Postponement of the implementation of VISA-FREE entry to Taiwan for Filipinos was reset to September

Visa-free entry for Filipinos to Taiwan was postponed according to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines which was originally set to June 1, 2017. 

According to its website's advisory, the implementation of postponement was "to complete relevant administrative procedures and inter-agency coordination."

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is expected to release the full details of the implementation either in September 2017 or at an appropriate date, according to TECO.

Here is the full text of the advisory:

The implementation of VISA-FREE entry to the ROC (Taiwan) for Filipinos has been rescheduled to September 2017, and the exact date of the commencement of the implementation of the visa-free treatment will be further announced in September or at other appropriate date this year

Post Date:2017-05-16

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has recently announced that the implementation of visa-free entry to the ROC (Taiwan) for Filipinos has been postponed in order to complete relevant administrative procedures and inter-agency coordination. MOFA is expected to release the full details of the implementation of the said visa-free arrangements including the exact date of the commencement of implementing the visa-free treatment and its requirements either in September 2017 or at an appropriate date in due course.

Since 2016, the ROC (Taiwan) government has adopted a number of visa liberalization measures for the Philippine nationals to visit Taiwan as part of its “New Southbound Policy”. These measures are expected to enhance the bilateral relations, and expand the multi-faceted exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Despite the postponement of the said visa-free policy, since as from October 2016, the Philippines has been included in Taiwan’s e-visa program list, for Filipinos who wish to visit Taiwan for tourism or a short visit, they are advised to continue to apply for either free Travel Authorization Certification (TAC), or payable e-visa (single entry:NTD1,632) or the payable appropriate proper visa stamped in the passport (single entry:P2,400, multiple entry:P4,800). Therefore, for the time being, prior to the full implementation of the visa-free arrangements, Filipinos should still follow the existing visa regulations and procedures to obtain visa(s) before travel to Taiwan.

In addition, MOFA has decided to further enlarge the eligibility criteria of the ROC (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) for qualified Philippine travellers starting from 1st June this year. Filipinos who have been issued with an ROC (Taiwan) visa (labor visas with remarks “FL” or “X” are excluded) over the recent 10 years may also apply for the said TAC, no need to pay any fee. The said TAC allows multiple-entries to Taiwan, valid for 90 days with every stay up to 30 days.

Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Representative of the ROC (Taiwan) to the Philippines, wishes to emphasize that the granting of visa-free privilege to Filipinos is one of his priority work plans during his tenure in the Philippines, and that he and his colleagues in TECO will make strenuous efforts to make his dream of closer Taiwan-Philippines bilateral ties come true as soon as possible. It aims to enhance the mutually beneficial bilateral tourism, trade, investment, agricultural, technology, economic, cultural, educational and people-to-people cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Representative Lin further pointed out that the postponement is simply for smooth operations, more effective immigration procedure, and the safeguard of security for all passengers. The direction of the visa-free policy remains unchanged. As Taiwan is implementing “New Southbound Policy”, “the Philippines is considered as an important partner of Taiwan, so we are really making efforts to welcome more Filipino visitors to visit Taiwan, and the postponement of the visa-free arrangements is only intended to conduct seamless operations, facilitate the entry to Taiwan, and enhance security and safety for everyone”, as mentioned by Representative Lin.



For further visa information, you may check the website of TECO in the Philippines at http://www.roc-taiwan.org/ph



Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines

May 16, 2017, Makati City, Metro Manila

The Bud Dajo Massacre in 1906: A little Summary

It was a Moro name Pala who ran amok in British Borneo, set up his camp in Sulu which resulted in the chain of events in 1906. Later then, Sulu civilians at Bud Dajo were defying American occupation. On March 5, to the early morning of March 6, 1906, there was a massive artillery founding the crater as per order by General Leonard Wood. 2000 went uphill and local account says 1500 Filipinos killed and on the US side, 18 died, 52 wounded.

According to historians, the "massacre" could have been avoided by cutting food supply , forcing the rebels to come down but Gen. Leonard Wood needed the battle of Bud Dajo so badly to justify his military standing. Accounts also pointed out that it was a necessary action before it gets sympathy from the neighboring community.

 Source: http://www.akrosdayunibers.com 

Local assert that there was an issue on the economic aspect of the sulu sultanate by diverting the trading route bypassing Sulu, instead directly anchoring over Davao and Manila. Another version says the US would be adopting a foreign policy to commit genocide. Both adaptations might lead to the unfortunate event in 1906.

Afraid of "Bangkaw", Gen. Pershing, who succeeded Gen. Wood, ordered the mass production of caliber 45 arm gun to suppress noncompliant locals.

OK..im not a historian, nabasa ko lang sa kanto at sa kapapanood ng EJK hearing. dont worry. haha.anyway, you could believe anything written from our books pa naman...credits to Abraham Idjirane.

Backpacking Phi Phi Island 2016

The Phi Phi Islands are in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. Wikipedia

Kho Phi Phi Backpacking 2016 -The Beach! (Thailand)

From Rassada Pier, Phuket, the cost of the ferry is 300 Baht back and fourth. The agent picked me up around 7:15 am. The first trip is 8:30 am, but it didnt depart on time, an hour and a half, the ferry starts rolling and i think the whole boat is over cap! The travel is more than 1 hour, so expect 2 hours or less as the captain extravagantly shows you some of the most popular geological spots mostly seen on hollywood movies. I keep my action cam rolling until we arrived at the Khu Phi Phi port. There is a visitor travel tax of 20 baht upon arrival. 

The picture speaks for itself - so eventually a party island! Yohoooo..lets partey parteeeeee!

Nowadays, seems im getting lazy writing my travels here. Feel free to ask me by commenting below... ill answer anything to the best of my ability. Action cam shots will be posted on my next update..

KEEP TRAVELLING!

PS- next post: Phuket Island, Langkawi, Georgetown, Phuket-Trang-Satun by Bus Experienced, Singapore.

Backpacking Langkawi - The Jewel of Kedah

Compose of 99 tropical islands, Langkawi has been accorded the geographic status by UNESCO, for its beautiful geological heritage of stunning landscapes, karsts, caves, sea-arches, stacks, glacial drop stones and fossils.

As a natural paradise, the islands are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in South East Asia. You can enjoy nature-based activities or simply laze by the beach.

I came from Satun, Thailand via ferry which cost 300 Baht. Your first stop is Kuah where you could see the famous Eagle Square (prominent landmark). I had so much fun in here, so talking about it wont end up on this page, so better check out my photos below.

Kuah

Jetty Point, Pier

Kelim Karst Geopark

Country Side

Sky Cab