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Filipino hospitality makes mark on Taiwanese youth

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

August 30, 2019, 9:11 pm

<p>Taiwanese exchange students Peter Chiu and Elvira Wang</p>

Taiwanese exchange students Peter Chiu and Elvira Wang

MANILA -- Aside from the stunning beaches the Philippines is famous for, Filipino hospitality is one of the numerous things about the country that leaves a mark on foreigners who travel to the country.

But for the visiting Taiwanese youths under Taipei's International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program in Manila, it is one reason to come back and work in the Philippines-- to promote understanding between the two countries.

"I want to work here," said 21-year-old Elvira Wang from Providence University in Taiwan.

"Many Taiwanese wants to know the Southeast Asian culture like in the Philippines and Thailand. So I think we need to deepen the bilateral relations," she said in an interview on the sidelines of the Taiwan Night at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila on Thursday.

Peter Chiu, from Christ's College Taipei, echoed similar sentiments and talked about the Filipino peoples' generosity and warm reception of foreign students like him.

"One of the memorable things about the Philippines is how enthusiastic Filipinos are. During our visit, we went to Mandaluyong and Quezon City and when we were there, we had such a warm welcome," he said.

"It gave me a new perspective of Filipino culture and how lovely it is in the Philippines," he added.

The International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program started in 2009 and has become one of the major platforms for outstanding Taiwanese youths to showcase their talents and creativity to the world.

On August 24, dozens of Taiwanese youth came to the Philippines to promote Taipei's culture and to also build friendly relations with their neighbors.

The 24 students, who are accompanied by Taiwanese diplomats, went to different schools and government offices in the National Capital Region and engaged their Filipino counterparts through voluntary work and cultural activities. (PNA)

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