The famous Ysalina Bridge, or commonly called the Carmen Bridge, is the first bridge in Cagayan de Oro built around the 1930s.

There are places you visit because they are beautiful, places you return to because you had a great experience, and then there are places that will always feel like home no matter how far life takes you. For me, that place is Cagayan de Oro City. I may be based in BGC, Taguig today, surrounded by skyscrapers, busy streets, restaurants, offices, and the fast-paced lifestyle of Metro Manila, but a big part of me still belongs to CDO. I completed my schooling there, from elementary to high school and eventually college, so when I think about Cagayan de Oro, I am not simply thinking about a destination on a map. I am thinking about the place where I grew up, made memories, met people who became part of my life, and slowly became the person I am today.

Fare may be what gets a Davaoeño to open a ride-hailing app but it is rarely what gets remembered. Ask commuters in Davao City about the rides that stayed with them, and the conversation always turns into something else: hospitality.

Whether it's catching an early flight from Francisco Bangoy International Airport, heading home after work in Bajada, braving Kadayawan traffic along Roxas, or meeting friends at Roxas Night Market, the journeys Davaoeños remember are often defined by something much less measurable: how they made them feel.

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Terminal 2

Arrival in Taiwan: A Fresh Start

The moment I landed, everything already felt efficient and seamless. From immigration to baggage claim, the process was smooth and organized—something Taiwan is known for. But what really caught my attention wasn’t just the efficiency, it was the atmosphere: clean, calm, and welcoming.

First Glimpse of the City

On the way into the city, I noticed how Taiwan effortlessly balances modernity and nature. Even urban spaces feel breathable. Buildings don’t overwhelm you, and there’s this sense of order that makes everything feel easy—even if it’s your first time. But I didn’t want to waste time. After settling in, I headed straight to one of Taipei’s most famous districts.

HSR View

Ximending: Chaotic, Colorful, and Completely Alive

If you want to feel Taiwan’s youthful energy right away, Ximending is the place to be. The moment I stepped into the area, it felt like I walked into a live-action collage—bright billboards, street performers, endless food options, and crowds moving in every direction. It’s chaotic, yes—but in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. Massive anime murals tower over the streets, colorful ads compete for your attention, and every corner feels like a photo spot waiting to happen.

Ximending 西門町

One of my favorite moments? Standing at a rainbow-painted pedestrian crossing, surrounded by towering buildings covered in art and advertisements. It felt like I was inside a moving postcard—urban, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.

Rainbow Six in Ximending, Wanhua District

The historic Red House Theater in Ximending

Street Food & That First Sip of Taiwan

Of course, you can’t walk around Ximending without trying something.

I grabbed a cup of milk tea—actually, two—and just stood there in the middle of the crowd, soaking everything in. There’s something oddly satisfying about that simple moment: holding a cold drink, watching people pass by, and realizing you’re part of the scene now. Street food here isn’t just about eating. It’s part of the experience. The smells, the queues, the quick exchanges—it all adds to the rhythm of the place.

Xing Fu Tang  | No. 101號, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District

The Vibe: Why Ximending Hits Different

What makes Ximending special isn’t just the visuals—it’s the energy. It’s where locals and tourists blend seamlessly. Where fashion, food, and pop culture collide. Where you don’t really need a plan—you just walk, explore, and let the place surprise you.

It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be structured. Sometimes, the best experiences come from simply being present.

Ending Day 1

By the time I wrapped up my first day, I was tired—but in the best way possible. Day 1 in Taiwan wasn’t packed with a strict itinerary, but it didn’t need to be. It was about arrival, adjustment, and letting the city introduce itself naturally.

And if this was just the beginning, I already knew: Taiwan was going to be unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Your First Day in Taiwan

If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few things I’d recommend:

• Keep Day 1 light – Give yourself time to adjust and explore casually
• Visit Ximending early evening – Best time to see it come alive
• Try street food right away – It sets the tone for your trip
• Bring comfortable shoes – You’ll walk more than you expect
• Stay curious – Taiwan rewards spontaneous exploration

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle |  No. 8-1號, Emei St, Wanhua District

Day 1 is always special—it sets the tone for everything that follows. And in Taiwan, it doesn’t take long to realize you made the right choice.

More stories coming soon. Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!