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September 15, 2022November 5, 2024

Experience a Queenly rest with Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear

Apart from being completely luxurious in look and feel, the Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear Collection makes an ideal investment in beauty, health, and wellness.

Sleep is a vital, often neglected component of every person’s overall well-being. With this premise, a relevant business idea on wellness has been created.

“Lack of sleep is a major concern among people of all ages so we decided to put up a sleepwear business to help people get all the benefits of quality sleep,” shares Mitzie Go-Gil, CEO at Beauty Queens Collection Fashion House. Her company distributes Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection products.

The silk fabric material chosen for the sleepwear can provide utmost comfort, gentle on even sensitive skin, and breathable which will promote better sleep, according to Gil.

Silk sleepwear is recommended particularly for women. It provides many health benefits, looks elegant, classic, sexy, and beautiful.

For its initial stage, the products will be available online, and eventually will be distributed in Manila areas. “Volume orders for areas outside the initial distribution area including overseas will be considered carefully on its viability,” adds Gil, the beauty queen turned enterprising woman.

The health benefits of Silk

Did you know that silk is one of the most luxurious, coveted fabrics in the world? But more than this, it offers several health benefits.

First, silk is the strongest of natural fibers. It contains natural protein and 18 essential amino acids. It also contains natural cellular albumen which speeds up the metabolism in skin cells.

Second, silk is hypoallergenic. It does not attract dust mites and is a natural fungal repellent.

The silk fabric provides utmost comfort and breathable which promotes better sleep.

Third, silk does not draw moisture away from your skin and hair but encourages a proper moisture balance. While its extremely smooth and soft texture proves to be beneficial for those with a sensitive skin condition.

Sleeping on Silk for overall wellbeing

Sleeping on silk provides proper health hydration, natural, cool, prevents sleep creases, no sweat, slows down the aging process, and most importantly, it improves the quality of your sleep.

Queen of Hearts Sleepwear red collection. Silk sleepwear suits even the most sensitive skin and helps to keep your skin moisturized.

The fabric itself helps with eczema and asthma, prevents allergies because of its natural anti-fungal element. It suits even the most sensitive skin and helps to keep your skin moisturized.

As it does not conduct static electricity, sleeping on silk helps reduce hair breakage. Thus, works wonder for hair health.

Queen of Hearts Sleepwear gold collection. As it does not conduct static electricity, sleeping on silk helps reduce hair breakage. Thus, works wonder for hair health.

Interestingly, wearing silk can help fight the symptoms of menopause. Silk is temperature regulating, which makes it beneficial for menopausal women combating the battle against night sweats and hot flashes. Hot flashes are usually triggered by fluctuating estrogen levels and other hormonal changes in menopause.

Can you give one important piece of advice to women on choosing the right sleepwear?

“Silk sleepwear is recommended particularly for women,” Gil said. “Silk is the strongest of natural fibers. As it is a breathable fabric and a natural temperature regulator. Silk helps the body retain heat in cold weather while excess heat is expelled in warm weather, helping the body maintain a comfortable, natural temperature. Silk sleepwear is free from wrinkles, looks elegant, classic, sexy, and beautiful.”

Twinning: Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection has style for both mom and daughter.

No wonder, Gil is a testament to a satisfied silk sleepwear user. It is her secret to a youthful, glowing complexion, healthy and happy physical state.

Apart from being completely luxurious in look and feel, Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear makes an ideal investment in beauty, health, and wellness.

For more information, visit the Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection FB page https://www.facebook.com/QueensSleepwear.

#silksleepwear #wellbeing #health #beauty #qualitysleep #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo: Mitzie Go-Gil, CEO at Beauty Queens Collection Fashion House. Her company distributes Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection products.

September 12, 2022April 22, 2024

Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas, Ronin Leviste sets his vision of building a ‘tomorrow together’

“No act is too small to make your country better,” said Leviste during a valedictory speech to his fellow graduates, encouraging them to make a positive impact.

“Being Batangueño is the best thing ever,” began Ronin Leviste, the uber-passionate and ultra-proud yet humble recently elected 23-year-old Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas. “We have the most beautiful province in the entire country — beyond the instagrammable mountains and world-class beaches, it is our people [my fellow Batangueños] and their stories who can showcase all the best my province has to offer. We’re already so near [Manila], but we still have a lot more infrastructure coming in soon, surely putting us in a sweet spot for rapid development.”

