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NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes in VISA processing. Please refer to Canadian Embassy to the Philippines website ... -
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes on the VISA processing. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines websi... -
Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Tic...
Vigan is a World Heritage Site located at the main island of northern Luzon, in the province of Ilocos Sur. The place is well known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture of old houses way back during Spanish era in the Philippines.
The main attraction in the area is the Calle Crisologo where the well-preserved houses was still erected up to this date. Also, the sumptuous food like Ilocos Empanada, bagnet and the best seller vigan longanisa is all over the place.
So the next time you consider to visit the northern region of the country, try Vigan City. For more information, go to their local website for more information.
The main attraction in the area is the Calle Crisologo where the well-preserved houses was still erected up to this date. Also, the sumptuous food like Ilocos Empanada, bagnet and the best seller vigan longanisa is all over the place.
So the next time you consider to visit the northern region of the country, try Vigan City. For more information, go to their local website for more information.
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| St. Augustine Parish Church near Bantay Bell Tower |
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| The Bantay Bell Tower |
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| The famous Calle Crisologo at dusk |
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| This greatest landmark is now famous with its night market and restaurant with their local products. |
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| Calle Crisologo at night |
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| St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral |
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| The mini "I love Vigan" marker |
Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Ticlao and San Pascual. Last Friday (June 1, 2018), we visited the province of Burias to experience its majestic view and clear water beaches.
It's almost a 12-hour adventure ride from Manila. You can take a bus that will take you to Naga City (9 hours). A good catch is a Premium bus of PeŃafrancia Bus Liner in Cubao but for a cheaper option, there are available buses in Pasay City. From Naga City, you can take a UV Express to take you to Pasacao Port (45 minutes). From Pasacao Port, take a boat ride going to Burias Island (2-3 hours). The rough ride worth it all when you finally reach the Burias Island and our photos and videos will tell it all.
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| Pasacao, Camarines Sur. |
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| A 2-3 hour boat ride to Burias Island from Pasacao Port. |
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| Make sure that the life vest is within your reach. Just to be sure. |
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| Burias Island port. |
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| Our first island stop is the Sombrero Island. The nearby resort was closed because of some violation. |
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| Though the resort is closed, you can still enjoy the white sandbar in the area. |
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| At the side of the island are the stone piles. And at the right side of the island is an islet similar to the shape of a hat or "sumbrero". |
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| Next island is the Tinalisayan Island |
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| Tinalisayan offers white sand beach and a great sandbar view. |
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| Again, stone piles are in the area. |
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| The beautiful Tinalisayan Island that complements the boat view from afar. |
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| Burias Island is also the home of balinsasayaw or swiftlets. |
Balinsasayaw house was built in 1991 and since then, it bacame a tourist spot is Burias Island
Balinsasayaw's saliva are so expensive which can be harvested and be a main ingredients for Nido Soup. A kilo of Balinsasayaw's saliva can be sold for as much as 20,000 PHP per kilograms or 380 USD.
It's time to wrap up our day and we're going to settle in Atlaza Resort in San Pascual, Burias Island. From Burias Port, it's a 30-45 minute tricycle ride with a mixture of smooth and rough road.
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| The Atlaza Resort marker and bonfire place. |
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| The refreshing view of sunrise from Atlaza Beach Resort. |
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| Next island is Animasola Island in San Pascual, Burias. |
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| Animasola is known for its spectacular rock formations |
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| My favorite part of Animasola Island is the Mermaid's Lair. It's like you are bathing in a pool-like sea. |
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| It's clear water is a great swimming experience. |
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| Ernest Point in San Pascual is a cliff diving spot in the area. You can choose from level 1 and level 2 cliff. |
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| After you take the plunge, enjoy the cool water with a great view on Mayon Volcano from Bicol and nearby islands. |
So the next time you think of summer escapades, consider the majestic island of Burias in Masbate. Never mind the time-consuming ride and enjoy your stay because Masbate is a must.
Dios Mabalos!
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes in VISA processing. Please refer to Canadian Embassy to the Philippines website for updated details.
When it comes to job opportunities, Canada is one of the prime destination for Filipinos. But we can't deny that Canada also offers many places to visit for short vacation or trips.
