THE JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLOUDS

The Torres family had always dreamed of traveling together. Mang Canor, a jeepney driver from Cebu, and Aling Rosa, an elementary school teacher, had worked hard for years. Their two children, Lisa and Rico, were excited because this year, their dream was finally coming true. They were flying to Taiwan for a long-awaited family vacation.

- By Zaida Marie A. Tambis

When they landed in Taipei, the family was amazed. “It feels like Manila, but cleaner and calmer,” Mang Canor said, looking around the city filled with lights, scooters, and smiling faces.

Their first stop was the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Its towering white structure reminded Lisa of the Rizal Monument back home. “It’s like Taiwan’s own Luneta Park, Papa, but bigger!” she said, posing for a photo.

Their next adventure took them to Jiufen Old Street, a mountain village filled with red lanterns and narrow pathways lined with tea houses. The aroma of sweet taro balls and oolong tea filled the air. Rico whispered, “This feels like Tagaytay, but older and more magical.”