Meeting with Sis

Matagal na naming plano ni Ate Imbay (ate ni Kleng) na magkita pero dahil sa hindi magpanagpo ang aming day-off laging di natutuloy. Makailang ulit na rin on the last minute na cancel at magplano na naman kami kung kailan. Dahil pauwi na ako, kanina naganap ang aming EB.

Ito ang meeting place, sa dahilang ito ang landmark na hindi ako maliligaw. Nag bus lang ako para siguradong makakarating ako. Kagabi pa ako hindi mapakali kasi sympre tinatanya ko kung ano ang dapat kung maramdaman. Nahihiya ako, kinakabahan.

Picture-picture muna habang inaantay ko sila. Magkasama silang dumating ng husband niya na isang Taiwanese. Sa unang kita palang namin, todo bonding na. She said nice things about me that really make me felt that i am so fortunate to have them. Ang saya ng pakiramdam na tanggap ka ng buong family.

Kape at gatas. haha! Ang puti at ang kinis ni ate. Naintimidate ako sa pagigi niyang flawless. By the way, naging Mutya ng Bato siya sa aming bayan at laging kinukuha na pambato sa mga pageant. Ang dami naming napag usapan. Sayang nga lang kulang ang oras namin pero babawi na lang kami kasi magbabakasyon rin siya sa Pilipinas by July.

She gave me advices that will really help me in understanding Kleng's personality. I'm grateful for their support and for treating me genuinely.

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Taipei International Flora Expo

Internationally there are two types of exposition certification systems, the "Bureau of International Expositions" (BIE) and "The International Association of Horticultural Producers" (AIPH). AIPH currently has 33 memberships spread across 25 countries. AIPH certified International horticultural expositions are considered to be representation of the highest qualified standards available while displaying the horticultural, technology and cultural achievements of the host country. 　　

The Taipei City Government together with Taiwan Floriculture Development Association held a spring conference with The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in April, 2006 and proposed the desire to conduct an A2/B1 grade international horticultural exposition to highlight Taiwan's horticultural renowned achievements. The proposal was approved after careful examinations by AIPH and transmitted their approval in November, 2006. The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will be the first international certified standard exposition that Taiwan has ever held. Taipei will also be the 7th AIPH certified exposition conducted within Asia. It is estimated that the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will attract approximately 8,000,000 visitors both domestic and international, not only boosting the growth of Taiwan's tourism industry and horticultural growth but also stimulating foreign affairs and promoting the image of Taiwan. 　　

In the eyes of those who take pleasure in the beauty of Mother Earths' creations, these flora and horticultural expositions are carnivals of joy and delights. As we march into an industrialized society, green trees and natural habitats are diminishing in our living space. The foundation of floral exposition shows how people crave for a green space. This exhibition also shows how people in the new era care about the environment and eco-system. 　　

