Travel

Yumeshima Island in Osaka has more to offer this summer and fall! Check out the fascinating cultural havens on show at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, if you’re traveling to see the city’s well-known culinary scene!

Photo courtesy of the Tourism Promotions Board

Get another perspective on our home while showing up for our kabayan on Philippine National Day! Happening on June 7, 2025, at the EXPO National Day Hall “Ray Garden”, the celebration will spotlight the heart of Filipino culture through food, dance, and music. At the core of the event is Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination)—a stunning cultural showcase that brings the Filipino dream to life through vibrant performances. It’s more than just a show; it’s a moving tribute to the strength, creativity, and diversity of the Filipino people. Whether you’re there for the lechon or the tinikling, it’s the perfect event to invite your Japanese friends and travel buddies to experience what being Filipino truly means.

Osaka is sparking curiosity, spotlighting cultures around the world by showing it off with one big bonanza of global expression! The expo serves as both an invitation and a deep dive into its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The theme this year is: Designing Future Society for Our Lives.

The event serves as a “living lab” for global collaboration and the power of human connection. The sprawling site on Yumeshima Island in Osaka will house more than 150 pavilions, including contributions from over 160 countries and international organizations, showcasing emerging technologies, cultural traditions, and pioneering solutions for global challenges.

Photo courtesy of Pasona Group.

The Gundam Pavilion, presented by Bandai Namco, is a dream come true for anime and sci-fi fans alike. The Gundam Pavilion promises a life-sized, interactive installation celebrating Japan’s cultural exports and engineering prowess. Combining virtual reality, robotics, and immersive storytelling, the pavilion represents a playful but powerful symbol of Japan’s global cultural influence and technological imagination.

Pasona Group’s Naturverse invites travelers to an unforgettable expedition with the Awaji Island Trip! This immersive travel extension invites visitors to explore Awaji Island, just an hour from the 2025 Expo site, through guided eco-tours, organic dining experiences, and a hands-on look at how Japan is weaving together tradition and innovation in sustainable living. Highlights along the way include the playful Nijigen no Mori theme park, with beloved Japanese pop-culture experiences, and the charming Hello Kitty Smile theme park, with the iconic character lining every ride and attraction around the theme park.

You can gain preferential access to the Expo’s “PASONA NATUREVERSE” pavilion by presenting your boarding ticket to Awaji Island. In contrast to the futuristic fervor of the main Expo, the Awaji excursion offers a calmer, soul-nourishing experience.

Expo 2025 will run for six months, starting on April 13. Since it ends on October 13, make sure to use the Expo’s Ticket Portal and start making travel plans as soon as possible! Visitors are invited to make plans in advance and customize their Expo experience with daily, seasonal, and passport-style multi-entry passes.

2GO Travel offers special sea travel rates for cyclists and teams heading to Passi City event

Nica-Lim Tan, Marketing Promotions Specialist of Go For Gold Philippines; Jeremy Randell Go, Head of Go For Gold Philippines; Roland Sunga, 2GO Travel AVP for F&B, Ancillary, and Hotel Operations; and George Narag, 2GO Travel Senior Brand Manager.

The official travel partner of Go For Gold Philippines for the fifth leg of the Go For Gold Race Series, which will take place in Passi City, Iloilo, from May 30 to June 1, is 2GO Travel, the country’s biggest and most prestigious marine travel company. Cyclists and their crews may travel to and from the event in safety, convenience, and affordability thanks to the partnership’s exclusive all-in sea transport pricing.

As part of the partnership, 2GO Travel is providing participants with exclusive all-in pricing for sailing from Manila to Iloilo (departing on May 27) and returning to Batangas via Roxas (June 3). For athletes who are traveling with their bikes and equipment, the package offers a 50 kg luggage allowance and waived expenses for handling sporting equipment.

