By Reisha Mae F. Valdez
Five days in Taiwan made me appreciate another country, but they also made me think about my own.
I went there expecting beautiful places, night markets, and food I had never tasted before. I experienced all these things. What surprised me most, however, were the little things that made everyday life enjoyable: the air while walking around, the convenience of the MRT, and the freedom to explore without constantly worrying about transportation.
These may sound ordinary. Perhaps that is exactly why they matter.
Walking around Taipei felt comfortable. The streets were clean, and I enjoyed exploring without constantly thinking about the air around me. It made me wonder why we sometimes treat a clean environment as a bonus instead of a basic need.
In the Philippines, air quality and waste management remain concerns in some communities, especially in crowded urban areas. People deserve public spaces where they can walk, breathe, and spend time comfortably. A city should not have to be a tourist destination to deserve care.
Then there was the MRT.
Getting around Taiwan was easier than I expected. The stations were organized, the signs helped me find my way, and I could visit different places without depending entirely on taxis. As a tourist in a foreign country, I felt confident exploring on my own.
This experience made me think about Filipino commuters who spend hours traveling between home, school, and work. For many, commuting means waking up early, waiting in long lines, and enduring heavy traffic before the day has properly begun.
Transportation is not simply about reaching a destination. It is about time, opportunities, and quality of life. Every hour spent on the road is an hour that could have been spent resting, studying, working, or with family. Reliable public transportation should not be a luxury. It should be part of building communities where people can move safely and efficiently.
Of course, Taiwan is not perfect, and five days cannot tell me everything about the country. I experienced it as a visitor, not a resident. Still, the trip gave me a glimpse of how much thoughtful urban planning can influence everyday experiences.
And, of course, there was the food.
Exploring Taiwan’s night markets and trying unfamiliar dishes became some of my favorite memories. Every meal offered something new, reminding me that travel is also about understanding another culture through its food and traditions.
Not every experience had to become a comparison. Sometimes, I was simply happy to be somewhere new, tasting something different and making memories.
The Philippines has its own beauty, rich culture, and people who make even difficult days meaningful. Loving our country, however, should not mean pretending that nothing needs improvement. We can appreciate another place without looking down on our own. We can admire what works elsewhere and ask how similar improvements might benefit our communities.
I returned from Taiwan with photographs and memories, but also with a clearer idea of what I hope to experience more often at home: cleaner surroundings, less exhausting commutes, and public spaces that make daily life easier.
Five days away did not make me love the Philippines any less. They reminded me that loving a place also means wanting better for it.
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