Taiwan essay contest offers free trip to Filipino winners

Manila, Sept. 6 (CNA) Taiwan’s representative office in the Philippines launched a short essay contest Tuesday, inviting Philippine citizens to participate in the event, with the top prize being a three-day free trip to Taiwan. Titled “An Amazing Short Break in Taiwan,” the contest requires participants to submit short essays, accompanying videos, and photos, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines said in a statement. It is being held to “encourage more Filipinos to discover the beauty of Taiwan, the closest neighbor of the Philippines in the north, and to promote cultural and mutual understanding between Taiwan and the Philippines,” the office said. Each participant is required to submit an essay of no more than 500 words to describe why Taiwan is an ideal place for Filipinos to have a short break, the office said. “All aspects of any subject, including scenery, history, food, shopping, hi-tech, cheap airfares, short distance (1 hour and 45 minutes), leisure farms, medical services, culture, lifestyle, Taiwan-Philippine interactions, shared commonalities and values, folk arts, movies, and education are welcome,” it said.
Participants also need to submit one photo that relates to the beauty of Taiwan and a video no longer than 2 minutes in length that describes their essay and photo, as well as what impresses them most about Taiwan, the office said. Two first prize winners will be chosen, each of whom will receive a round-trip ticket between Manila and Taiwan, along with three days of free accommodations in Taipei, it added.