Following in his father’s footsteps

Politics was never an alien concept to Ronin. His father is Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, whose flourishing career began over two decades ago. As soon as he could walk, Ronin was already accompanying his father to constituent consultations, sessions, and the campaign trails. Seeing his father work closely with communities inspired the young man to follow in his footsteps.

As a student at Xavier, Ronin developed outreach programs growing up and played a role in the social action arm of the school. He recalls a great memory when he started a movement of the solar light building with his barkada in the school’s science lab and then installed them in underprivileged dim communities in Batangas and Mindanao.

While in college at De La Salle University, Leviste received two of the highest honors, the Br. Gabriel Connon Award and the Gawad Francisco Ortigas Jr. Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Award. In his final year at school, he served as Vice President for External Affairs of the University Student Government. To top it all off, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Development Studies with the Best Undergraduate Thesis Award.

Creating a positive impact

During the university’s 192^nd Commencement Exercise, Leviste gave a rousing valedictory speech to his fellow graduates, encouraging them to make a positive impact. “Everyone here has a different timeline, everyone here has a unique story, but the commonality that binds us is that we all have talents, opportunities, and skills worth sharing when put together, with almost no limit to what the world can expect from us. More importantly, we all have an equal role to play in the development of the Philippines that we call our home. So when our country needs us, we, as Lasallian leaders, must always respond with unconditional service to the nation because to build the nation is to love.” It was Leviste’s wake-up call to his peers: that no act is too small to make your country better.

Education as his advocacy

Ronin soon began building his political career, serving as Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad in Makati and as the Youth Affairs Head of the office of the Vice Governor. He then ran as Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas, as an independent candidate.

“Education can uplift people from poverty and give them an extra sense of fulfillment,” says Leviste.

While he is one of the youngest vice mayors in the country, Ronin never takes it for granted. Apart from what he learned from his father and other mentors, he humbly credits his success to his education — learning loads from school and the people around him. The Batangueño says that education is one of his main advocacies as Vice-Mayor. “Education can uplift people from poverty and give them an extra sense of fulfillment. I learned so much from it, but it also taught me that there is still so much more to learn, so much more to do, so much more to serve,” he muses.

“Everything starts with a vision,” he says. “And mine begins by building a Tomorrow Together. For me, this means we leave absolutely no one behind. I want the Philippines where everyone can wake up in the morning knowing they have food on their tables, that they have jobs sufficient to provide for their family, and that their kids go to school and now have the means to do so. All of this will help uplift families to a better future — giving everyone equal opportunities in life. It is a daunting task ahead, but our generation has shown that if anyone can lead this change — it’s us.”

#RoninLeviste #vicemayor #LianBatangas #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

August 23, 2022April 22, 2024

The Logic in Logistics: Beverly Arcangel of Prozone Xpress Logistics

PXL has established a network coverage of 150 cities in 75 countries across six continents. It is now one of the country’s top logistics superstars.

It is 4 in the morning and Beverly Anne Arcangel is already getting out of bed. These early hours are precious for the Managing Director of Prozone Xpress Logistics INC. (PXL) because it won’t be long before her phone starts ringing off the hook. Though the majority of PXL’s clients are from China and Intra-Asia, Europe and the United States are also at par so she needs to be awake when they are.

The 43-year-old begins her routine with a session/flow of Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), a traditional Japanese practice that helps harmonize one’s energy by holding different parts of the body. Beverly puts herself in a state of peace and relaxation. After that, she makes her way towards the fairway, yoga, or Pilates studio, but manages time to reply to every e-mail in her inbox. By the time the sun is shining bright, she already managed to put on her #GirlBoss hat even before she arrives at the office.

“I wear different hats in the office, “ she says while explaining her daily routine. Being in the logistics industry means new and unexpected situations happen daily. As Managing Director (without a General Manager), it is up to Beverly to be on top of everything – making sure her team is running like a well-oiled machine. While Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. is a relatively new company, Beverly and her team have quickly elevated it to become one of the country’s top logistics superstars. They handle diverse industries from the shipment of luxury furniture and lifestyle items to medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, appliances, construction materials, retail, trading, and essentials (IT, telecommunication, water, agriculture, etc). PXL has established a network coverage of 150 cities in 75 countries across six continents.