“We are excited to support Go For Gold Philippines in empowering local cycling athletes and fueling interest in this rapidly growing sport,” said Roland Sunga, 2GO Travel AVP for F&B, Ancillary, and Hotel Operations. “By providing affordable and reliable sea travel, we’re not just moving people—we’re helping advance Philippine sports, one race at a time, one island at a time.”

Organized by Go For Gold Philippines, the Go For Gold Race Series is part of a larger national initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing rising cycling talent across the country. The organization is committed to building a sustainable cycling ecosystem by providing athletes with opportunities to gain exposure, accumulate points, and grow through consistent competition. The series also champions community engagement, bringing cycling events to diverse regions nationwide.

“This partnership with 2GO Travel makes our Race Series more accessible and allows even more athletes to experience competitive cycling,” said Jeremy Randell Go, Head of Go For Gold Philippines. “We believe that supporting Filipino talent begins by breaking down logistical barriers—and 2GO’s support helps us do exactly that.”

2GO Travel is preparing for additional partnerships as it continues to solidify its position in sports tourism. One such agreement is with Sunrise Events, Inc. for the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City Leg in August. 2GO is making sea travel a wise and reliable option for sports teams and event planners around the country with its roomy, contemporary ships, onboard amenities, and liberal luggage policies.

Go to the Go For Gold Race Series website to make your travel arrangements: Sail to Go for Gold Race Series 5 Passi via 2Go! – Go For Gold PH.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

There are always new methods for Japan to surprise tourists. One minute you’re in Central Osaka, a city of parks, shopping centers, and excellent dining. Next, you’re enjoying the downtime life provides on the terraces of the Gate Hotel Fukuoka, exploring a museum of Japanese toilets in Aichi, or ziplining over fields after a local breakfast in Chiba. New establishments are popping up all throughout the nation’s several prefectures, providing a variety of lodging options and locations to explore. Here are four new locations that should be on your next itinerary if you’re searching for new places to captivate you.

In the heart of Osaka, Grand Green Osaka unfolds as a new kind of urban retreat, where city parks meet upscale dining, design-forward shopping, and slow moments of wellness. Days begin with local pastries or pour-over coffee on terrace cafes, followed by sushi omakase, open-kitchen steak dinners, or a stroll through the flagship stores. Below ground, the buzzing Time Out Market gathers top chefs to serve some of the best food across Kansai, alongside live cultural events and performances. Soak in a rooftop onsen, wind down in meditation rooms, or simply watch the city come alive in this new urban paradise.

In the forests of Chiba, the Farm Slow Mountain Narita offers a slower, more grounded kind of getaway. Accommodations include glamping tents, cottages, and cabins scattered across a spacious, tree-lined property.

Mornings start with fresh, local food, while the rest of the day is open for zipline rides, vegetable harvesting, or following an AR-powered trail through the woods. In the evening, communal barbecue dinners bring people together under the stars. Find beauty in the stillness of Farm Slow Mountain Narita, easily accessible via car from Tokyo, and via bus or car from Narita Airport.

Photo courtesy of ©INAX MUSEUMS

The newest addition to the INAX MUSEUMS in Tokoname, Aichi, Toilet Museum celebrates Japan’s design-forward approach to one of life’s most overlooked essentials that the country does best. Exhibits walk you through the history of toilets in Japan, from early wooden bowls to the high-tech fixtures now famous around the world. It’s a clever, unexpectedly engaging stop that fits perfectly into the INAX MUSEUMS’ larger focus on ceramics, design, and everyday innovation. The museum is accessible by a 10-minute car ride from Chubu Centrair Airport, or a 40-minute limited express train ride from Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

The GATE HOTEL FUKUOKA by HULIC offers visitors to Fukuoka a refined and serene experience in the heart of the city. The hotel is located in the top levels of a brand-new business complex and has a direct connection to Tenjin Station. Anchor Grill Fukuoka, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, features local ingredients in every dish, and its top-floor lounge leads onto a breeze-filled patio with expansive views of the skyline. The décor of the guestrooms are modern and well-designed, while suites like THE GATE provide views of Hakata Bay.

