The Web Warrior

We landed the Taoyuan International Airport (TIA) after 2 hours flight. Unlike NAIA, their airport looked strange because there were few people you can see that time. The place was quite cool - more or less 20 degrees centigrade.

The band met JD, one of the staff of Yamaha, as band’s official tour guide, translator, coordinator and nanny… hehe. She was the one who accompanied us from airport to Sun World Dynasty Hotel by coaster and it took us almost an hour before we reached the place. Yamaha Asian Beat’s staff were waiting for the arrival of the bands and they gave our room assignments, Yamaha stuffs and participant’s badge.

We arrived in the hotel before lunch time so we have still plenty of time to relax and visit Taipei with JD before the welcome party at night. Aside from the band, Mr. Tom Garcia and Mr. Tak Suzuki, officials of Yamaha Music Philippines, were with us also. We spent our lunch at the Bangkok Restaurant and later at Taipei 101 with courtesy of Mr. Suzuki (thank you so much sir for the treat!). We really enjoyed riding the MRTs and subways.

After visiting the various places in Taipei, we had to go back to the hotel for the welcome party at night. At that time, participating bands were all there except for the band from China due to failed application of Visa of one of their members. The day was so tiring but also very exciting… at last all of the national champions from 8 countries in Asia got together for the first time!

View more photos of day 1.