Amis Museum in Hualien City

Amis or Amei-zu  ( 阿美族 ) is one of the officially recognized aboriginal people of Taiwan which commonly applied in reference to the indigenous people of Taiwan. There are 14 recognized tribes and 11 unrecognized tribes of aboriginal people in Taiwan.

A pre-WW11 post card
Photo Credit: Amis People

About Amis People

According to Taiwanese Aboriginal History Amis people are classified into groups.

• Northern Group (located in Chihlai / Hualien Plain)
• Middle Group (located to the West Coastal Mountains)
• Coastal Group(located to the East Coastal Mountains)
• Falangaw Group(located bet. Chengkong and The Taitung Plain)
• Hengchun Group(located on the Hengchun Peninsula)

*Classification is just based on the geographical distribution and tribal migration and it does not observed differences in culture, language and physique.

Since I was in Hualien County in Taiwan , Amis people here are the northern group of Amis. Hualien is where the most numbers of Amis people. They are living in Ji'an Township according to the grandma that I interviewed because she is also an Amis person.

Amis in wall paint

I got interested with their culture because it has similarities with Igorot tribe in my country not only their costumes but also the way of living and even with the language. But in the history Falangaw group is most likely the same with Filipinos.

I dropped by one of the Amis museum featuring their handy crafts and paintings which represent their way of living.

Amis Museum

Paintings :

Handy crafts:

Visiting in museum places are good because it is where you can experience going back to the first generation of people.

You can visit this museum just beside of Hualien County Sculpture Museum with this adress # 8 Wenfu St., Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan R.O.C

Info Credit : Wikipedia Amis people

OFW's Celebrate the 116th Philippine Independence Day in Taiwan

Overseas Filipino Workers ( OFW ) in Taiwan celebrated the 116th Philippine Independence Day in Banqiao, New Taipei on July 15, 2014.

About Philippine Independence Day

Independence Day is Araw ng Kasarinlan also known as Araw ng Kalayaan in Filipino term which literally means "Day of Freedom". It was a national holiday were Filipinos commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain which observed on June 12.

We, Filipinos in every part of Taiwan gathered and unified as one to celebrate this day of freedom. It was very memorable experienced especially for us Filipino Community in Hualien, Taiwan delegates. We wake up early about 4:00 in the morning because we want also to be part of the celebration. We travel by bus about 4 hrs from Hualien to Taipei. Even though we experienced dizziness in travelling 2 hrs. zigzag road still we enjoyed this journey and it was a great experienced for us.

Filipino Community in Hualien Taiwan delegates

The celebration was started by a Catholic mass followed by the program featuring Filipino cultures from different Filipino groups and organizations working here in Taiwan.

Opening Remarks by our Department of Labor and Employment Director in Taiwan and Tourism Organization and Taiwanese friends.

There was also a parade from different Filipino basketball teams because it was also the opening of IF Basketball League.

IF Basketball League

 Next was the presentation of Filipino cultures joined by Cordillera Group, Ilonggo Seafarers Org., Ilonggo Foundation and many more...

Choir members wearing Philippine costume 

Because it was also the celebration of Migrant Workers day they brought  also ABS- CBN Kapamilya Network celebrities for more fun and enjoyment.

One of the highlight event featuring Doris and Sabel "Pambansang Katulong" through Kapamilya Network telenovela Be Careful with My Heart where they act as caretakers. And also they brought Billy Joe Crawford a PhilAm singer actor, and host.

There are also different booths where you can subscribe TFC or The Filipino Channel to make sure Filipino feel at home while watching Kapamilya telenovelas. There are also payment booth for those who want to pay their GSIS, SSS and PhilHealth.This are government agencies where they encourage Filipinos to join for more benefits. There is the booth of The Migrants, a Filipino newspaper. And there is also food booth for those who miss Filipino foods.

I'm proud to say PILIPINO AKO.

Korea, the Ideal Travel Destination for Cosmopolitan Travelers

Korea, the Ideal Travel Destination for Cosmopolitan Travelers! / “Wondrous K-Beauty”

Cosmopolitan travelers are choosing Korea as their vacation destination. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience beauty, fashion, fine dining, and tourist attractions on your trip to Korea!

Find Your Inner and Outer Beauty in Korea

Reconnect with beauty through these popular cosmetics items and spa programs!

Shop in one of Seoul’s Top Districts

These famous districts are a must for shoppers in the capital!

