“Make happy those who are near
and those who are far will come.”
- An old Chinese proverb
 My husband and I quietly slipped out of the country last week to attend the World Wide Health Conference in Taipei City. My husband, Dr. Joel S. Gutierrez as the chairman of Dental Tourism of the Philippine Dental Association, represented the country and was among the presenters during the international convention.
Medical and Dental Tourism is now the main thrust of governments of various countries and it is high time that the Philippines plays a pivotal role in this advocacy.
It is worthwhile to note that our Asian neighbors like Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, India, Australia, the United States, and other countries have joined forces in making Medical and Dental Tourism a part of their agenda. Health care, wellness program, and medical-dental treatment must be within reach by everyone, rich and poor alike. Alongside these is the propagation of the Tourism Industry worldwide. Yes, Health and Tourism Industries can indeed go together!
Pressures in my own profession initially prevented me from joining. However, as luck may have it, my training schedule for last week was moved to a later date. Thus, with my newly acquired visitor’s visa and a small traveling bag in tow, off I flew with my husband and I’m sure glad I did!
We wasted no time upon arrival. After checking in at the hotel situated at the heart of the metropolis, we started walking through the streets of this city that never rests. It was like walking in the park because of the fun and enjoyment you’ll feel moving from one busy street to the other. Department stores, big and small alike, are there to entice even the most reluctant shopper to buy. The restaurants, which are in great abundance, have an array of irresistible traditional food that even the most diet-conscious traveler will not attempt to refuse! Name it and they have it! They are simply delicious, affordable, and worth asking for more and more!
Career-driven Taiwanese
But most significantly, what I personally observed was the flock of people that come and go belonging to the different strata of the society. The Taiwanese people in general are career-driven, highly-disciplined, warm, and friendly.
My husband and I were able to meet a few dignitaries of this progressive country and they inspired us with their remarkable knowledge of Taiwan history and how it has evolved to be the country it is at present. They are firm believers in the strength of each and every Taiwanese in their quest for socio-economic progress and educational growth.
We also met the very young men and women organizers of the World Wide Health Conference whose love for work, commitment to their assigned duties, and responsibility to their respective tasks made the international meet a huge success.
Young students who walk through the streets at any given time seemed to realize at such a young age the importance of discipline and hard work. You don’t see anyone wandering aimlessly nor hanging around unnecessarily before and after school. You can see in their young faces a determined goal to take studying seriously and attaining their individual goals in no time at all.
Motorists and pedestrians seem to be in constant communication by way of solicitous observance of traffic rules and regulations. You’ll never be afraid crossing the streets of Taiwan even with thousands of motorbikes dominating even the main thoroughfare.
Communicative Skills
Perhaps what the people of Taiwan can continue to intensify is their fluency in the English language. It is interesting to note how they are truly trying to improve their English skills to efficiently communicate with tourists from different parts of the globe. As an active participant in the Training and the Book Writing Industries in the Philippines today, I can recommend the following:
- The publication and sale of more English books in Taiwanese bookstores
- The inclusion of more English courses in the curriculum
- The urgent need for conversational English training among service-oriented establishments like restaurants, department stores, beauty parlors, spa salons, and hotels
- The translation to English of signages found in places frequented by tourists
Taipei City
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is an energetic and vibrant city of color and life. Taipei is one of the busiest cities in the region and has an urban condition of Manila, New York, and Tokyo proportions. However, the city is Taiwan's commercial and entertainment centre, and Taipei is becoming a popular tourist city destination for its unique urban ambience. In fact, Taipei is one of the most impressive cities I’ve been to! It’s amazing to note the huge infrastructure, modern means of transportation, discipline of motorists in major roads, delectable food variety, and the warm people.
After the conference, my husband and I treated ourselves to a city tour together with tourists from India and Singapore. We went to must-see places like the National Palace Museum on the outskirts of the city that houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain. The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an impressive monument built in classical Chinese style. The city tour gave us a glimpse of the heart and soul of Taiwan that will forever be etched in our hearts.
One important thing that I discovered during my very short stay in Taipei is that no matter how the Age of Globalization has modernized this city, it has continued to preserve the richness of its culture and the bounty of its history. The people may have been introduced to the borderless society, but have remained to be calm, serene, but ready and able to play an active role in the Global Village. Language barrier may still be predominant. However, with the intensive learning and use of the English language, I see all indications that this barrier will soon collapse and will build more bridges to connect Taiwan with the rest of the world!
“Those Who Are Far Will Come”
As for me, Taiwan has indeed touched my heart and the desire to go back is there. My husband and I experienced a unique kind of happiness during our short stay in this country. As what the Chinese proverb said, “Those who are far will come.” Sometime soon, I see myself and my husband packing our bags to once again feel this magnificent place’s beauty, grandeur, and the richness of its culture. Besides, it will take only 1 hour and 50 minutes by plane to do so, and upon landing, it would be nice for us to again say “Ni Hao, Taiwan.”
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