As a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport, we are required to secure a Canadian visa in order to visit Canada. This guide aims to help you secure a Canada tourist visa. As Canada offers different types of visa, this guide is focusing only for tourist visa application. For more information about the other types of visa that Canada offers, refer to the Canadian embassy website.
STEP 1: Complete the Requirements
1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
2. Duly accomplished IMM5257 or the Application for Visitor Visa Form. This can be filled up digitally.
3. Duly accomplished Form 5645 or the Family Information Application for Temporary Resident Form. This can be filled up digitally.
4. 2 passport-sized photo. Frame size must be 35mm x 45mm and should be taken not more than 6 months old. For more photo specification needed, go to this link.
5. Proof of income and/or Proof of Financial Capability. This includes your current Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, Personal Bank Certificate and/or four-month worth of payslip (optional).
6. Travel history (stamps) and valid or expired visa from other countries.
7. Purpose of Travel indicated all of the information about your planned trip to Canada. You can take some ideas on this link.
8. Affidavit of Support or Invitation letter if someone else is shouldering your expenses for your Canada trip. You can take some ideas on this link.
9. Cover letter of your intent/explanation regarding your visit to Canada. This is an optional requirement.
Scan and/or take a photo of all the collected requirements from Step 1. Make sure to include all the multiple page requirements in one file. For example, the Travel History and Proof of Financial Capability must be included in one .DOC, .PDF or .DOCX file. Make sure the size must not be exceeded to 4MB.2. Duly accomplished IMM5257 or the Application for Visitor Visa Form. This can be filled up digitally.
3. Duly accomplished Form 5645 or the Family Information Application for Temporary Resident Form. This can be filled up digitally.
4. 2 passport-sized photo. Frame size must be 35mm x 45mm and should be taken not more than 6 months old. For more photo specification needed, go to this link.
5. Proof of income and/or Proof of Financial Capability. This includes your current Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, Personal Bank Certificate and/or four-month worth of payslip (optional).
6. Travel history (stamps) and valid or expired visa from other countries.
7. Purpose of Travel indicated all of the information about your planned trip to Canada. You can take some ideas on this link.
8. Affidavit of Support or Invitation letter if someone else is shouldering your expenses for your Canada trip. You can take some ideas on this link.
9. Cover letter of your intent/explanation regarding your visit to Canada. This is an optional requirement.
STEP 2: Scan or take a photo of all the requirements
STEP 3: Apply online and upload the requirements.
1. Create an account to CIC Canada website. Then create an account using GCKey. Click the SignUp button. Accept the terms and conditions and fill-up the required fields like fullname, desired username and etc.2. Choose the "VISITOR VISA, STUDY AND/OR WORK PERMIT" button. There are series of questions that need to answer in order to validate your eligibility to obtain a visitor visa.
3. Upload your collected documents. Only .DOC, .PDF, .JPG, .PNG, .TIFF or .DOCX document types are accepted. Make sure that your files are not exceeding 4MB in size and each supporting documents must be attached as one file. Keep in mind that you have 30 days to complete and submit your application.
STEP 4: Pay the Visa Fee using credit card or debit card.
All major cards are accepted most notably the following:• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
The amount for tourist visa is 100 CAD or ~4000 PHP.
STEP 5: Wait for the status on the CIC website.
You will know if there's an update on your application from time to time via email and SMS. You don't need to check the CIC website too often. When you are requested to submit your passport, your application is probably approved. But when your application is denied, there's nothing left to do but to reapply.Walk-in Application
You can also apply in-person and submit your documents/requirements personally at VFS Global Office. You can refer on this link for more details.FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is the Canadian Embassy office in Manila?
- The Canadian Embassy is located at this address:
- Level 6-8, RCBC Plaza Tower 2 1200, 6819 Ayala Ave, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila, Philippines
- But Canadian Embassy designated an authorized travel agency to process all of it's visa concern, and it is the VFS Global Visa Application Center which is located in this address:
- Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg.,, Don Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
- How much is the cost of applying for visa?
- The Canadian tourist visa is 100 CAD or ~4000 PHP.
- How long will it takes to process the visa?
