In 2025, the Kaohsiung City Government will join forces with foreign missions in Taiwan from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Thailand to host a grand island-themed event! The “Sunshine Island Vibe Fest – Chill Philippines! Chill Kaohsiung!” will take place on February 22 and 23 at Central Park. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, along with envoys from the four countries, invites the people of Taiwan, including new immigrants and migrant workers, to participate in this vibrant festival. The event will showcase the warmth of southern Taiwan and the multicultural inclusiveness of Kaohsiung through food, creative arts, music performances, and sports experiences.
Mayor Chen expressed his gratitude to Director Ma. Karina Bercasio Perida-Trayvilla of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office for initiating the idea, which led the City Government to expand the collaboration by inviting other foreign missions in Kaohsiung. Highlighting Taiwan's close ties with the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Thailand, Mayor Chen noted their shared values of freedom and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. As a significant industrial hub with both sea and air ports, Kaohsiung is home to many new immigrants and migrant workers. The festival aims to deepen mutual understanding, promote cultural integration, and showcase Kaohsiung’s vitality and allure as an international port city.
Branch Chief Neil Gibson of the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office, Director General Masafumi Oku of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, Director Ma. Karina Bercasio Perida-Trayvilla of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, and Director Nutchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office Labor Division Kaohsiung expressed their gratitude to the City Government for orchestrating this groundbreaking collaboration. They eagerly anticipate fostering international friendship and cultural exchange through the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest.
Director Ma. Karina Bercasio Perida-Trayvilla, as a driving force behind the initiative, emphasized that the festival will showcase the vibrant culture of the Philippines, promote Philippine tourism, and feature captivating performances by Filipino artists. Branch Chief Neil Gibson underscored southern Taiwan’s significance as a platform for international exchange, highlighting a shared commitment to regional cooperation and friendship. He noted that the festival will unite people through music, culture, and cuisine. Director General Masafumi Oku praised the innovative nature of this collaboration, inviting attendees to “enjoy Kaohsiung’s brilliant sunshine at Central Park.” Director Nutchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit expressed hope that all Thai nationals in Taiwan would join the event and experience Kaohsiung’s international spirit.
“The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest demonstrates the close collaboration between Kaohsiung and foreign missions in Taiwan, as well as the city’s friendly ties with new immigrants and migrant workers,” explained Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs. The event will feature diverse highlights, including a multicultural market, outdoor lectures, music performances, and sepak takraw activities, reflecting the distinctive island and Southbound characteristics. Various city government departments, such as the Social Affairs Bureau and the Labor Affairs Bureau, will actively participate, while the NGO One-Forty has been invited to curate a photography exhibition. “We hope this relaxed and welcoming event space will foster opportunities for interaction and international friendship,” Chang added. Detailed information about the event will be available on the Kaohsiung City Government’s official website and social media platforms.
The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is co-hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. Special thanks go to ASE Holdings, the Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, Quilter International Enterprise Co., LTD., iPASS, FamilyMart, and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation for their generous sponsorship.