The grand opening of Taiwan's first international certified 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will be on the 6th of November, 2010. This exposition will last until the 25th of April, 2011. This will be Taiwan horticultural industry's first time performing as the lead on the world stage. 　　The difference in previous expositions held at Kunming, Lake Hamana and Chiang Mai City, this particular international standard exposition will be conducted in parks and riverside areas, which have been outfitted with waterfront entrances, are reflections of Taipei city resident's longing for green lands. The planning and structure of all exposition grounds have been incorporated along the concept of a modern city life with an adventurous approach, welcoming the world to experience a unique Taipei City. The progress of development has gradually converted the inverse relationship between mankind and nature into a symbiosis between civilization and nature. The basic design concept of 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition was based on the symbiosis theory mentioned previously which merges humanity's basic needs in the desire to pursue happiness and extends the boundary of imagination thus creating a future full of countless possibilities. 　　On the basis of three concepts, 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition extends these concepts and imaginations into the design of the exposition grounds, and brings forth brilliant prospects from all aspect of horticultural. Concept One: Display horticultural, technology and environmental protection expertise. Concept Two: Presenting the environmental protection goal of the 3R's. (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) Concept Three: Combining cultural, art and green lifestyle. Visitors will learn and gain new insights from visiting the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition and relearn the relationship between mankind and nature. Visitors will learn how to appreciate and cherish our planet and reinforce the concept of a green lifestyle. The aim is to encourage the public to love and care for our beautiful home – planet earth. 　　 As you tour around many of Taipei city's attractions you can experience the garden city lifestyle of Taipei, indulge in the pleasure of cherry blossom viewing, flower picking and tasting herbal teas. These activities are not just for 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition, as the flora cultural has become a part of Taipei city's normal routine. 　 　Since Taipei is in a subtropical basin area, the warm ocean current creates a climate conducive to growth of lush vegetations. Taipei also has the highest humanity development standard out of the entire Chinese society. The city has cultivated many activities and festivals such as Yangming Mountain's flora festival, Rhododendron flora festival and Calla lily festival. 　　Taipei is a place full of natural resources, historical icons, modern and traditional cultural. You can find attractions that displays these embodiments, such as Yangming Mountain National Park, National Palace Museum, MaoKong Gondola, Beitou Hot Spring, Dadaocheng Wharf, Chung Shan North Road shopping mall, Huahsi Street Night Market and all sorts of different countries' cuisines and ranging from street bites to high end restaurants. Visitors from all over the world can enjoy the convenience of Taipei City's transportation networks and at the same time, feel comfortable and safe at all times as the population is very law-abiding and courteous. Therefore, Taipei city welcomes our friends from all over the world to visit and experience the charm of not only the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition but also every corner and places of Taipei. Break free from the limit between borders and cultural bias, and together we praise the development of horticultural industries and the aim to love and cherish our earthly environment. 　　 Since the last century, flora and horticultural exposition have been held around the world numerous times and were significantly welcomed by all. The conducting of flora expositions not only highlight the horticultural industry's potential of the host country and the country's ability to organized international scale activity, but on a deeper level through the expo stage, the boundaries between nations were broken and together, we praised the development of the horticultural industry. The end result is to urge the public to consider about mankind's relationship with nature, and reach the aim of love and care for our environment - our home. 　　We are honoured to be granted the chance of conducting 2010 Taipei International Flora Expos and after such a dramatic and significant horticultural event. The "2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition" will be the first international certified standard exposition that Taiwan has ever held and we do it with pride. Taipei will also be the 7th AIPH certified exposition city conducted within Asia. The Taipei City Government together with the cooperation of Taiwan Floriculture Development Association successfully gained international recognition and acknowledgments by demonstrating a series of quality visual designs and well-developed public facility constructions. In November 2006, the Taipei government was granted the rights and permission to conduct an International Flora Exposition in Taipei which created the first of many achievements in Taiwan.

The Grand Horticultural Olympic . The "2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition "represents horticultural achievements, the ability to organize large scale international Expositions and also the ability to develop maximum economic benefits. 　　

It is estimated that the Exposition will bring in up to 8 million visitors to Taipei and we are eager to successfully promote Taiwan and surrounding countries' tourism, hospitality and horticultural industries. The end result is to bring the beauty and name of Taiwan to the world and raise Taiwan's international reputation and status.

Exposition Duration: 1. Operational Testing period: The operation is scheduled to start around October 2010 2. Official exhibiting period: November 6, 2010 to April 25, 2011

with ate Wilma, Ate Melba, ang Ate Duday :))

Source: Flora Expo Website

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The Grand Hotel and Shilin Garden Experience

What: The Grand Hotel

Where: Chungshan N. Road Sec 4 Taipei District

When: March 6, 2011

Stairs going to The Grand Hotel


The Main Entrance

Postcard perfect

The Grand Hotel (Chinese: 圓山大飯店; literally "Yuanshan Great Hotel"), is a landmark located at "Yuan Hill" (圓山, Yuanshan) in Zhongshan District, Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan). The hotel was established in May 1952 and the main building was completed on October 10, 1973. It is owned by the Duen-Mou Foundation of Taiwan, a non-profit organization, and has played host to many foreign dignitaries that have visited Taipei.

The main building of the hotel is the world's tallest Chinese classical building,[1] it is 87 metres (285 ft) high.[2] It was also the tallest building in Taiwan from 1973 to 1981.

(The left wing of the building)

History:

After Chiang Kai-shek's retreat to Taiwan in 1949, Chiang felt it was difficult to accommodate foreign ambassadors due to the lack of five-star hotels in Taipei. He wanted to build an extravagant hotel that would cater to foreign guests. His wife Soong May-ling suggested to build it on the old Taiwan Hotel on Yuanshan Mountain, the site of the ruins of the Taiwan Grand Shrine, a Shinto shrine during the Japanese rule. Chiang decided on a Chinese palace-style architecture to promote Chinese culture to the West through its extravagance. Taipei-based architect Yang Cho-Cheng was responsible for the design of the new hotel.

