Food, Lifestyle

The JGF-ASHI Partnership Advances the Agro-Entrepreneurship Path of Filipino Farmers


The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has partnered with microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) since 2013. In 2022, one of the farmer groups supported by ASHI, AGAP (ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program) became the first group in Luzon to have delivered various vegetables directly to Chowking branches in Laguna. Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head said this progress is attributable to the change in mindset among the AGAP farmers.
 

According to 2021 data issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Filipino farmers continue to be among the poorest in the nation, with roughly one in three of them living below the poverty line.

The World Bank stated in 2022 that enhancing farmers’ access to financial services and markets is essential to raising their standard of living.

Through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), the Jollibee Group Foundation, the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, has pledged to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in the nation in response to the appeal to assist Filipino farmers. In order to assist smallholder farmers in transitioning from producers to agro-entrepreneurs capable of supplying corporate markets like the Jollibee Group, the FEP brings together stakeholders from many sectors.

“JGF has always been focused on pursuing innovative solutions that will make a lasting impact on the communities we serve and ensure food security and access. As we envision every Filipino family having food on the table alongside our goal to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ Zero Hunger (SDG 2), we find it important to uplift the lives of our smallholder farmers, the very people who bring food to our table,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson.  

To do this, the Foundation partners with various institutions that assist and advise farmers in every step of their agro-entrepreneurship journey to increase and maintain a steady income. To facilitate this assistance, FEP introduced the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA), which aims to achieve inclusive agricultural productivity by guiding cooperative and associations in the country in the clustering and collective marketing of their agri products.

Microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) is among JGF’s reliable partners. ASHI became an FEP partner in 2013, and they saw AECA as an opportunity to assist more farmers by combining it with their financing services.

Financial Goals

Arnolfo Pan, Area Manager of ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program (AGAP) Luzon, has been with ASHI for 20 years and has been part of FEP for 12 years now.

“Dahil sa FEP, na-encourage ako lalo matuto ng farming. Natuto ako mag-marketing at magkaroon ng negosyo at mag-set ng financial goals (I was encouraged to learn more about farming. I also learned to do marketing, have a business, and set financial goals because of this program).”

Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI also improves the capability of its farmer-beneficiaries through training, consultations, and seminars that aim to boost their confidence as entrepreneurs. ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters. 

Like FEP, ASHI also hopes to give the farmers a better grasp of the demands and makings of the institutionalized farmers market and the capacity to empower other smallholder farmers needing assistance.  

“Bilang anak ng isang magsasaka, tumutulong rin akong magturo ng makabagong agricultural practices sa ibang tao. Isa sa mga naituro ko sa iba kong kapamilya at mga ASHI members ay kung paano paangatin pa ang buhay nilang magsasaka upang maging farmer entrepreneur, at kung paano makakatulong sakanila ang ASHI dahil hindi nalang pa-lending ang ginagawa namin (As a farmer’s son, I also help educate people on new agricultural practices. One of the many things I shared with my family and my co-ASHI members is how to improve their livelihood as farmers by becoming a farmer entrepreneur. And how ASHI can help them transition to one as we offer other farmer support besides financial assistance),” Pan added. 


Empowering farmers. Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters. 
 

Farmer Entrepreneurs

In 2022, AGAP became the first group in Luzon to deliver directly to Chowking branches in Laguna.

Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head, said this progress is attributable to the AGAP farmers’ mindset change.  “Pag pasok ko sa department na ito at sa FEP, new challenge para tulungan ang mga farmers. Dati mas individual sila mag-isip. Ngayon, importante na ma-develop sila into cluster na merong one goal, one dream, and one mindset (Being part of this department gave me a new challenge to help our farmers. Before, they had individual approaches to farming. Now, we needed to put them into clusters with one goal, one dream, and one mindset).”

Currently, 94% of FEP farmer groups are certified under the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), ensuring that crop production complies with food safety standards. This was made possible by the mentoring and training they received from FEP and other partner organizations.  

30 FEP farmer groups nationwide have supplied the Jollibee Group with 11 million kilograms of fresh veggies valued at over P500 million in sales as a result of these activities.

