The Best of Taiwan for Filipino Travelers at the 3-day Taiwan Travel Fair 2026 in Manila

 

Taiwan Travel Fair Opening Ceremony Group Photos with Minister Dustin Yang, the Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in the Philippines; Ms. Cindy Chen, the Director of Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila and Taiwan Tourism Administration, Bangkok Office; Dr. Zeny Pallugna, the Director of the Office of Market Development, Department of Tourism along with the other VIPs, Taiwan Delegations and event tourism partners.

 

The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) successfully opened the Taiwan Travel Fair 2026 tioday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, marking another milestone in strengthening tourism exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines.

 

Carrying the tourism brand campaign “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder,” the three-day fair showcases Taiwan’s diverse travel experiences, vibrant culture, culinary treasures, natural attractions, and world-class tourism offerings to Filipino travelers seeking their next international destination.

 

The formal opening ceremony was led by Ms. Cindy Chen, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila and Bangkok under the Taiwan Tourism Administration, who welcomed tourism partners, government representatives, media guests, travel industry stakeholders, and visitors.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Zeny Pallugna, the Director of the Office of Market Development, Department of Tourism; Minister Dustin Yang, the Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines and Ms. Cindy Chen, the Director of Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Bangkok office during the Opening Ceremony at Taiwan Travel Fair 2026.

 

 

Joining the ceremony was Minister Dustin Yang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO), who highlighted the growing people-to-people connections and tourism cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.

 

“The Philippines continues to be one of Taiwan’s most important tourism markets in Southeast Asia. Through the Taiwan Travel Fair, we hope to inspire more Filipino travelers to discover Taiwan’s unique blend of culture, nature, food, innovation, and hospitality,” said Chen during her opening remarks.

 

The event opened with cultural performances featuring the dynamic Diabolo Walker act and an energetic Zumba presentation, reflecting Taiwan’s vibrant and welcoming spirit.

 

 

 

Dr. Zeny Pallugan, Minister Dustin Yang and Ms. Cindy Chen with our participating Tourism partners at Taiwan Travel Fair.

 

A special recognition ceremony was also held to honor tourism and event partners whose support has contributed to promoting Taiwan as a preferred destination among Filipino travelers.

 

Visitors to the fair can explore interactive destination exhibits, tourism information booths, airline and travel agency offers, cultural showcases, and exclusive travel promotions available throughout the three-day event

 

 

Taiwan remains one of the most accessible and attractive destinations for Filipinos, offering an extensive transportation network, breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant night markets, rich cultural heritage, world-renowned cuisine, and year-round travel experiences suitable for families, young professionals, and adventure seekers alike.

 

The Taiwan Travel Fair also serves as a platform for strengthening tourism partnerships between Taiwanese tourism stakeholders and Philippine travel trade professionals, paving the way for increased visitor arrivals and tourism collaboration in the years ahead.

 

Following the opening ceremony, guests participated in a media interview session and VIP tour of the exhibition area, where they experienced firsthand the diverse attractions and travel opportunities Taiwan has to offer.

 

The Taiwan Travel Fair 2026 runs from June 12 to 14, 2026 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City, and is open to the public.

  

Converge unveils “BizFriend Rewards” program to deepen MSME partnerships beyond connectivity

Converge is strengthening its commitment to Filipino entrepreneurs with the launch of BizFriend Rewards, a loyalty and engagement program designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) not only through reliable connectivity but also through meaningful rewards, experiences, and growth opportunities. 

 The initiative signals a strategic shift by Converge SME Solutions to position itself as a long-term partner in the success of its MSME customers. “MSMEs are at the heart of our growth story, and BizFriend Rewards reflects how we value them beyond transactions,” said Dindo Marzan, Senior Vice President and Head of SME Group at Converge. “We want our customers to feel that they are not just subscribers, but partners we grow with.” 

 “BizFriend Rewards was designed to make our MSME customers feel genuinely valued—not just for their subscriptions, but for the ambition and resilience they bring to their businesses every day,” according to Thirdee Deacosta, Loyalty and Retention Manager at Converge. “Through this program, we hope to create stronger relationships built on trust, appreciation, and shared growth.” 

 At the core of the program are three pillars designed to address different dimensions of the MSME journey: Choice, Chill, and Circle 

 BizFriend Choice offers customers flexibility through a curated selection of perks and freebies when they renew their contracts or upgrade their plans. This approach reinforces loyalty by giving businesses options that directly add value to their operations. 

 “Business owners today want solutions that adapt to their needs,” Marzan added. “By giving them choice, we empower them to get more from their partnership with us.” 

 BizFriend Chill, on the other hand, builds connections through shared experiences. It focuses on creating memorable moments that go beyond traditional customer engagement. From private screenings and concerts to curated dining and seasonal events, the program fosters stronger connections between Converge and its MSME base. 

 “We believe relationships are built not just in boardrooms, but in shared moments,” Marzan noted. “These experiences are our way of celebrating our customers and their journey.” 

Finally, BizFriend Circle drives growth through community and visibility, serving as a platform for business development. It offers workshops, seminars, and opportunities for MSMEs to gain exposure through trade events and digital promotions, with the goal of helping entrepreneurs expand their reach and capabilities. 

 “Our role goes beyond providing internet connectivity—we are here to enable growth,” Marzan emphasized. “Through BizFriend Circle, we are opening doors for MSMEs to learn, connect, and thrive.” 

 With BizFriend Rewards, Converge aims to redefine customer engagement in the MSME connectivity space by delivering a holistic program that combines exclusive perks, lifestyle experiences, and business empowerment. 

 For her part, Angela Gutierrez, Vice President and Head of Converge SME Marketing, said the company is building something more enduring than a service relationship. “With BizFriend Rewards, we are creating a community where our customers feel supported every step of the way.” 

 For more details about Converge SME Solutions, visit: [https://www.convergeict.com/sme](https://www.convergeict.com/sme)

High Five, Pilipinas! Taiwan Excellence’s FuBear Goes Around the Philippines and Shares the Gimme Five Cheer to Thousands of Filipinos!

The Taiwan Excellence mascot continues its mission of giving high fives and spreading encouragement to everyone, now here in the Philippines! From visiting offices in Metro Manila to roaming around parks in Central Visayas, Filipinos enjoyed fun surprise appearances from the friendly black bear. FuBear also steals the hearts of Filipino netizens on social media as the Gimme Five initiative reaches the internet.

 

Who is FuBear?

From Taiwan, FuBear is a character made in the likeness of the Formosan Black Bear, Taiwan’s national animal. FuBear’s mission is to champion the spirit of excellence by giving high fives around the globe and, now, in the Philippines.

 

Pilipinas, Good Job and Gimme Five from FuBear!

The Gimme Five online initiative touched the hearts of thousands of Filipino netizens, with many becoming fans of the mascot and its message. In many videos posted on the Taiwan Excellence social media pages, FuBear tours many places in the Philippines and searches every corner, finding a friend to give a big high five to.

 

 

Filipinos experienced a pleasant surprise when seeing FuBear in theme parks filled with families bonding, in tricycle stations where commuters and drivers are waiting in line, and in office pantries where young professionals are taking their break time. FuBear even ensures that its message is understood in many languages by using local Filipino languages in its videos posted online, making sure its high five reaches every kind of Filipino.

 

Where Can We See FuBear Next?

FuBear is set to make more appearances in the Philippines before completing its Gimme Five mission. For updates on FuBear’s journey, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.