Power team

Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. maneuvered during the pandemic by being quick and agile. She also credits her partner, her co-Managing Director at PXL along with her colleagues whose hard work, commitment, and passion for logistics made them the ideal power team. Taking pride in their unique customer service approach which makes them different from competitors, “I always say, I don’t just give a quotation to the customer, I ensure to give them a solutions-focused and client-first approach that require precision, timing, foresight, and flexibility. I listen to their requirements then I customize our services depending on their needs,“ she explains. “I always tell my team, that it is all about personalized service.”

“I always tell my team, that it is all about personalized service,” says Arcangel.

While many companies were minimizing manpower during the pandemic, Beverly did the exact opposite. She made sure that PXL’s clients always had somebody to talk to directly about their concerns. Her way of doing business helped foster strong relationships with her clients, who ultimately trusted the company with all their logistical needs.

The business of logistics

The business of logistics is high stakes and nerve-racking. One small mistake could cost millions. “If you miss information like the correct chargeable weight or correct volume in a cubic meter of a shipment, then everything changes. And a mistake translates to a monetary loss in dollars, not in pesos. This is the reason why it is called LOGISTICS – because this work requires LOGIC.”

Remembering her journey was an emotional process for the successful businesswoman. Throughout the interview, she held back genuine tears. Beverly was somebody else’s employee for a good 19 years, and now she is calling the shots. Yet, her success has not gone to her head. She remains humble, knowing that her quiet strength can be harnessed into gold. “Last June 2022, one of the Philippines’ leading shipping lines called a meeting with me. Announcing that Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. was noticed as one of the top 10 importers/producers for their line. I was so proud to be in a roster of the big logistics players in the country.” As we ended the interview, I realized that life can indeed begin at 40. All you need is a little strength, a lot of prayers, and a lot of logic.

#BeverlyArcangel #ProzoneXpressLogistics #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

August 19, 2022February 13, 2024

Artist Mylene Quito hopes to inspire women through her art

For her forthcoming second solo exhibit in October, the artist will showcase her “Belle Fleur” series calling for women’s empowerment.

There is truly no limit to what a woman can do. Artist Mylene Quito proves this with her second solo exhibit this coming October 2022 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay featuring her “Belle Fleur” series calling for women empowerment. She hopes to inspire women to follow their passion, continue to reinvent themselves, and bloom.

The black backdrop in the Belle Fleur collection symbolizes all the dark times and failures she experienced throughout her art journey. Quito recalls all the painful storms she went through and reminisces an episode where a critic said she will not make it. Claiming she wasn’t talented enough, and would never succeed without their help . . . all of which she now feels thankful for as she realized it only made her stronger.

Every painting in the collection are flowers that symbolize the diversity of women – soft, sweet, powerful; all silhouetted with golden linings – symbolic of rebirth and indestructibility. “No matter what a woman’s flaws and imperfections are, we are uniquely beautiful,” Quito shares.

The Lotus is one of her favorite pieces, a testimony of human resilience and unwavering spirit; also a flower often associated with rebirth and enlightenment. Latched in mud, it submerges in the river and blooms sparkling clean in the morning. Similar to life, we are filled with different problems and anxieties but we will always find a way to rise.

From her La Familia exhibit inspired by her childhood roots, Quito pushes for more greatness beyond as she conquers the Philippine art industry.

From one woman in bloom to another, she says, “Once you become a successful woman, remember to raise others. Start a domino [effect] through your kindness and always remember to stay grounded.”

#MyleneQuito #visualartist #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

August 11, 2022August 11, 2022

PUP Education on Wheels provides learning opportunities to underprivileged youth

The project is truly living up to PUP’s reputation of giving people a chance at a quality education regardless of their stature.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ (PUP) Education on Wheels is a project that caters to the educational needs of out-of-school youth in various places. This project aims to give everyone more learning opportunities and ensure that more people get access to education, regardless of their background.

“The EOW has been part of the vision of our Sintang Paaralan, to make education accessible and of quality. It is ongoing and has benefited the youth in Smokey Mountain,” PUP President Manuel Muhi proudly shares.

