Landing in Taiwan felt like stepping into a bright new world, but I soon missed the buzz of Filipino fiestas back home. That is why I keep a close eye on Filipino community events in Taiwan.
From cooking smells that remind me of Sundays in Manila to simple chats in Tagalog after work, each gathering gives me comfort, new friends, and useful tips for life abroad. Here are my must-attend events.
Monthly Meetups by InterNations
InterNations holds themed dinners and weekend trips that draw thirty to sixty kababayans. My favorite was the New Year kick-off in Taipei; adobo sliders and an open-mic OPM set made everyone sing along. Check the InterNations calendar for fresh dates.
Philippine Independence Day Celebrations
Every twelfth of June I join the flag raising at the Philippine Representative Office in Taipei. Folk dances, potluck tables loaded with lechon kawali, and a quick chat with embassy staff remind me why I am proud to be here.
Barrio Fiesta: Summer Fun
July or August brings Barrio Fiesta to city community halls. Expect kakanin stalls, live bands playing Rivermaya covers, and lively palo bulto contests. Locations rotate, so watch Facebook groups for announcements.
Simbang Gabi and Pasko Parties
From December sixteen to twenty-four, I head to St. Christopher’s Church for dawn masses. Afterward the crowd shares bibingka and puto bumbong, then swaps gifts during a cheerful boodle fight. It is the warmest place to spend Christmas abroad.
Sports Meets and Fun Runs
If you love to sweat, join Palarong Pinoy tournaments in Taichung or five-kilometer charity runs in Kaohsiung. Telegram chats set game times and lend equipment, so you only need your sneakers.
Filipino Food Fairs and Night Markets
“Taste of the Philippines” pop-ups at Guanghua Digital Plaza and weekend food bazaars in Taoyuan bring pesos-for-pork-barbecue deals plus remittance booths. I never leave without fresh mangoes.
Language Exchanges and Karaoke Nights
Every second Wednesday I practice Tagalog and Mandarin in Ximending coffee shops. On Fridays a bar in Banqiao turns into a karaoke haven where OFWs belt power ballads. Watch Meetup pages for schedules.
Event Calendar Snapshot
| Event Type | When | Where | Highlights |
| InterNations Official Events | Monthly | Taipei cafés and restaurants | Themed dinners, OPM playlists, karaoke |
| Philippine Independence Day | June 12 | Taipei Representative Office grounds | Flag raising, folk dances, potluck |
| Barrio Fiesta | July or August | Community halls | Kakanin stalls, live bands, folk games |
| Simbang Gabi & Pasko Parties | Dec 16–24 and Christmas | St. Christopher’s Church | Dawn masses, bibingka, caroling |
| Palarong Pinoy & Fun Runs | Monthly or quarterly | Taichung and Kaohsiung stadiums | Basketball, volleyball, 5 K runs |
| Filipino Food Fairs | Quarterly | Taipei and Taoyuan hotspots | Pinoy snacks, mango booths, travel info |
| Language Exchange & Karaoke | Weekly or monthly | Ximending coffee shops | Tagalog–Mandarin practice, open-mic nights |
Why Join Filipino Events?
Reconnect with culture
Stepping into an event filled with Tagalog chatter and the smell of adobo is like opening a door straight to home. I feel my shoulders relax when I hear an OPM song or watch a tinikling performance. Sharing familiar dishes with new friends turns a simple meal into a celebration of who we are. Each gathering reminds me that our stories and traditions stay alive no matter where we work or live.
Grow your network
Community events introduce me to Filipinos who have already mastered life in Taiwan alongside newcomers still finding their way. Over coffee or during basketball breaks we swap tips on landlords, job openings, and weekend trips. A quick chat often turns into solid advice that saves time and money later. The network I build here also becomes a support system I can lean on when challenges appear.
Ease homesickness
Loneliness can sneak in after a long shift, but one Sunday karaoke session changes the mood. Singing a power ballad with fellow OFWs or joining a friendly volleyball game fills the gap that distance creates. Laughter and high fives remind me I am part of a larger family. By the time I head home, my spirits feel lighter and the week ahead looks brighter.
Quick Checklist: How I Stay Updated
- Join Facebook groups like Filipinos in Taiwan.
- Follow InterNations and church bulletin boards.
- Save Telegram event channels to my phone.
- Keep one free weekend each month for a surprise meet up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are events open to tourists or only OFWs?
A: Most gatherings welcome anyone with Filipino roots or interest in the culture. Bring a friend.
Q: Do I need to pay entrance fees?
A: Many church and embassy events are free. Food fairs and sports leagues may charge a small fee for venue or meals.
Q: What should I bring to potlucks?
A: Easy dishes that travel well, for example lumpiang shanghai or macaroni salad in sealed containers.
Q: How do I volunteer?
A: Message organizers on Facebook or speak to church staff after mass. Extra hands are always welcome.
Final Thoughts
Joining filipino community events in taiwan keeps my spirit rooted while my career grows abroad. Whether I clap along to tinikling or run a sunrise five-kilometer race, each meetup proves that home is never far. I hope to see you at the next gathering. Mabuhay!