Global call for proposals for “Go Green with Taiwan” campaign launched today

With the success of its “Sharing is Caring” campaign more than three years ago, the Taiwan International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (TITA, MOEA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) launched today another global contest where anyone can submit program ideas aimed at making the world green again through the use of Taiwan products.

Called “Go Green with Taiwan,” the global sustainability program concept contest, hopes to inspire any group to come up with interesting ideas that will foster technological cooperation in making an environmentally and economically sustainable future possible, using products and solutions from Taiwan, a country that has achieved global renown for technologically advanced and life-changing innovations.

“Go Green with Taiwan” contest is open to participants who are either part of a company or any institution, such as colleges or universities, non-government organizations, public associations, among others. Submission of entries is made convenient by just filling out the online form and questionnaire: https://gogreen.surveycake.biz/s/eLGWV.

All submitted proposals will go through a qualification phase and will be reviewed further by a panel of environmental sustainability experts until the grand finals. Proposals will be evaluated for their excellence in four (4) categories: environmental and economic sustainability, feasibility, innovation, and the relevant use of products or solutions from Taiwan.

A total of Six finalists will get free round-trip tickets to Taiwan, including accommodations and other travel expenses. Three of the most outstanding proposals shall receive US$20,000 as prize money. The deadline for submission of proposals is on August 31, 2024. Winners will be announced by late December 2024.

According to TAITRA Chairman James Huang, they collectively promote the stories of Taiwanese enterprises' pursuit of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects to the international community. Go Green with Taiwan serves as an important gateway for international partners to first understand Taiwan's path to sustainability, where people around the world can learn how to find suitable partners in Taiwan for the future.

“Through the global call for proposals, we aspire not only to pursue business and technical cooperation but also to encourage Taiwanese industries to understand global sustainability issues and go international, creating more touching stories,” TAITRA Chairman Huang added.

Ms. Cynthia Kiang, General Director of TITA, emphasizes that with the specter of global climate change and rising energy demands facing the world today, many countries agree that developing green energy and a sustainable economy has become even more imperative, with carbon reduction and green sustainability as vital components in this crucial mission.

“To achieve this important goal, the government will actively collaborate closely with industries. Facing the climate crisis, we must resolutely implement the net-zero transition and promote ‘net-zero emissions’ and ‘clean energy’ without delay,” TITA General Director Kiang said.

She pointed out that Taiwan’s green industry boasts of advanced technologies, abundant software and hardware resources, a well-established R&D environment, and high-quality talent, that can produce stable and high value-added green materials and related products, making it an ideal partner for the international development of green energy and a sustainable economy, Ms. Kiang said in her remarks during the launch.

Dir. Kiang also emphasized that “Go Green with Taiwan” will fully showcase the joint efforts of the international community and Taiwan towards the sustainable development of the Earth, while the government will also continue to assist businesses and strive for more green business opportunities for them. “We firmly believe that Taiwan can contribute more to the international promotion of the sustainable green energy industry and make its significant contribution to environmental sustainability.”

For more details about “Go Green with Taiwan,” visit https://gogreen.taiwanexcellence.org/. For updates on “Go Green with Taiwan” activities, follow Taiwan Excellence on Facebook and InstagramInstagram.

8 Things You Need to Know about Citadines Bacolod

Citadines Bacolod is finally open! This is a huge win to have world-class service apartments and another culinary destination in the city. In fact, this is the biggest hotel now here in Bacolod since the property has around 200 rooms. (I think the other hotels have approximately 150+ only)  and I am sure this can make a huge difference as we celebrate the Masskara festival this October. 

In case you are planning to have a big event, Citadines also has a ballroom that can accommodate 640 persons for a round table set-up. They also have four (4) function rooms for smaller events and 5 food and beverage restaurants.

Anyway, let me share with you 8 things that you need to know about Citadines Bacolod

1. ART INSTALLATION - There is a beautiful and huge art installation (around 6x3 meters) in the hotel property called BUGLAS that is a must-see and it's IG-worthy. 