Every one of these locations provides something a little different—an experience you weren’t even aware you were seeking. When combined, they demonstrate how Japan keeps evolving and delighting—not by adopting fads but by subtly increasing the standard.

🌸✨ Vibrant colors, joyful smiles, and cultural pride! 🎉 The Panagbenga 2025 celebration comes alive with stunning performances, festive outfits, and creative floral displays. #ColorsInBloomAtSM 🌺🌻 

A vibrant display of Baguio’s arts and culture, this year’s Panagbenga has been nothing short of spectacular.

One striking piece is a dynamic lightning bolt, expertly crafted from brilliant yellow and blue tile fragments. This work honors Baguio photographer and artist Kidlat de Guia, who passed away in Madrid, Spain.

An onlooker admires the captivating pieces at The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, a key highlight of the event that brings the spirit of the Cordilleras to life.

The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, a major event feature, uses its artistic talent to capture the essence of the Cordilleras. Works by Kabunyan de Guia, Guiller Lagac, and Oliver Olivete—collectively referred to as The Mighty Bhutens—are on exhibit. Their works, which draw inspiration from National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, exhibit an impromptu, lighthearted style that honors the area’s rich cultural legacy.

Savor the flavors of Panagbenga 2025 at the Food Truck Fest! 🍔🌮 A must-visit for foodies, this vibrant gathering showcases mouthwatering delights from local MSMEs, bringing together great food, good vibes, and a feast for the senses! 🌟🚚 #Panagbenga2025

Discover unique handcrafted treasures at the Food & Crafts Fair! From artisanal accessories to local delicacies, it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pasalubong.

The Food and Crafts Fair, running from February 17 – March 03, features local MSMEs presenting a variety of products, including souvenirs, foods, and delicacies. The Food Truck Fest at The Drive offers a unique mix of tastes and flavors from local culinary entrepreneurs.

Painting Panagbenga memories together! Families join in the colorful fun at Family Art Day, celebrating the festival’s vibrant spirit through creativity and laughter. #Panagbenga2025  #ColorsInBloomAtSM

The Painting Competition at Panagbenga 2025 brings artists together to capture the beauty and spirit of the festival on canvas.

The Panagbenga Festival at the mall was bursting with creativity as participants of all ages embraced the artistic spirit! From vibrant paintings to hands-on family fun, the art activities brought inspiration and color to the celebration. 🎨✨

The Arts and Crafts activity sparks creativity among students from various schools as they repurposed past Panagbenga decors into sustainable art. Families enjoyed bonding at Family Art Day, while friends found inspiration from the scenic Sky Terrace view during the Painting Competition.                 

Bringing the Panagbenga 2025 festival spirit to life, cultural performers from various local groups fill the mall with energy, rhythm, and tradition—celebrating the heritage of the Cordilleras in a vibrant display of music and dance.

The shoppers enjoy the Panagbenga spirit and festive atmosphere enriched by music and cultural performances from groups such as Day Eng Cultural Group, University of Baguio BIBAK Ubbun Kaafuan, Paggawisan Tako Am-In from the University of the Philippines-Baguio and Gawis Culture and Arts Ensemble.

A tail-wagging good time! Pawstival brings together pet lovers and their furry friends for a day filled with fun, games, and adorable moments.

Fur-parents and their beloved companions struts their super style in a fun-filled costume contest. The Pet Pawstival kicked off with a paw-some day of bonding and laughter, creating unforgettable memories for both pets and their devoted owners.

Guided by skilled artisans, participants discover the beauty of traditional weaving—one thread at a time.

The weaving workshop, led by master weaver Cathy Ekid from Bontoc, shares her expertise in backstrap weaving. With the assistance of the Pasakalye Group of Artists, mall-goers try their hand at this traditional craft, contributing to the preservation of the art of weaving.

