TAIWAN BEER. SHOES. Sweet Mountain. Facial masks. Naruko. And more of your favorite Taiwanese brands and products. Name it, they might just have it.

I’ll admit my bias: I love Taiwan Beer. News of more Taiwanese brands arriving in the Philippines didn’t just excite me; it made me reminisce about the days on our little island in Palawan, when Taiwanese businessmen gave us our first taste of Taiwan products.

That was decades ago, when I was a young boy who could only sip a little of the Taiwan Beer our adult counterparts enjoyed. It was only years later, when we were allowed to drink beer, that I really enjoyed their popular brews. But the chocolates? I still remember feasting on them! *Grin*. So tasting some at the “Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store” at Glorietta 1 on Tuesday made me smile the widest.

Filipinos can now buy some of the best products from Taiwan right here in Manila, as the “Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store” debuted in the Philippines this week with the theme “Let’s Home Party!” The store is meant to support Taiwanese manufacturers in exporting products to the country while giving Filipinos a fresh impression of Taiwan.

Authorized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) ran the exhibition to showcase products that appeal especially to younger consumers.

If you haven’t visited yet, it’s time: the week-long exhibit runs only until Sunday, May 29.

Most of the products are now available in select stores in the Philippines, while edibles like chocolates are sold at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

Josh Kang, Director of the Department of Global Marketing & Consulting Division of Marketing Research, Wow! Taiwan Selects, said in a press statement that, based on their study of the Philippine market, where the youth make up most of the population, “We were convinced about the strong market potential of the country, and that’s why we decided on a store theme that grabs the attention of young Filipinos.”

What’s in the Store

The pop-up store featured delicacies, cosmetics, fashion, technology, and modern household goods for a younger market. It was designed to exude a party-like vibe, with bright, energetic colors such as blue, yellow, and orange creating an atmosphere modern Filipino families would enjoy.

Fifteen popular Taiwanese brands were introduced in the Philippines, with freebies and demos so guests could get a taste of Taiwan’s best. We went on opening day.

Featured beauty and skincare brands included Dr. Morita, a facial mask brand that has sold 30 million pieces worldwide; Naruko, which makes natural skincare products; TS6, a globally famous probiotic brand for women’s health; Hydron, the top Taiwanese contact lens brand; Dr. Formula, a body and beauty care line developed by a professional medical team; and City Color, known for its affordable fashion cosmetics.

For lifestyle, the store introduced Filipino consumers to Sakura, one of the best brands in integrated kitchenware; KTV-Brio, the smart mobile product manufacturer; O’Ringo, a well-known handmade leather shoe brand in Taiwan; and Kimo Footwear, which adapts German design to Asian needs to make comfortable shoes.

Finally, guests indulged in treats and beverages from Taiwan, including Seven Seven, a chocolate snack brand that has sold 6.75 billion chocolate treats worldwide; Taiwan Beer, authentic Taiwanese beer in classic and fruit flavors; Sweet Mountain, which offers updated versions of traditional cookies and jelly treats; Royal Family, famous for its Japanese-style rice cake; and Yon Ho, a soy milk brand popular internationally.

The Philippines is only the store’s first stop in the ASEAN region this 2016. The “Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store” will next make stops in Indonesia and Vietnam. For more about the featured products, check out www.wowtaiwanselects.tw.