The hotel was established in May 1952, but it was expanded several times before it became the landmark it is known as today. The swimming pool, tennis court, and the membership lounge were constructed in 1953, and the Golden Dragon Pavilion and Golden Dragon Restaurant opened in 1956. The Jade Phoenix Pavilion and Chi-Lin Pavilion opened in 1958 and 1963, respectively. In 1968, the hotel was rated as one of the world's top ten hotels by the US Fortune magazine. Finally, in the Double Tenth Day of 1973, the main Grand Hotel building was completed and became an instant Taipei icon.

In June 1995, a disastrous fire broke out on the roof of the main building during necessary reconstruction and refurbishment. As neither ladders nor high pressure pumps could reach the fire, the roof and the upper floors were destroyed. Not until 1998 did the hotel recover from the damage and became fully reopened to the public. Following the fire, the two dragon heads on the roof were rotated 180 degrees to point inwards. As dragons are traditionally a symbol of rain and water, this was intended to symbolize preparedness against a future fire

(the famous entrance wall)
from: Wikepedia

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What: Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence and Garden

Where: Shilin District

When: March 6, 2011

the long walk going to the garden

this is the moment ^_^

Levi's Creativity

inside the Orchids Santuary

Sunflower House

Garden of Roses

Yesterday, i had so much fun exploring the other part of Taipei City. Ate Wilma who happened to be Bicolana too was kind enough to share her time with me. I knew her during her brief stay in Tri-Service General Hospital. She invited to joined them in the Gandola Tour but because of my prior commitment i refused to go with them to my surprised she canceled her scheduled tour and insisted to accompany me. I'm thankful for sharing her time and for touring me in 2 of the tourist spots in Taipei.

The experienced was awesome, though i got tired yet it will be my cherish adventure in Taiwan. The rose garden was so undeniably beautiful. When we came on the place, a wedding photo shot was being held. I saw lots of love in the corner, lovers holding hands and whispering sweet nothings. (inatake ako ng inggit, haha! sana kasama ko rin si bf)

True to what he said, Yiyeh wants me to take my off every Sunday. Hopefully, before i leave Taiwan, i have the chance in visiting my dream tourist destination.

next destination: Maokong Gondola

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Food Trip Part 1

What: Food Trip (Taipei Thai Restaurant)

Where: Mingsheng East Road

When: February 16, 2011

As my days in Taiwan near to ends, Yiyeh want me to partake in a “different” journey. One of the things we really enjoyed together is food. We’re always excited to try a new cuisine and have an enjoyable conversation in the table. Our taste buds are almost alike. He wanted me to remember the places and restaurants I like the most.


February 6, 2011:

We went to Thai Taipei Restaurant at Minsheng East Road downtown Taipei City. The ambience is very cozy. I love the simplicity yet elegant atmosphere inside the restaurant. The food that I like the most is their sticky fried rice. It’s heaven! The staffs were so cool and friendly too. The moment you entered, you will see the infectious smiles in their faces. They will guide you in the table and give you a hand in assisting Yiyeh. I welcomed it with so much pride and joy when the staffs accommodate us very well because Yiyeh is too old and fragile.


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What: Food Trip (Shabu-Shabu)

Where: Fushing Street

When: February 22, 2010

The restaurant is not far from where we stay. The place is so simple but not quite big. What really mesmerized me to go back to this place is the mini library.

The waiter was there quickly to get our orders.

The quality of food was excellent. Very fresh and tasteful.

The food is cheaper than the above restaurant.

The waiting time was about what I've expected.

I’m worried a little bit because I’m trying to control my weight. I told him not to divulge too much in food. He told me I can diet anytime but the opportunity for us is limited so I have to enjoy his company. I guessed it was his way of showing of his appreciation towards me.