Art that speaks to the soul—visitors find inspiration and meaning in every masterpiece at ‘Hiraya: Dreams in Bloom.

Hiraya: Dreams in Bloom showcased a heartfelt collection of artworks that captured dreams and aspirations through the enchanting beauty of flowers. Featuring over 60 pieces from 48 artists, the exhibit highlighted the incredible talent of prominent Pasakalye artists, blending tradition and creativity in a captivating visual storytelling.

From loom to runway—celebrating the craftsmanship of our local weavers in the Blooming Weaves fashion show and Exhibit.

Blooming Weaves celebrated Cordillera’s rich weaving traditions through a stunning fashion show and exhibit. Featuring the Fashion Designers Alliance Cordillera, the event blended traditional fabrics with modern, eco-conscious designs. Visitors admired intricate handwoven masterpieces, showcasing techniques like backstrap weaving, pedal loom weaving, and ikat dyeing—each a testament to indigenous artistry.

A feast for the senses! Fireworks, glowing lights, and dreamy floral décor come together to create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Spectacular fireworks, vibrant floral displays featuring a dynamic blend of pastel floral designs, and striking gobo and light installations throughout the mall further enhanced the Panagbenga celebrations.

A masterpiece of artistry and agriculture! This year’s float parade was a spectacular tribute to the beauty of harvest season.

Residents and tourists flocked to see the much-anticipated Grand Float Parade on February 23. The crowd was mesmerized by the 44 exquisitely painted floats.

With a gorgeous design modeled after a cornucopia of abundant harvests, SM City Baguio’s non-competing entry as a hall-of-famer brought this year’s festival theme, “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” to life.

Discover unique finds and support local businesses at the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Caravan, happening at SM City Baguio from February 19-25, 2025.

SM City Baguio will host the eagerly awaited second phase of the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Caravan from February 19–25, 2025, bringing together a vibrant shopping experience and a diverse range of MSMEs and community people. Viyline and SM’s partnership seeks to support local companies and encourage community involvement, and the event has a chance to transform MSMEs in the area.

Viy Cortez, a well-known influencer and wife of well-known YouTuber CONG TV, will be a highlight of the event. She will attend the opening ceremony and provide enthusiasm and celebrity power to the occasion. Viy Cortez is well-known for her large online following and impact. Her participation in this project highlights how important the MSME Caravan is as a chance to improve the community.

A variety of delicious food products, like bottled Pork Sisig Barbecue, are available at the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Caravan, which travels to SM Supermalls nationwide.

The Viyline MSME Caravan is more than just a bazaar—it’s a collaborative effort to strengthen the local economy, support budding entrepreneurs, and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the MSME sector. By bringing together small business owners, influencers, and community members, this event nurtures deeper connections and encourages greater consumer engagement.

The Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Caravan cultivates a thriving MSME ecosystem through collaboration, support, and a dynamic showcase of local talent. Photo from the Viyline Media Group.

The success of the first leg of the Viyline MSME Caravan, held at SM City Bataan last January 22 – 29, 2025, has set the stage for a thrilling second installment, and this collaboration with SM City Baguio promises to take things to the next level. With the support of influential figures like Viy Cortez, the event is bound to attract a wide audience, further solidifying the importance of MSMEs in promoting community growth.

The Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Caravan’s triumphant first leg at SM City Bataan paves the way for an even more exciting continuation at SM City Baguio. Photo from the Viyline Media Group.

The caravan continues to SM City Dasmarinas from March 19-30, after its SM City Baguio stop (February 19-25, 2025). See the full schedule at www.smsupermalls.com.

Empowering MSME success at SM Supermalls

By offering premium retail locations and powerful promotions, SM Supermalls supports the expansion and sustainability of MSME’s. With the largest MSME community in the nation, SM provides comprehensive support from incubation to nationwide expansion, ensuring local companies prosper in a fiercely competitive environment.