- It's a case-to-case basis. Here is the timeline of my application.
Timeline of Application
May 1 - 11, 2018 - Completion of Requirements.
May 14, 2018 - Submission of Online Application
May 15, 2018 - Acknowledgement of Online Transmission
May 16, 2018 - Received an email regarding updates in my application
May 24, 2018 - Received an update that my application is approved and to submit passport to VFS office.
May 25, 2018 - Submitted passport to VFS office.
June 1, 2018 - Personally picked-up the passport.
May 1 - 11, 2018 - Completion of Requirements.
May 14, 2018 - Submission of Online Application
May 15, 2018 - Acknowledgement of Online Transmission
May 16, 2018 - Received an email regarding updates in my application
May 24, 2018 - Received an update that my application is approved and to submit passport to VFS office.
May 25, 2018 - Submitted passport to VFS office.
June 1, 2018 - Personally picked-up the passport.
Visa Guide: South Korean Visa Application Through Designated Travel Agencies
By Jeremy - Thursday, May 31, 2018
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes on the VISA processing. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines website for updated details.
There you go. Starting July 1, 2018, South Korean Embassy will partially close it's doors for walk-in applicants and now open designated travel agencies to process visa application for those who wish to visit the beautiful country of South Korea.
With over 350,000 visa walk-in applicants from 2015 to 2017, it's a welcome change for those visa applicants to stay away from the tiring long queue. However, the embassy will allow walk-in applicants for spouses and children of Koreans, government employees with business trip and with humanitarian reason to expedite the visa process.
Here are the Designated Travel Agencies with their contact numbers:
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines' website for more information.
Visa Guide: South Korean Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders
By Jeremy - Saturday, May 26, 2018
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes on the VISA processing. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines website for updated details.
South Korea is the dream destination for most of Korean pop culture fans in the Philippines. The Korean invasion in the Philippines particularly the K-pop, K-drama, Kimchi, Bbimbap, the pisturesque places and endless cosmetic products that only South Korea can offer.
As a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport, we are required to secure a Korean visa in order to visit South Korea (but Jeju Island trip doesn't require a visa). This guide aims to help you secure a Korean visa and experience the best Korean culture on your next vacation.
Please take note that South Korea offers different types of visa. This guide is focusing only for tourist visa application. For more information about the other types of visa that South Korea offers, refer to the South Korea embassy website.
STEP 1: Complete the Requirements
For Employees
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)
10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)
10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
For Businessmen
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit
8. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
9. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor's Permit
8. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
9. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
**Invitation Letter
**Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
STEP 2: Go to South Korean Embassy and apply personally for your South Korean Visa (ONLY UNTIL June 30, 2018)
You are required to do a walk-in process for your South Korean visa. The South Korea embassy are accepting applicants between 8:30AM to 11:00AM, Monday to Friday only (excluding Philippine holidays). It is a first come, first serve basis and expect a long line of applicants.
The security guard on duty will check all of your requirements and will ask you to jot down your name on their logbook. They will give you a number that will be called by the designated window.
The staff on the window will check again your documents and when they are satisfied, they will hand you a slip indicating the date of release of your visa (if granted).
Starting July 1, 2018, Korean Embassy will no longer accept walk-in applicants but only for special cases. See the updates here.
STEP 3: Fast forward to the release date, claim your visa results at the South Korea embassy.
The releasing of visa is available only from 1:30PM to 4:00PM, Mondays to Fridays.
The guard on duty will give you a number that will be called by the designated window.
As a first-time visa applicant for South Korea, I was granted a Single Entry visa with maximum stay of 59 days.
Starting July 1, 2018, Korean Embassy will no longer accept walk-in applicants but only for special cases. See the updates here.
Starting July 1, 2018, Korean Embassy will no longer accept walk-in applicants but only for special cases. See the updates here.
Multiple-entry visas are not given automatically but if you are a frequent South Korean visa applicant or visitor, chances are you will be given a multiple visa. But again, it is a case-to-case basis.
BDO Credit Card holders will be granted a multiple-visa without submitting ITR and it is available until December 31, 2019. Read here for details.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is the South Korean Embassy office?
