Ever since Taiwan granted a trial visa-free program for Philippines last 2017 (which got extended until July 2019), it has become a popular tourist destination for Filipinos. During our recently concluded Taiwan trip, Filipinos were literally everywhere!



PJ & I went there to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and it was such a memorable trip! I actively posted pictures on my FB & IG accounts, and a lot of my friends sent me personal messages, requesting for our itinerary. I initially shared my planned itinerary on my blog (Preparing for our Taiwan Trip), but would recommend you to follow the updated itinerary instead. Head over to the end of this article for our updated itinerary.

I've made several adjustments with my original itinerary:

1. For Day 2, we cancelled our Beitou tour, and moved some of our activities from Day 3 to Day 2. Realized that Day 3 activities were too tight, I wouldn't want to miss Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain, in case we don't finish our first two activities on Day 3 (Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola). These two activities will take one whole day. 

2. We originally planned to visit different night markets for dinner, but ended up visiting Shilin Night Market only. The rest of the nights, we tried different special restaurants in Taipei. 

3. We were not able to go to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall due to time constraints. After visiting Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek, we already headed straight to Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain.

Updated Itinerary

Day 1: Manila to Taipei - National Palace Museum - Shilin Night Market

Day 2: Longshan Temple - Chiang Kai-Shek - Taipei 101 - Elephant Mountain

Day 3: Taipei Zoo - Maokong Gondola



Day 4: Northern Coast Tour (Yehliu - Yinyang - Golden Waterfall - Jiufen - Shifen)



Day 5: Taipei to Manila

For detailed itinerary & budget, please download it here: Taiwan 2018 Itinerary and Budget - Updated. 

Please also make sure to download the Taipei MRT app to easily navigate from one MRT station to another. I highly recommend Metro Taipei Subway app by Wu Quiping. It works even when offline. Google Maps will also be a big help!

I'll be sharing Taiwan Travel tips in my next blog entry. Please watch out for it.

Let me know your comments and suggestions in the comment section below! Xie Xie!

The real reason why I took a semester off from graduate school is to have more time to prepare for my thesis. I am one semester away from finishing my MBA, and the pressure is so overwhelming. The previous two semesters were really exhausting. I didn't know what crossed my mind when I enrolled 12 units (equivalent to 4 subjects including STRAMA 😭). When you have a day job, it's recommended to take 2 to 3 subjects only. For the previous semester, I took up thesis writing 1, comprehensive exam and one specialization subject. Didn't know how I managed to survive, but yeah, I'm here, still alive and kicking!

Taking a Break From Grad School

I can say that taking a short break is good for both my physical and mental health. I took time to recover from stress and exhaustion. Of course, I also gave time for my social life (hello friends, I'm back)! Though in parallel, I still make sure that I have progress with my thesis.. 

So, why am I writing this blog entry?  I don't know. Maybe I just like to share how I've been maximizing this much-needed and well-deserved break! You may probably realize that you also need a break, and get an idea from this (but I can't guarantee that hahaha, so bahala kayo 😂). 

1. Travel

I traveled to Davao, Iloilo, Guimaras and Cebu. Next week, I'll be off for another adventure. Yay, I'm excited, Taiwan! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to travel. I love discovering new places, and making lots of memories with my loved ones. 

Davao Trip with Family (June 2018)

Fammmm at Eden Nature Park, Davao!

Macaraig Girls at Eden Nature Park, Davao

Sunflower

With sissums at Samal Island

Samal Island

Iloilo - Guimaras Trip with PJ (July 2018)

Isla de Gigantes, Iloilo

With PJ

Guimaras

Batchoyyyyy (Netong's)

Shared my itinerary here: 4D3N Iloilo-Guimaras Tour

Cebu Trip (August 2018)

Virgin Island, Bantayan Cebu

Virgin Island, Bantayan Cebu

Virgin Island, Bantayan, Cebu

Bantayan Cebu

Magellan's Cross

Sirao Garden

Huling hirit! Now, I'm busy preparing for my Taiwan trip next week.  

Bawi - bawi naman na sa lahat ng pagod! Though at some point, I felt tired travelling din! Sooo, next!

2. Spent time with family and friends

Highschool loves!

AA Girls

College Friends

With Marnelle & PJ

With Rizza & PJ

Family!

Oinkies!

3. Binge-watch TV Series

I wasn't able to start right away with my thesis because I was too distracted with Meteor Garden! 

Photo Source: https://thekoreanlass.wordpress.com

Walang makakapigil! Watched Meteor Garden by the beach!

Closer look! haha!

So, what now? After my Taiwan trip, I have no choice but to face reality. Thesis, handa na ba kitang harapin? 😂 Kakayanin!