As someone who’s an introvert, I didn’t think much about connecting with other Filipinos in Taiwan at first. I came here to work, save money, and send support back home—not to make new friends or join events. But after a few lonely weekends, late-night cravings for kwek-kwek, and moments when I just needed someone who understood Tagalog sarcasm, I realized something: community isn’t just a bonus. It’s survival.
Thankfully, Taiwan has more than just job opportunities. It has an active, growing, and deeply connected Filipino community that spans from professional networks to church groups, all ready to help fellow OFWs thrive—not just survive.
Here are some of the top social groups and networks that have made life a little lighter and more meaningful for OFWs like me:
InterNations: For Making Friends Beyond the Workplace
InterNations is more than just an online expat platform—it’s a lifeline for social connection. It hosts regular events for Filipinos in Taiwan, from casual get-togethers to interest-based meetups like hiking, food crawls, or learning Mandarin together.
Why it helped me:
I met my first true kabarkada here over a conversation about Sinigang vs. Adobo. We’ve been hanging out ever since.
Tip: Sign up on the InterNations website, choose your location (Taipei, Taichung, etc.), and check out their events calendar. The crowd is friendly and usually mixed with other nationalities too.
Philippine Professionals Organization (PPO): For Career-Growth and Advocacy
If you’re a Filipino engineer, educator, medical worker, or skilled professional in Taiwan, the Philippine Professionals Organization is your home base. Established in 2024, PPO focuses on networking, skill-building workshops, and community outreach.
They also have sub-groups for specific fields:
- UFEAT (United Filipino Educators Alliance in Taiwan)
- FEAT (Filipino Engineers Association in Taiwan)
- SIFPT (Society of Integrated Filipino Professionals in Taiwan)
Why it helped me:
I got invited to a skills workshop that helped me repackage my resume—just in time for a job opening in a higher-paying role.
Tip: Follow MECO’s official channels or reach out through community events to join PPO activities.
Little Manila in Taipei: For a Taste of Home
Tucked in the Zhongshan area is what many call “Little Manila”—a collection of Filipino stores, cargo and remittance centers, eateries, and sari-sari-style shops. It’s where I go when I’m missing longganisa or looking for a Filipino barber who won’t shave off my kilay accidentally.
Why it helped me:
I found a small karinderya that serves weekend halo-halo and it instantly felt like home.
Tip: Visit on Sundays. It’s the liveliest time of the week and the best chance to bump into fellow kababayans.
St. Christopher’s Church: For Faith and Fellowship
If you’re looking for a place to pray and connect, St. Christopher’s Church in Taipei holds English and Filipino Mass services, and also runs outreach programs and gatherings for OFWs.
Why it helped me:
I met other caregivers and factory workers here who became my barkada for Sunday lunches.
Tip: Attend a service even just once. You don’t have to be religious to feel the warmth—it’s one of the strongest Filipino communities on the island.
NGOs Like Ugnayan and Serve the People Association (SPA): For Support and Protection
When things get tough, these NGOs are there to offer free legal aid, counseling, language interpretation, and even rescue services for abused or exploited workers.
- Ugnayan Migrant Center focuses on building solidarity among migrant workers.
- Serve the People Association provides hotlines and support, especially for vulnerable migrants.
Why it helped me:
When a friend had issues with her contract, SPA guided her on how to report it properly—without risking deportation.
Tip: Save their numbers and keep a physical copy of their contact details. You never know when you—or someone you know—might need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most active Filipino social groups for OFWs in Taiwan?
The Philippine Professionals Organization (PPO), United Filipino Educators Alliance in Taiwan (UFEAT), Filipino Engineers Association in Taiwan (FEAT), Society of Integrated Filipino Professionals in Taiwan (SIFPT), and meaningful hubs like “Little Manila” in Taipei rank among the most active groups. Churches such as St. Christopher’s also serve as major community centers.
How do Filipino expats connect through online networks like InterNations in Taiwan?
Filipino expats use platforms like InterNations to meet and interact with fellow OFWs. These networks host monthly events, facilitate sharing of advice, encourage participation in hobby groups, and provide a digital platform for new friendships and professional connections.
What types of community events do Filipinos in Taiwan typically organize?
Common events include cultural festivals, religious gatherings, sports tournaments, group picnics, charity drives, and professional networking sessions. These events foster a sense of community and help OFWs celebrate Filipino traditions abroad.
Why do many OFWs prefer joining Filipino-focused groups and activities in Taiwan?
Joining Filipino-oriented groups allows OFWs to maintain their cultural identity, access peer support, share experiences, and ease homesickness in a foreign environment. These groups also offer practical assistance, from legal help to language support.
How can I find support and friendship within the Filipino expat community in Taiwan?
To connect, visit community hubs, attend events at Filipino churches, join online forums (e.g., InterNations), contact local NGOs, or seek out professional organizations. Be proactive in joining group activities—these spaces are welcoming and eager to help newcomers feel at home.
OFW Story: Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan Shines Among OFWs in Taiwan | BOCW
The video shows how OFWs in Taiwan rely on bayanihan to face challenges far from home.
Filipino workers support each other through tough times and joyful moments alike.
Community leaders and labor attachés boost this spirit by offering guidance and help.
Together, they create a strong network that fosters belonging and mutual care.
This story highlights the power of unity in keeping the Filipino spirit alive overseas.
Final Thoughts
Over 150,000 Filipinos work in Taiwan—many in factories, caregiving, construction, and increasingly, in professional and service sectors. And with Taiwan actively seeking more workers from the Philippines, these communities will only continue to grow.
But working abroad can be isolating. Sometimes, you don’t even realize how heavy it feels—until someone sits with you, laughs at your jokes, or hands you turon without asking.
So whether you’re looking for career guidance, a prayer group, or just someone to split pancit with, these networks make Taiwan feel less foreign—and a little more like home.