Visit Tasty and Stylish Eateries

See stunning scenes at the recommended night view restaurants, explore unique café streets, or take a late night food tour!

Discover the City’s True Hotspots

Visit some of the top destinations in and near Seoul

Travel Now to Discover Korea and Be Inspired ^_^

Sources : KTO Official Page

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Korean Names : Who's Not Curios?

I am really curios about Korean names. It was because sometimes it's hard to know who is he or she and Korean people have almost the same names especially when it comes to their family name.

Well, let's figure it out...

Generally, Korean names were composed of three syllables. If it was written in Korea, family name goes first before the given name unlike Western and some Asian countries it was opposite where family name comes at the end.

Example

Lee Minho is a South Korean singer-actor who is very popular not only Asian countries but also to Western countries. This name, Lee is a family name and Min Ho is the given name. And for those who are not familiar in Korean names like me, there are no middle name included in their real name. And another point of difference is that same name is rarely passed down from one generation to other generation.

Most Korean family names are only one syllable. Most common family names are Lee, Park, Kim, and Choi. And there are 250 Korean family names approximately. There are also family names that are in two syllables but it was rarely.

It is said to be that Korean names has it's own meaning. But most of it was based on Chinese characters. But it said that in recent years more and more Korean people are opting to Hangeul names. Chinese symbol have own meaning and Korean names  have deep significance. And now many of them used Hangeul names with deep meaning.

Example

Many of Korean parents are trying to give a good name to their children in order for them to live a joyous, healthy and successful in their life. And it was because parents believe that their child fortune was determined by their names.

To know more about Korean Customs and  Beliefs just click the link:
Korean Customs and Beliefs

Info Credit: KTO Official page

Food Trip in Zi Qiang Night Market 自强夜市

I've been here in Taiwan for almost 2 yrs. but I never yet gone far to taste their different delicacies. Stir fry was the most familiar technique for Taiwanese/Chinese food neither meat or vegetables.

Night Market ( 夜市 : Yèshì ) are well known here in Taiwan and it's one of the place where you can  try different kind of Taiwan food and drinks.

Zi Qiang Night Market ( 自強夜市 : Zìqiáng yèshì) was one of the most popular night market in Hualien County, Taiwan. 

Let's check it out...

There are many skewered food stall but actually this foods are deeply fried. There are skewered tofu, squid, bell pepper, mushroom,chicken and etc. Before,I was confused the first time I bought because all I thought it will be grilled..innocent me. Well, I need to experienced such thing to adapt their culture,right guys?

Another food that are common to them are steamed buns. But if you want more delicious you can buy this  steamed bun with fillings inside. There are different fillings and it depends on what do you want to eat. But for me, the best was pork fillings, vegetables which include the cabbage, rice noodle and egg. Regular steamed bun will be estimated cost about 12TWD per piece.

And guys don't miss this food (picture below) it was stinky tofu. Though it has stinky smell, once you taste it I'm sure you will love it. This estimated cost about 50 TWD per serving.

If you want rice there are also a lot of rice food stalls especially noodle stalls. Estimated cost is around 60 TWD to 100 TWD depends on the dish. Estimated cost for noodles is around 35 TWD to 60 TWD depends on what kind of noodle.

There are also fresh sea foods but make sure you bring more money. It will costs you a lot...LOL

The most common drinks was red tea, black tea or green tea and of course sweet juices that are freshly made with fruits and other delicious beverages.

Good for pasalubong, a tagalog term for "take home" food or things.

made in peanut,sesame seed and many more..

I also spotted this... Chopstick! This will be a good souvenir for those tourist who will make a visit this night market since it was also visualized food in night market. This chopstick cost about 100 TWD for 3 pairs and 60 TWD with beautiful cloth packing.

Zi Qiang Night Market was just 10 to 15 mins. away from Hualien Station. The opening was around 5pm to 12 midnight.

Any query you can just call this service.
Tel. service from Hualien Tourist Service Network: +886 38 322141
Location: Intersection of Zi qiang Rd. and Heping Rd., Ji'an Township, Hualien County, TW.

Note: Prices may vary from other store.

Amazingly Stone Art Display in Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum

Wo de pengyou ni hao? "How are you my friend?" Here was another strolling story of mine in Hualien County, Taiwan.

Hualien County, Taiwan was known for it's stone industrial. And as I know it was the home of the dancing stone because everywhere in this county you can see huge sculptured stones especially in park areas. And in this county you can see many factories of stones or marbles that's why it was known for it's stone industrial.