According to the FB post of the NVC Foundation, this mural is a modern Buglas--a slice of the province’s history and culture: Rising from the once monocrop industry of sugar that was both blessing and the opposite for the province, new ways of earning have emerged. Giant shrimps and fish jump out of the waters of Buglas. Weeds and leaves are intertwined and transformed into functional forms and art. Food that graced local tables of old has become fare for the world’s palate. New ways and movements are present from cycling up its hills to diving deep into the province’s waters. Yet the glory of structures of the past and the stories of its people weave through this piece of art, topped by the majestic Mount Kanlaon.

This masterpiece is a livelihood project of NVC Foundation which was especially created for Citadines Bacolod City. It took artisans four months to complete this project and it was crafted out of broken ceramic tile pieces, discarded Nespresso coffee capsules, capiz shell trimmings and broken glass. 

2. FLEXIBILITY AND OPTIONS - One thing I noticed is that Citadines offers a lot of options for the guests, giving you room for flexibility even with the "smallest" things. 

• ELEVATOR OR ESCALATOR - They actually have both in the property so, everyone can move with ease. (By the way, the elevators are fast) 
• FOOD OPTIONS - Aside from the hotel's 5 different food and beverage restaurants, most of the rooms are equipped with a kitchenette with a full size refrigerator, an induction cooker, microwave, water kettle, plates and utensils. So, you also have the option to cook your favorite meals without restrictions. There's even a can opener and cork screw for your convenience. It's just like bringing your home kitchen with you. It is so complete that I am impressed with their attention to detail. 
• SERVICED APARTMENT OR HOTEL ROOM - If you just want a regular hotel room without the kitchenette and other amenities, then, their studio room is perfect for you. 

3.  TOILET FACILITIES - We know that this is a deal-breaker for some and yes, we'd like to confirm that they have a bidet available. Toiletries such shampoo, conditioner, dental kits and even a razor are provided. 

4. LAUNDERETTE - If you are staying with long-term or you are traveling with kids, having laundry service is very helpful. Though most hotels offer this, let's admit it that it is quite expensive since they charge per piece. Citadines addresses this concern by providing a common laundry area that you can use for a minimal fee per load and not per piece of clothing. There's also a flat iron and ironing board available. 

And what's even better - if you book their one or two bedroom deluxe, it has a washing machine inside so, you don't have to pay extra and you can just do the laundry inside your room.

5. COMPLIMENTARY WATER - They don't just provide you with two small complimentary bottled water like what most hotels do. Instead, they provide you with a 2.5L water gallon that you can use both for drinking and cooking. We actually love this idea since it minimizes the need for single use plastics + they are refillable. (So, yey for eco-friendly initiatives) 

6. SWIMMING POOLS - Their swimming pools are family-friendly. The kiddle pool is around 2 ft deep while the adult pool is around 4 ft. There's also a bar near pool area. We are yet to try their pizzas but they look really delicious. 

7. BOOK DIRECT -  Looking for the best rates? It's best to book direct. We compared all the other hotel booking websites and yes, it's cheaper if we book directly with Citadines. Not to mention, they also offer a price guarantee. 

This means that in the unlikely event that you find a lower rate through another booking website within 24 hours of your confirmed booking, Citadines will honour the lower rate and reward you with 10X ASR Points. 

Just go to this link: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/philippines/citadines-bacolod-city

8. ASR POINTS - Lastly, let us not for get about Ascott's loyalty program called Ascott Star Rewards which allows you to earn points and redeem rewards, access exclusive discounts and enjoy late check-out privileges and a lot more. The best part? Joining is absolutely FREE and you can register right now via this link:  https://www.discoverasr.com/en/sign-up 

P.S. We are adding this here since someone messaged us --- 

Though they served lobster during the grand opening, currently, they DO NOT have lobsters in their regular menu. We will keep you posted once we get a copy of their menu.