TAIWAN: THE HEART OF ASIA

Nǐ hǎo! 

It has been a busy week for me and I know that this might be a little bit late for posting but as the old adage says… better late than never!  My recent trip to Taiwan is one of my best vacations. I had such fun traveling; navigating the island in an icy cold weather and of course, being with my family. Although I was pretty exhausted when I jumped on board, our trip to Taiwan was worth remembering and a definite mood booster to gear me up for the year 2013. 

We visited a lot of museums, plays and tourist spots (some of which I could not even pronounce); learned about their way of living and tasted the best Ni Rou Mian (I prefer calling it ramen, because it tastes like one). Thanks to my sister, who is a natural born planner, she did a great job in researching the minute detail of the places we must visit. Apart from the must-go-spots, she also included the less conventional places in order for us to experience the real Taiwan. 

Take a look at what I have been up to…starting with Taiwan’s metropolis –Taipei… below are the list of my favorite spot in the heart of Asia. Enjoy!

the mighty tower of Taipei 101 :-)

• TAIPEI 101- It is one of the tallest buildings in the world with skyrocketing 101 floors (The tallest skyscraper is now the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE). The 508- meter structure is situated at the center of the Shin Yi District and has drawn visitors from all over the world because of its unique design, architecture and latest engineering innovations. Its New Year’s Eve fireworks display is regularly featured in international broadcasts. Things that you might want to do in Taipei 101 include shopping and the famous ‘observatory tour’. The basement of the building is a large mall where you could taste a range of Taiwanese cuisine and shop –til-you drop. Going on top.. is the best view of whole island of Taiwan. For only NT450 per person, you could take the world’s fastest elevator, which would take you 37 seconds from 5^th floor to 89^th floor, and enjoy a good view of the city at the 89^th floor (indoor observatory) and 91^st floor (outdoor observatory). You could also see the latest engineering innovation called the damper that is primarily designed to reduce wind movement in high-rises.  Tourists, like me, would also enjoy the splendid landscape of the Taipei metropolitan and learn a great deal from their urban planning. Sounds great isn’t?

up close with the CKS Memorial Hall

•  CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL (C.K.S MEMORIAL HALL) - is the famous landmark and magnificent tourist attraction built in the memory of the former president, Chiang Kai-shek. The hall is made of white marble and covered with blue glazed tiles. The blue and white color of the building as well as the red color of the flowerbeds symbolizes the flag of the Republic of China. The building stands tall in the middle of National Theater and National Concert Hall of which world class performances are frequently held.

NOM-NOM... moon cakes are heavenly!

•  SHILIN NIGHT MARKET- For shopaholics, Shilin Night Market is the place to be. Although extremely crowded during the evening, it is one worthy spot to check out. It offers fusion of consumer goods, clothing and most of all street snacks!!!!! The night market snacks are so tasty that you wanted to ask for more. Street stall snacks include dim sum, jumbo chicken steaks, mochi, fresh fruits,  moon cakes and tai yang bing or popularly known as sun cakes. You could also try the Hauchi Street night Market where Chinese traditional lamps are hung to create a classical ambiance.

Night Market or Bazaar Shopping never fails to make me happy!

N-C-A-I! No Cameras Allowed Inside :-) just a friendly reminder though

• NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM- This museum holds a vast collection of 5,000 years old artifacts and is regarded as the greatest treasure house of Chinese cultural relics in the world. The 4^th floor of the museum replicates the traditional Chinese palace. On the same floor, visitors can enjoy tea breaks while savoring the feeling of Chinese Royalty.

Talking about serenity...

• TEMPLES- Taiwan is rich in beautiful and ornate temples. One of it is the LONGSHAN TEMPLE that was built in 1738. It houses more than 100 delicate sculptures that are worshipped by their faithful followers. One should also try the CHIN NAN TEMPLE located at the top of the mountains. It is a good place to visit at night (if it is not chilly) to enjoy tea as there are many teahouses with diversified styles.

Temple in Dihua Street

• ANCESTRAL HOUSES- The ancestral houses or infrastructures in the DIHUA STREET can be traced back to Ching Dynasty. It is one of the best preserved historical streets in Taipei, drawing hordes of festive shoppers during holidays and festivals.

•  MARTYR’S SHRINE- It is located few blocks away from the Grand Hotel. According to history, some 330,00 men sacrificed their lives during the Sino-Japanese war and the Chinese Civil War. A must see-attraction here is the formation ceremony of impeccably uniformed military police that begins at 9:00 in the morning. 



Men in Uniform... March!



Lover's Bridge is just splendid...



isn't breath taking?

•   FISHER MAN’S WHARF- It is the scenic spot in Tamsui District and well known for its beautiful sunset and fresh seafood (NOM-NOM!!!!). The place is so peaceful and laid back ….. Visitors can relax and fall in love while watching the sunset in the Lover’s Bridge of Tamsui. It is also a good place to take your photographs as it is so romantic.

•  MIRAMAR SHOPPING CENTER- The mall boasts of a Ferris wheel 100 meters high. This actually lights up Taipei’s city line at night with changing colored lights. Because it is so high it will take around 17 minutes to make a full turn. I recommend this ride to anyone who isn’t afraid of heights.. lolz

Shop Til You Drop!

Are you ready for this?

Hope you enjoy reading it.. Share your thoughts... What trips have you been on recently? Xīwàng néng tīngdào nín de dàolái (hope to hear from you soon) Xièxiè (thank you)

View from the window of my hotel

Some random shot

 

Just fell in love with Taiwan.. Until then...