The Education on Wheels also seeks to expand nationwide, seeking out underprivileged youths – truly living up to PUP’s reputation of giving people a chance at a quality education regardless of their stature.

“The goal is straightforward: to bring education to those who cannot afford it, right at their doorstep. This would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our donors, all of whom shared the same vision of educating the next generation,” Muhi explains.

The Education on Wheels has 65 students with a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration. Their courses are TESDA inclined, which guarantees them a job after two years of education.

#PUPEducationOnWheels #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

July 25, 2022April 19, 2024

Constructing a Legacy: Alvin, Aimee and Alrich Lam

The Lam siblings remember their childhood as a busy one. “During the holidays, our friends would leave town, and we’d be working. Truth be told, back then, there was resentment. Why did we have to work?” recalled Aimee. What the trio didn’t realize was that they were part of a family legacy. Their parents are Joey and Herminia Lam, the husband-wife power duo who founded Fighter Lock Philippines Corporation (FLPC) in 1986, one of the country’s leading distributors of hardware, construction, and electrical materials. While their peers were enjoying the simple joys of childhood, Alvin, Aimee, and Alrich were training to take on the keys of the family kingdom.

The journey wasn’t easy. Unlike other COOs (Children of Owner), their parents strongly believed that their children needed to start from the bottom. As early as grade school, the siblings were asked to man the stores, make deliveries, and learn the behind-the-scenes nature of their homegrown company. Alvin, the firstborn, was the first to find his footing within FLPC. “He was a bit of a wild child,” Aimee shared with a laugh. As a way to deal with his rowdiness, Alvin was sent to China to learn Mandarin. It wasn’t long before he was homesick. The eldest son begged his parents to let him come back to the Philippines, promising that he would finally shape up. He kept his word and soon began running the business’ daily operations.

Aimee had a similar journey. She went to Canada to study, as a way of escaping the dullness of a daily routine. Although she was looking to do something entirely different, she realized her heart belonged back at home. “They told us time and time again, that this was our bread and butter. They frequently told us their rags to riches story. I felt that it was such a waste to throw this opportunity away if we didn’t continue it.” She moved back home, ultimately taking her place as the company’s head of finance.

Their youngest sibling, Alrich, also felt a sense of resentment as a child because he was asked to work early on. Growing up around his older siblings (Aimee is 4 years older, while Alvin is 10) and seeing them contribute to the company’s success, he came on board after college, handling the FLPC’s marketing department. “I realized, all the experiences we had mattered because they helped us become who we are today,” Alrich says.

Another important lesson instilled into them by their parents is that they are all equal. While many traditional Chinese families believe that the eldest should be the most respected, the Lams reject that dogma. Because of this, they can challenge each other’s perspectives, which have been an instrument in the company’s continuous growth.

As a trio, Alvin, Aimee, and Alrich have been able to bring FLPC into the modern age. The three put their minds together to build a professional image, as well as streamline operations, that propelled the company from a small family business to a thriving corporation. Under their watch, FLPC has expanded from being more than a distributor, but also a creator of their own brands: LAMCO (plumbing needs), Aimee (locks and keys), and Kantt (LED lighting).

Although their success was born from resentment, the Lam siblings are certain that they are where they’re supposed to be. “We can do anything when we’re together,” Aimee shared. As they continue to construct their empire, the Lams have embraced their destiny with open minds and a smile.

#Lamsiblings #FLPC #lamco #Kantt #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

July 24, 2022January 23, 2025

Six Days in Taiwan: Exploring Island Geology Parks and Other Scenic Spots

Traveling expands our perspectives and provides more opportunities to enjoy and learn about the places we visit.

Traveling opens our eyes to new horizons and enriches our experiences. It invites us to explore diverse cultures, savor delicious cuisines, and discover the stories that make each destination unique. With every journey, we not only gain knowledge but also create memories that last a lifetime.

