another big win in an international competition!

Six months after securing the grand prize of USD20,000 and being awarded as one of the three global champions of Taiwan Excellence’s “Go Green with Taiwan” contest, Filipino Gen Zs Dignity Lagunay and John Edison Tubil seize this opportunity to explore future possibilities to set their entry in action.

From all over the globe, proposals of innovative, eco-friendly solutions connected to industries, products, and practices from Taiwan were reviewed one by one. Dignity and Edison’s proposal, titled “Sweet Solutions to the Plastic Crisis: Compostable Sugarcane-Based Alternatives,” made its mark among the hundreds of entries. Both studying business and hailing from the Silliman University Junior Marketing Organization (SUJMO), they proposed bridging the sustainable, sugarcane-based packaging technology of JuTien Cleantech Co., Ltd. with the abundant resource of sugarcane bagasse in Negros Island.

Dignity Lagunay (left) and John Edison Tubil (right) in Silliman University, posed 

together after proposing their concept through video presentation.

Where are they now?

The two have kept busy post-win, with Lagunay having graduated at Silliman University and Tubil acting as president in their university’s humanitarian organization. Lagunay has also completed an internship in a sustainable enterprise, where he was able to witness “green consumerism” beyond just statistics on a page and further solidifying his vision for an eco-friendly economy. As for Tubil, his term as president of a humanitarian organization in Silliman University has broadened his network with other schools and institutions, where he is able to guide other advocates regarding their ideas of sustainable solutions.

Lagunay and Tubil shared their thoughts as they move forward with their own paths. “This generation and the market is shifting towards green consumerism. We’ll definitely carry these learnings and experiences with us as we implement our project.”

Dignity Lagunay (left) and John Edison Tubil (right) in front of a sugarcane bagasse mill

as they research for their proposal.

What’s next for the proposal?

The young Filipino winners remain dedicated to bringing their proposal out from its pages and into reality. They plan to be in correspondence with JuTien Cleantech Co., Ltd as well as other investors for potential partnerships. Beyond that, the two have observed the lack of businesses and businessmen that prioritize sustainability over profit. They intend to be part of the generation that finally fills that gap.

What’s next for Taiwan Excellence?

After the successful run of Go Green with Taiwan in 2024, Taiwan Excellence will once again bring yet an exciting inspiration to the world, promoting overall wellness, through this year’s global contest. “Go Healthy with Taiwan,” now inviting innovative ideas in achieving physical, mental and lifestyle wellness, through smart solutions from industries, products, and practices in Taiwan.

Mr. Alex Lai, Director of Taiwan Trade Center, Manila, shares his thoughts about the initiative. “Taiwan Trade Center Manila is proud to invite entries from around the country for the Go Healthy with Taiwan initiative. We look forward to seeing innovative solutions that will encourage more partnerships with the industries of Taiwan. With the previous win by Edison and Dignity, much is expected from the Philippines.”

Dignity Lagunay and Edison Tubil share their advice for a winning proposal.

Tubil says, “If you’re really interested in joining, you have to know your reason why. Focus on your purpose. You have to commit to actualizing your goal beyond just winning. If you have that big reason, you have actually already won.”

Additionally, Lagunay shared, “For those who are interested in joining… I strongly recommend you join it. Oftentimes, the solution may just be at your doorstep. Or it’s in a friendly country called Taiwan.”

Go Green with Taiwan, an international project led by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), received over 350 entries from 45 countries around the globe. To know more about Go Healthy with Taiwan, follow Taiwan Excellence on Facebook and Instagram. Taiwan Excellence, the joint project by TAITRA and TITA, eagerly invites everyone to join the initiative of innovative, healthy solutions for the world.