XOXO – GIADRE

Travel Essentials

It has always been a tradition in our family to try something new before the year ends. Last December 21, 2012, we all agreed to visit our neighboring country up north to experience their unique culture and yes …to enjoy the weather. Taiwan is a sub-tropical country. It does not snow heavily (in fact… it does not really snow) but is fairly cold enough for you to put on your best winter clothes and enjoy walking while having fun and taking pictures. Of course, we didn’t visit Taiwan just for the weather.  The island is known for its towering mountains, beautiful coastal sceneries and world artifacts.  Our family fell in love with this island. We visited their museums and plays; learned about their culture and tasted the best ramen. So before I talk about our wonderful experience in Taiwan, I would like to share with you my travel essentials and some few tips on how to travel from warm to cold.

• THINK MULTI-USE-SCARF- I consider this multi-tasker thing, scarf, as my best friend because it is the most versatile way to keep you chic and warm at the same time. It could be an accessory to your wardrobe by wrapping it around your neck or beautifully tying it around your bag or suitcase. It could also double as pillow or blanket on chilly flights and cover up if you suddenly plan to hit the beach.  Bring a basic black and brightly colored scarf in different prints to instantly perk up your wardrobe.  

I got 4 different scarves to choose from- blue green, teal, red and black

My favorite black scarf :-)

• WEAR A CASHMERE CARDIGAN– When traveling from warm to cold country, I usually bring with me a tight cotton knit that can be open at the front or button down cardie. Cardigans are classic and comfortable. They mix well with just anything; pair it with skirt for lady –like – school girl type, or shorts/ pants for that cute and easy going vibe. It could also be worn as a pullover for dressy evening. I believe that when it comes to traveling, it is all about comfort and function. 

Shorts and cardigan for bazaar shopping

skirts and cardigan for visiting museums

• DON’T FORGET THE CAMERA- whether point to shoot or high end SLRs or DSLRs… bringing the camera is the most important thing for travelers because it captures the perfect moment in a fraction of second.  The photos are a way of feeling, of touching and of loving the moment. It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.  

Handy Sony Camera

Don't forget your SLRs and DSLRs too :-)

• GO COMFY-DRESSY-FUNCTIONAL -SHOES- Shoes are definitely the finishing touch in your outfit. It could either complete your look or totally wreck it. When traveling in a cold place, boots and ballet flats are my luggage fixture.  I pair it with black tights for a more sophisticated look. 

My sister's ballet flats are so cute

• YOUR BIG STATEMENT BAG- Your bag should be able to hold all the essential items that you need such as cellphones, passport, credit cards and purse. It should also have extra room for your touch-up kits or make-up kit and a compartment for small things like hotel keys. On top of it, it should be functional and stylish. Since, my basic clothes are all in dark colors I opt for a pop of color like RED and TEAL to complement my style.  

Roomy and comfy bags are a MUST for travelers

What’s your travel essentials? Share your thoughts…Xīwàng néng tīngdào nín de dàolái (hope to hear from you soon) Xièxiè (thank you)


XOXO – GIADRE

FLORALS FOREVER AT SM

Floral prints are a fashion classic that shows no signs of wilting. They are blooming all over in the runways of the fashion capitals of the world, with Rag & Bone showing a slick tapestry of tailored coat silhouettes, Erdun with graphic lace infused bouquets, and Valentino’s romantic rendition of the trend.

            With stylish celebrities like Jessica Alba, Lauren Conrad, Miranda Kerr, Vanessa Hudgens embracing floral fashion, the GTW section of the SM store brings the freshest blooms to adorn key pieces of the season

            And everything’s coming up roses, daffodils, orchids, and daisies at SM with delicate English garden prints, big and bold patterns, brilliant acid bright foliage, luxe jewel-tone flowers on a dark background and vivid graphic prints blooming all over. Pack a flower power punch on sleek jackets, pretty pants, stylish shorts, and shift dresses.

            Photographed at the Philippine National Heritage Train Station at Palawe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the floral collection is available at the Girls Teens section of all SM Department Store. 

ANNE, RICHARD, GEORGINA, AND XIAN FOR SM ACCESSORIES

It was a well-kept secret for many months.  And the fashion crowd cheered when SM Accessories finally announced that Anne Curtis, Richard Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson and Xian Lim officially joined the SM Accessories family recently at the Republiq Club. 

All four are not only some of the country’s hottest celebrities, but also style icons whose individual fashion tastes have influenced a whole generation of young fashionistas.  And with that, SM Accessories has truly become the Fashion Accessory Authority.

And they were all also “so happy we were able to finally spill the news”, as Anne put it. Xian, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of a relief,” It feels good to finally be launched, and now we can all enjoy being the endorsers of SM Accessories”. 

Georgina Wilson considered it a “huge honor to represent the fashion authority and to be with the other endorsers. So many people look up to SM Accessories and now I can show my style with it”.

Richard Gutierrez “looks forward to sharing this opportunity with everyone, to share how good the accessories from SM are. Accessories are now necessities, they complete one’s look.”  Anne adds, “Accessories add variety to what you wear and with SM Accessories, I have many new ways to update and enhance the way I dress.”

The buzz was on the bling during the fashion show featuring SM Accessories’ Holiday collection. One couldn’t get enough of the necklaces, bracelets, rings, clutch bags, belts, scarves, hats and plenty of other accessories showcased in the show.

The best part was that the items from SM Accessories, the Fashion Accessory Authority, are now available at SM Stores nationwide.