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Chinese Lantern Festival

(2010 and 2011 Chinese Lantern Festival taken from Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park)

with Marites

I went to Dr. Sun Yat-sen Park to watch the Chinese Lantern Festival. It wasn’t my planned, but Yiyeh mentioned about the occasion. I called Ate Melba but due to her work schedule she couldn’t joined me. I decided to have an adventure alone. While I was busy taking pictures someone called me, “ Gemma is that you?” I couldn’t remember her, I tried not to sound impolite but I really had no clue. Then, she embraced me so tight, (of course I was being irrational to think that the woman was crazy) Wait, “who are you?” Did I meet you before? Yes, I am Marites!” She talked too much, yet I couldn’t compose myself. Could you please tell me where did we met? (sinulat ko sa english para maintindihan ni Yiyeh, may request na bawat entry ko daw baka sa english) ^_^

Ako si Marites, nakilala kita sa Central Clinic and Hospital sa Chungshiao Taipei. Ako iyong umiiyak noon sa may 7-11, kasi tumakas ako sa amo ko. Ikaw iyong tumawag sa FWCC para ipakiusap akong sunduin nila. Binigyan mo pa nga ako ng **** para magamit ko sa aking pang-araw araw na pangangailangan. Salamat talaga saiyo kasi siguro napahamak na ako kung di kita nakilala. Nawala ko naman iyong number mo kaya hindi kita natawagan na naibalita ang nangyari sa akin mula ng umalis ako sa shelter.

Life is really full of surprises. Who would think after 7 years I will encounter her in unexpected moment and place. I also never thought that she will feel very thankful towards my gesture because it is not unusual to me. For me it’s merely doing something that appropriate in her burden. We had a snack in Mc Do, we talked about our lives and we promised to have a communication even thru text.

On the way home, I realized that in our simple action means a world to others. For us it doesn’t matter but for others it's a matter of life and death. God really remind me to be compassionate not only to my friends but especially to stranger. Thank you Lord!

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There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival, however, it is likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive relationships between people, families, nature and the higher beings that were believed to be responsible for bringing or returning the light each year.

One legend tells us that it was a time to worship Taiyi, the God of Heaven in ancient times. The belief was that the God of Heaven controlled the destiny of the human world. He had sixteen dragons at his beck and call and he decided when to inflict drought, storms, famine or pestilence upon human beings. Beginning with Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China, after whom China is named, all the emperors ordered splendid ceremonies each year. The emperor would ask Taiyi to bring favorable weather and good health to him and his people.

Wudi of the Han Dynasty directed special attention to this event. In 104 BCE, he proclaimed it to be one of the most important celebrations and the ceremony would last throughout the night.

Another legend associates the Lantern Festival with Taoism. Tianguan is the Taoist god responsible for good fortune. His birthday falls on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. It is said that Tianguan likes all types of entertainment, so followers prepare various kinds of activities during which they pray for good fortune.

Another legend associates the Lantern Festival with an ancient warrior name Lan Moon, who led a rebellion against the tyranical king in ancient China. He was killed in the storming of the city and the successful rebels commemorated the festival in his name.

Yet another common legend dealing with the origins of the Lantern Festival speaks of a beautiful crane that flew down to earth from heaven. After it landed on earth it was hunted and killed by some villagers. This angered the Jade Emperor in Heaven because the crane was his favorite one. Therefore, he planned a storm of fire to destroy the village on the fifteenth lunar day. The Jade Emperor's daughter warned the inhabitants of her father’s plan to destroy their village. The village was in turmoil because nobody knew how they could escape their imminent destruction. However, a wise man from another village suggested that every family should hang red lanterns around their houses, set up bonfires on the streets, and explode firecrackers on the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth lunar days. This would give the village the appearance of being on fire to the Jade Emperor. On the fifteenth lunar day, troops sent down from heaven whose mission was to destroy the village saw that the village was already ablaze, and returned to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor. Satisfied, the Jade Emperor decided not to burn down the village. From that day on, people celebrate the anniversary on the fifteenth lunar day every year by carrying lanterns on the streets and exploding firecrackers and fireworks.

Another legend about the origins of Lantern Festival involves a maid named Yuan-Xiao. In the Han Dynasty, Mr. Eastern was a favorite adviser of the emperor. One winter day, he went to the garden and heard a little girl crying and getting ready to jump into a well to commit suicide. Mr. Eastern stopped her and asked why. She said she was Yuan-Xiao, a maid in the emperor's palace and that she never had a chance to see her family since she started working there. If she could not have the chance to show her filial piety in this life, she would rather die. Mr. Eastern promised to find a way to reunite her with her family. Mr. Eastern left the palace and set up a fortune-telling stall on the street. Due to his reputation, many people asked for their fortunes to be told but every one got the same prediction - a calamitous fire on the fifteenth lunar day. The rumor spread quickly.