Check this out...

Back View of Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum : Night scene

In front view of Hualien County stone Sculpture Museum : Day Scene

Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum was the only museum that was dedicated for stone art carving. All sculpture that was being displayed here was the best and work collections from International Stone Sculpture Festival.

There are several areas in this museum which you can visit including:

• Collection area
• First planned exhibition area
• Modern stone sculpturing area
• Traditional stone sculpturing area
• Video/audio area

Beside from displaying the stone archaeological treasures, there are also gallery for the national and international stone carving artisan.

Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum. (inside display)

Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum. (outside display)

It was really a great pieces of art. I was amazed by this stone sculpture.

Picture below was another two stone sculpture gazebo. It was great because you can try the stone bench chair.

And the best of all was this stallion art. Who ever made this, it was amazingly superb for him. It was one of bloody effort i think. I wonder if how many days,months or even a year for making this. Just a big WOW for this....

Just beside of the main building you can see this Hualien map and you can find also other beautiful spots here in Hualien County.

There are two main building here, the left wing is the City Library and right wing is the Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum. The combination of the two building was giving the power of books and arts, right guys?

Who ever wants to visit this place, here are some information.

Address: #8 Wenfu St., Hualien City, Hualien County, TW (R.O.C)
Tel. Service : +886 38 227 121

Info. Credit : Hualien Tourists Servive Network
Photo Credit : Hualien Tourists Service Network(w/o watermarked pictures)

The National Symbols Of South Korea

In getting to know with other countries, firstly I simply look and read for their national symbols because this is how we differentiate nation to other nation,right?

Every symbols has it's own meaning and from it's own meaning, we start to know more about the country. I do remember when I'm in my Junior High. We usually memorized all the Asian countries in one of our subject. We memorized them not only the names but with also their capital and currencies names.

For this time I want you to know the National Symbols of South Korean.

Photo Credit: KTO Official Site

The Korean Flag is called "Taekgeukgi" in Korean language.

> It's designed symbolizes the principle of Yin and Yang in oriental philosophy.

> The circle in the center of the Korean flag is divided into two
1. The upper red section represent the proactive cosmic of the yang.
2. Conversely, the blue section represent the responsive cosmic of the yin.

>The two forces together embody the concepts of continual movement, balance and harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity.
>The circle was surrounded by four trigrams, one in each corner. Each trigrams represent the four universal elements: heaven (), earth (), fire  (), and water () .

Photo Credit : KTO Official Site

The National Flower of South Korea is called "Mugunhwa", the rose of sharon. Every year from July to October, a profusion of mugunhwa blossoms graces the entire country. Mugunhwa is remarkably tenacious and able to withstand both blight and insects unlike many other flowers. The flowers symbolic significance stems from the Korean word "mugung" which means "immortality". This word accurately reflects the enduring nature of the Korean culture, and the determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

In Philippines they call this as "Gumamela". And in Taiwan the word "hwa" means flower. This flower has many variety of colors. There are also single and double petals and there are small and big petals.

Photo Credit : KTO Official Site

he National Anthem of Korea is "Aegukga", which means "Love of the Country".

In 1896, the Dongnip Sinmun (Independence News) published various versions of lyrics for this song. It is not known exactly what music they were sung to in the early days. Records show that a Western-style military band was formed during the time of the Dae-han Empire (1897-1910) and that the "Dae-han Empire Aegukga" was composed in 1902 and played at important national functions.

The original words of Aegukga appeared in written form around 1907 to inculcate allegiance to the nation and foster the spirit of independence as the country faced threats of foreign annexation. Over the years, the lyrics went through several versions until they were adopted as the national anthem in the present form in 1948.

Before the birth of the Republic in 1948, the words were often sung to the tune of the Scottish folk song, Auld Lang Syne. Maestro Ahn Eak-tay (1905-1965), then living in Spain, felt that it was inappropriate to sing this patriotic song to the tune of another country's folk song. So, he composed new music to go with the lyrics in 1935, and the Korean Provisional Government in exile adopted it as the national anthem. While Koreans outside the country sang the anthem to the new tune, those at home continued to use Auld Lang Syne until Korea was liberated in 1945.

In 1948 the government of the Republic of Korea officially adopted the new version as the national anthem and began to use it at all schools and official functions.

To know more about South Korea visit this website.
Credit Info : Korea Tourism Organization