- The South Korean Embassy is located at the following addresses:
- Manila Office: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Telephone: (63) 02 856-9210 - Cebu Office: 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2,
Samar Loop Cor. Road 5,
Cebu Business Park, Cebu
Telephone: (63) 32 231-1516 to 19
- How much is the cost of applying for visa?
- The South Korean visa is free of charge for visitors planning to stay for 59 days and below. For visitors wants to stay for 60 to 90 days, the fee is PHP 1,800.00
- How long will it takes to process the visa?
- It's important to plan accordingly for your visa application to avoid conflicts. The processing of visa varies from different circumstances:
- How much do I need to secure for my bank statement?
- It depends on the desired length of stay. Make sure you have a reasonable amount in your bank statement when you apply for a visa. For a ballpark figure, mine is within PHP 45,000 mark for an 8-day visit.
- Is it require to have a plane ticket before applying for visa?
- The embassy will not check for the plane ticket but you have to indicate to the application letter your intended date of stay in South Korea.
- Usually the embassy does NOT require an interview but on some special cases that needs more information about the applicant, it does.
- Do they have online application?
- No. You have to apply personally and bring all the requirements.
- Do they issue multiple-entry visa?
- Yes but they are not automatically issued. For eligibility, refer to this link.
UPDATE: Korean Embassy will assign travel agencies for those tourist who want to apply for visa. This is due to the increased number of applicants and soon, walk-in applicants will no longer be accepted. We will keep you posted regarding this development. For more information and the list of the possible travel agencies, click here.
We visited South Korea last November 2017 and my journey is here:
As my birthday trip this year 2018, we went to Taipei, Taiwan for a short visit. Taiwan, officially known as Republic of China is in northern part of the Philippines and the west of Hong Kong and Japan. Taiwan is known for it's blend of business, study, tourism, medical treatments among others. Taiwan is visa-free for Philippine passport-holder like me. It started just 2017 to boost their tourism and to match to other neighboring countries like Hong Kong.
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| The Taoyuan International Airport |
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| National Palace Museum is the home for ancient Chinese artifacts from long time ago. |
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| The Museum Building constructed in 1964. |
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| The panoramic view of the National Palace Museum. |
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| The busy Ximen street |
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| Ximending near Ximen MRT Station |
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| Taiwan is not Taiwan without NOODLES and SOUPS |
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| Come to Taiwan and satisfy your cravings with noodles |
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| TKK Friend Chicken is their version of KFC. It's also finger-licking good! |
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| Maokong Gondola is a lift transportation system in Taiwan. The easiest way to go to Taipei Zoo. |
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| Maokong Gondola is Taiwan's answer to Ngong Ping 360 of Hong Kong. |
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| Panoramic view of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall |
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| Flowers in bloom at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall |
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| Honor guards at the Statue of Chiang Kai-Shek |
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| PingXi District is famous for it's lanterns and it's Lantern Festival every February each year. |
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| Yehliu Geopark is known for its famous rock formations which began to form many years ago. |
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| Small rocks at Yehliu Geopark. More rock formations to come as they preserve it. |
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| The Queen's Head. Yehliu Geopark's main attraction. |
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| One of many rock formations at Yehliu Geopark. |
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| Taipei Zoo is a home for many wild animals including these leopards. |
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| Taipei Zoo also keep numbers of Panda in Giant Panda House. |
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| Jiufen Old Street is a popular street that turned into a market. Lots of food and things to buy at a great price. What to eat in Jiufen? MANY. |
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| Longshan Temple was built in 1738 and stood many disasters and earthquakes. |
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| Hailed as one of the largest and oldest temple in Taiwan. No entrance fee but donation is highly appreciated. |
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| And of course, The Taipei 101. Formerly, the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 until Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the distinction. |
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| Taipei has it's own charm and you'll definitely LOVE it! |
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| Don't forget to add Taiwan to your bucket list. It's a must place to visit and roam around! |
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jeremysdrWORLD's MOST VIEWED OF THE WEEK
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NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes in VISA processing. Please refer to Canadian Embassy to the Philippines website ...
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In this time of uncertainty and sickness, I would like to drop this space to remind you to #StaySafe and #StayAtHome. We will g... -
Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Tic...