Everyone was worried about the future and asked Mr. Eastern for help. Mr. Eastern said that on the thirteenth lunar day, the God of Fire would send a fairy in red riding a black horse to burn down the city. When people saw the fairy they should ask for her mercy. On that day, Yuan-Xiao pretended to be the red fairy. When people asked for her help, she said that she had a copy of a decree from the God of Fire that should be taken to the emperor. After she left, people went to the palace to show the emperor the decree which stated that the capital city would burn down on the fifteenth. The emperor asked Mr. Eastern for advice. Mr. Eastern said that the God of Fire liked to eat tangyuan (sweet dumplings). Yuan-Xiao should cook tangyuan on the fifteenth lunar day and the emperor should order every house to prepare tangyuan to worship the God of Fire at the same time. Also, every house in the city should hang red lantern and explode fire crackers. Lastly, everyone in the palace and people outside the city should carry their lanterns on the street to watch the lantern decorations and fireworks. The Jade Emperor would be deceived and everyone would avoid the disastrous fire.

The emperor happily followed the plan. Lanterns were everywhere in the capital city on the night of the fifteenth lunar day. People were walking on the street. Fire crackers kept making lots of noise. It looked like the entire city was on fire. Yuan-Xiao's parents went into the palace to watch the lantern decorations and were reunited with their daughter. The emperor decreed that people should do the same thing every year. Since Yuan-Xiao cooked the best tanyuan, people called the day Yuan

(from Wikepedia )

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December 26, 2010

What: Christmas Day-off

Where: Taipei 101, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Park, DXN Chritsmat Party, B-52 Disco House

Where: Heart of Taipei and Chungshan

in Taipei Municipal District. at my back the Taipei 101 (dubbed as the tallest bldg in world last 2004)

Citibank Christmas Tree

Inside the Taipei 101 Mall (the original planned was to go to the observatory deck but because of the occassion many tourists flocked, so we were not able to see the breathtaking view of Taipei) Though, i'm not giving up one of this day i will go back to experience the one in a lifetime ride.


The TRIO: Vicky (my best buddy way back then) and Ate Melba, my chaperon. hahaha! The ears and eyes of my hubby.



Where's my scarf?(lol) at the Saint Christopher Church




At Chungshan (Won-Won building)

DXN and Bicol Association Christmas Party

with Ate Wilma and Dianne

with the gang

B-52 Pub House (waitress: what your order Maám? Me: Cola....... then a wacky smile of people at the bar. So what?? cola is more expensive than a wine. lol!) haha!

The dance floor

The Bar

One my memorable christmas next to the moment i spent my christmas with my family. I had so much fun with a new found friends, a moments with my long long lost buddy, a sense of belongingness to the group w/c i was elected as officer year 2004. The welcoming hands of them reassured me more that i am one of the cherished member although it took years before i got the chance to celebrate/mingle with them. The Samahang Makata is inviting me to attend the New Year's Celebration too.

Christmas is a happy affair indeed. We strolled the whole Taipei. From Taipei 101 Mall, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, Taipei Arena and Chungshan. We attended the DXN and Bicol Association christmas party with exchange gifts and parlor games. I was so lucky that day, i won in Simon says and Pinoy Henyo. Exchanging gifts was more colorful because Santa was very 'kalog''. Vicky invited me to accompany her in B-52 (she met her agent). Had a very funny experienced, someone gave me a glass of wine from the other table. Vicky was kind enough to take it in behalf of me. We only stayed in the bar for half and hour then we went to the souvenir shop.

This might be my last Christmas in Taiwan. If everything falls according to my plans, i don't have to go back abroad for a while but i always welcome the unexpected turn of event. Expect the unexpected.

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Pinoy Got Talent

What: Pinoy Got Talent/ Paskong Pinoy

Where: Tatong Sports Center

When: December 19, 2010

The Stage

The Ugnayan Choir

The host/hostess ( one of my close friend in Taiwan, as she said " veterans of chungshiao")
Through her invitation thats why i came to the event.

The Pinoy Got Talent Season 3 Contestants

With a new found "kakwentuhan". Thanks to them, they welcome me in their group. (Migrante International Taiwan Chapter)

color of the day was yellow because the Ugnayan Minister supported the candidacy of President Noynoy Aquino.

Migrante International Officers

Before the program started we had a chance to click our camera. Funny day!

With Ms. Suico (pres of filipino community in Taiwan)

with Ms. Fan (former President of Bicol Association in Taiwan (BAIT)

with Irene, she lives just near our place.

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