On our fifth day in Taiwan, we were welcomed by a jampacked itinerary that explored several interesting tourist attractions, such as: (1) Yehliu Geopark in Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan; (2) Heping Island Park Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan; (3) Zhengbin Fishing Port Nostalgia Pier Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan; (4) Agenna Aboriginal Culture Restaurant Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan; and (5) Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Yehliu Geopark is a park of natural wonders. Located in New Taipei City, Taiwan, it has full of sea water-eroded holes as well as numerous rocks that look so real in many shapes and forms!

Among other statues are named Fairy’s Shoe, Tofu Rock, Ice Cream Rock, Mushroom Rock, Candle Rock, and Ginger Rock. But the most famous one is the Queen’s Head. All these make this 1,700-meter-long cape a geology park with rich ecological resources and a prosperous fishing village.

The Queen’s Head is the most famous rock formation. Courtesy: Taiwan Tourism

At Heping Island Park, tourists can appreciate ocean views and world-class geo-scape. The Cliff at the island park is the vantage point where you can see and feel the sound of the waves. The sight brings total relaxation to the mind, body, and soul. You can take time exploring the scenic spot and feel its everyday charm. The island park is located right within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area.

The Cliff in Heping Island / Personal photo

Zhengbin Fishing Port, also known as “Nostalgia Pier,” gives a more laidback feel. It is located in the south of Heping Island. The Port is built by the Japanese in 1934, and it was the biggest fishing port in Taiwan during the Japanese era. Although it gradually diminished as years went by, its down-to-earth appearance endures. The city is actively seeking to preserve it as a place for relaxation and nostalgia. There has been a boat named “Folk Art” at the Port, considered the first art museum on the sea. Sports activities such as dragon boat races are also quite popular in the area.

The group had a sumptuous lunch at Agenna Aboriginal Culture Restaurant in Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan. The dishes served to us were a fusion of local and international cuisines. What a truly delightful and fulfilling feast it was! Every bite was a celebration of flavors that left me feeling completely satisfied!

Fun shot with former colleague Sara at Agenna / Personal photo

The final destination for the day was Jiufen, a popular tourist spot in Taiwan. It features a narrow street lined with shops offering a variety of items, from food to souvenirs. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry—many stores offer free food samples for tasting.

The writer striking a pose in Jiufen / Personal photo

Jiufen is located on a hillside that faces the ocean and is surrounded on three sides by mountains, with its people still maintaining their original simple lifestyle. With the changing seasons, the scenery also varies greatly, presenting different aspects of Jiufen. In the past, the place was the dreamland of gold diggers; now it has become a sanctuary for many artists and tourists.

Experiencing and appreciating the beauty and history of scenic spots makes every trip a valuable learning experience.

#Yehliu Geopark # HepingIslandPark #ZhengbinFishingPort #AgennaAboriginalCultureRestaurant #Jiufen #Taiwan #tour #throwbacktravel #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

(Part 5 of a 6-part feature article)

July 23, 2022August 12, 2022

Taiwan Tour: Cultural immersion experience

The Atayal culture was quite interesting. We were introduced to its unique qualities of aboriginal performances, recreational activities, local food and aboriginal cuisine, cultural skills such as bamboo dance, assassination ball experience, and clothing try-on.

(Note: Bringing back Day 4 of our unforgettable tour to Taiwan when the world was still COVID-19-free. )

On our fourth day in Taiwan, we traveled to the Atayal Resort in Guoxing Township, Nantou County; the high-speed rail in Taichung station; visited the national historic monument, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 Observatory, and mall, and had a wonderful stay at Amba Taipei Songshan.

Atayal Resort during the day. Courtesy: pinoyformosa.com

To fully embraced the Atayal experience, we stayed at Atayal Palace Spring Hotel with a Baroque architectural style. Located amidst the fresh greeneries and natural forest, we were secluded from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The resort features the culture of the Atayal tribe, a minority aboriginal tribe in Taiwan.

The Atayal culture was quite interesting. We were introduced to its unique qualities of the aboriginal performances, recreational activities, local food and aboriginal cuisine, aboriginal cultural skills such as bamboo dance, assassination ball experience, and aboriginal clothing try-on.

Bamboo dance experience / personal photo

Wearing the aboriginal costumes / personal photo

Enjoying the native game / personal photo

The writer in the company of Atayal aboriginals @ Atayal Palace Hotel / personal photo

A unique attraction at the resort was a popular skywalk that hangs out of the mountain located 500 meters above sea level, offering a stunning view of the mountainous landscape. The shape of the skywalk was in concise design with a geometrical pattern and tempered glass construction at the bottom.

