I'm curious, too. I have vaguely thought about going to Taiwan myself, having read about how big the mountains are there. Sounds fun!
I would suggest perhaps asking your questions on the Lonely Planet Thorntree forum website. This site here doesn't really deal with foreign backpacking much, whereas Thorntree is focused on world travel.
Happy trails, and feel free to share how your trip goes!
PS got any destinations in the Philippines you like for hiking or backpacking?