Standing on the glass platform, 500 meters high above the mountain foot, you can admire the beautiful mountain landscape and spectacular natural scenery that leave you with many wonderful memories.

Beautiful Architecture

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall located in the heart of Taipei City / personal photo

From the resort, we took the high-speed rail to Taichung station to be able to reach Taipei City in 40 minutes. If by regular transportation, travel time would be two hours. Our next stop was at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall located in the heart of Taipei City.

It has become the landmark of the city and is most visited by foreign tourists. Its architecture is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing and is a prime example of the beauty of architecture.

At Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall / personal photo

Two stairs leading to the top, you will find the bronze statue of the historical great leader. It’s being manned by equally attentive guards. The stairs have 89 steps which represent the age of death of Chiang Kai-shek.

View from the top

@ Taipei 101 Observatory / personal photo

For first-time visitors like me, it was a must to visit the Taipei 101 Observatory. There was a fast lift up to the top and the view from the top was impressive!

I couldn’t get over how fast the elevator ride was. It was located inside Taipei 101 mall, considered Taiwan’s premier international shopping destination – featuring luxury goods, fashion, and fine dining. Here, you can enjoy your shopping in comfort and total relaxation.

Urban vibe

After a long day of the tour, we were billeted at the Amba Taipei Songshan, which was five minutes walk to Raohe Night Market. The hotel is admirable for its urban vibe, spacious contemporary rooms, dramatic views of Taipei 101 as you arrived at the chic lobby, and multi-purpose communal areas, best of all, it has one of the best lineups of buffet menus.

Amba communal space with the view of Taipei 101 / personal photo

Amba’s welcome note for this writer / personal photo

It is designed for the savvy urban traveler who appreciates creativity, connectivity, and conservation. Created by Ambassador Hotels, the amba brand was launched in 2012 to coincide with the group’s celebration of 50 years of luxury hospitality.

A sumptuous dinner in the company of Ms. Jeanie Mak, alignment officer of Amba (in yellow-orange scarf)

We had a nice time at Amba, especially with the gracious and very welcoming accommodation of the hotel’s chief alignment officer, Ms. Jeanie Mak (in a yellow-orange scarf). She joined us during dinner and introduced us to the many amenities of the hotel.

Succulent steak at amba / personal photo

With all these things that happened in just one day, we shared the joys and experiences like never before.

#Taiwantour #TaiwanTourismBureau #destination #Asia #tourism #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #atayalresort #taipei101 #ambataipeisongshan #CKSMemorialHall

(Part 4 of a 6-part feature article)

July 22, 2022July 26, 2022

Taiwan Tour: Love for rails and amazing scenery

Sun Moon Lake provides visitors with different charms in all seasons. But my favorite is in early spring around February, and the place is embraced by cherry blossoms in full bloom. Sun Moon Lake – a stunning landscape and a romantic paradise rolled into one.

Discovering new places of interest adds excitement to any traveler who visits the destination for the first time. On our third day in Taiwan, we went to the Jiji Township, still in Nantou County, where the Jiji and Checheng Railway Stations, the Toushe Basin, and Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area can be found.

Jiji and Checheng Railway Stations

Jiji is a lovely small town surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams. Even today, the town has retained its rustic style and precious ecological resources. Tourism has been actively developed here, revealing the town’s charm to visitors.

When you pay a visit to Jiji, make sure to take photos in front of Jiji Station. It is Taiwan’s most well-known Japanese-style terminal station and has been around for more than 80 years now. It was destroyed in the 1999 earthquake but later reconstructed and restored to its original look. Since then it became a must-visit tourism destination in Jiji.

Checheng is the final destination on the Jiji line and is often referred to as “The Last Train Station.” Full of beautiful and amazing scenery, the Jiji Line is like a gallery that provides both sightseeing and educational enlightenment.

The view of Toushe Basin. Courtesy:sunmoonlake.gov.tw

Toushe Basin

The next stop was at the Toushe Basin, where an old “Bed and Breakfast” (worth 25 million in Taiwan dollars) was located. But, because of the storm, the land became soft and wasn’t cultivated well. The structures turned crooked and appeared to be like a “leaning tower of Pisa.”

Sun Moon Lake: Beauty and tranquility. Photo courtesy of Sarion Films

Sun Moon Lake

The last location we toured for the day was Sun Moon Lake – the alpine lake with serene beauty and tranquility. It is located in the middle of Taiwan, with an elevation of 748 meters above sea level, the only natural big lake in Taiwan.

The southern part of Lalu Island is shaped like a new moon, and the northern part is shaped like a sun; for this reason, it was named Sun Moon Lake. Visitors are often captivated by the refreshingly beautiful and elegant landscapes in this location. It’s like a Manila Bay cruise if you compared it to Manila.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Season. Photo courtesy of Sunmoonlake.gov

Here, you can also enjoy a fascinating ecological tour. Sun Moon Lake provides visitors with different charms in all seasons. But my favorite is in early spring around February, and the place is embraced by cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Biking at Sun Moon Lake. Photo courtesy of Sarion Films

Visitors can also appreciate the view of the lake by cycling around. It’s a must to experience the biking trails during your stay to better understand the different sides of Sun Moon Lake – a stunning landscape and a romantic paradise rolled into one.

#Taiwantour #TaiwanTourismBureau #destination #Asia #tourism #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph #throwbacktravel

(Part 3 of a 6-part feature article)

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022

Exploring Taiwan in 6 days

In this installment, I will take you to Taichung, Taiwan, where you can enjoy the tourist attractions such as Rainbow Military Village, Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House, Miyahara, Fengjia Night Market, and Red Dot Hotel.

Travel is a new experience that can transport you out of your everyday routine to create memories and discover new places of interest. For six days, we had the opportunity to explore the culture, beauty, historical landmarks, scenic tourist spots, and culinary offerings in Taiwan. Because this trip gave me a new way of looking at things and having new eyes – that no matter where you had been, whether the experience was good or bad – you take with you the memories and made you realize that life truly is a journey.

Colorful Rainbow Military Village in Taichung, Taiwan

On our first day, the schedules were already jam-packed. We went to the Taichung side of Taiwan and visited the Rainbow Military Village. Rainbow Village is a military housing facility. This was painted by a military soldier and was supposed to be demolished but then students petitioned for it to be retained. They decorated it by putting various beautiful works of art until it became a tourist attraction. Around 3,000 supporters are maintaining this housing project.

Sumptuous set meals @ Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House

Then, we proceeded to Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House for our sumptuous dinner. The tea house is known for its bubble tea, hotpots, meal sets, traditional noodles, and delicious side orders like dim sums, bean curds, dry noodles, etc.

The next stop was at Miyahara, a red-brick architecture built by Miyahara Takeo, a Japanese ophthalmology doctor in 1927. At present, Dawn Cake, a pastry company renowned for its pineapple cakes, acquired the building and preserved Miyahara’s original red-brick walls and archway. The interior decor was redesigned like Hogwarts in the movie Harry Potter. Visitors to Miyahara are not only recommended to appreciate the details of the historic architecture but also try Dawn Cake’s signature ice cream, bubble tea, and pastries wrapped in nostalgic packings. We loved this place!

Fengjia Night Market. Photo: roundtaiwanround

One of the most famous night markets in Taichung is Fengjia Night Market. Here, you can buy a lot of things like food, apparel, cosmetics, and other surprising pieces of stuff. It’s famous for its “cheap and yet massive quantity” of foods, luring people from all over the world. Recommended delicacies here are: Chinese sausage wrapped in glutinous rice, brown sugar tapioca milk, Chow mien (fried noodles) stuffed bread, octopus balls (takoyaki), humongous stinky tofu, and huangjinzei (aromatic rice stuffed in cuttlefish).

We stayed at Red Dot Hotel for the night. The boutique hotel was attractive with its quirky fun and functional design. It has a big slide which you can use from the hotel’s second floor to the lobby – perfect to enjoy for the young and young-at-heart! Some of our group had tried the iconic hotel slide. I stayed in one of their spacious double rooms and quickly slumbered into dreamland. I woke up the next day energized and ready for the tour itinerary.

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(Part 1 of a 6-part feature article)