Not only do these achievements guarantee Jollibee Group a sustainable supply chain, but they also improve the lives of farmers and their families. Pan proudly stated that he used the program’s assistance to finance his nephews’ schooling, build a home, and purchase a car, among other things.

Like Dorado, the AGAP farmers have become determined to achieve and scale their business even more. “Mas lumalabas na ideas nila. Pangarap na nila na araw-araw na sila maka-deliver, na maging mas maayos pa ang samahan nila dahil  nakikita na nila ang benefit ng ginagawa natin sa kanila na mapaayos ang kanilang buhay (They now begin to think of more ideas. They also have dreams of consistently being able to deliver and to have better relations with their cluster because they now see the benefit of the program in uplifting their lives),” he said.

May 31, 2024 by
Entertainment

The club hit “Ready” by SB19 and Apl.de.Ap elevates Filipino music to new heights

The ecstatic dance-pop track serves as SB19’s follow-up to their recently released bop “Moonlight,” featuring Ian Asher and Terry Zhong

Following the euphoric hit “Moonlight,” which lit up the dance floor, SB19 makes a huge comeback with another incredible collaboration with the legendary Filipino-American hip-hop artist Apl.de.Ap. 

With the release of “Ready,” a flashy club song that effortlessly captures the sound of summer no matter the season, the two powerhouse of Filipino music elevate the craft to a new level.

The tune features SB19 and Apl.de.Ap going all out with big beats and thrilling sound buildup, creating a confident hit with broad appeal and great crossover potential.

The Black Eyed Peas longtime colleague Keith Harris produced the song. Apl.de.Ap claims that Harris did a fantastic job fusing Afrobeats, dance music, and electronic music elements with pop music influences.  

The resident BEP rapper also penned “Ready” with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel.

SB19’s very own Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements. With party-starting vocals gliding atop carefully structured production, “Ready” highlights the individual strengths of both SB19 and Apl.de.Ap while nurturing their chemistry with pure, instinctive joy.

“We never got the chance to record together in a single booth, but Apl.de.Ap was such a great guy to work with,” shares SB19’s Justin. “It’s an honor to collaborate with a global superstar of his caliber. We’ve learned so much from his generosity and creative feedback.”

SB19’s Stell was also ecstatic about sharing how game-changing the entire experience was. “It was something new for the group. We appreciate the chance to delve into new genres and production styles that come with unfamiliar territory. But with Apl.de.Ap at the helm of the creative process, we’re just blessed to take on this assignment. It’s not every day that you get to work with an artist you look up to.”

SB19 and Apl.de.Ap

“Ready” by SB19 and Apl.de.Ap, is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

May 31, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Sports

In its third year, Vermosa Green Run becomes greener, leaner, and more generous

On Sunday, June 30, the much awaited running event with a sustainability theme, the Green Run at Vermosa, returns for its third year, promising to be even more impactful and to give back to the community in many ways.

The Run, which was started in 2022 with the goal of celebrating life and promoting health in the wake of the epidemic, is accessible to runners of all skill levels over a range of running lengths. Beginners can participate in a 3K run, moderate runners can enter a 5K category, serious runners can enter a 10K challenge, and elite runners and athletes in training can enter a 21K half-marathon. A 1K Dog Run where companion dogs and their owners can interact and get active together is being held for the second year in a row. In response to the demand for this enjoyable addition from last year, Green Run is expanding the number of places available for “furries” and their “fur parents” this year.

Fueled by its 2024 theme of ““Go Greener, Get Leaner, Give Back: Run Towards a Brighter Future”, The Green Run will kick off new Vermosa initiatives on its third year. To further the Estates’ advocacy for the environment, young athletes and animal welfare, Vermosa will implement “Carless Weekends” in designated zones to lessen the carbon footprint at Vermosa. It will also launch the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Velocity Running Club with weekly running activities for its members and classes conducted by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) coaches, to sustain a life of fitness and overall wellness.

The third version of the Green Run also added two more partner-beneficiaries this year. The Haribon Foundation will be joined by the Pawssion Project, a non-profit organization that rescues animals suffering from abandonment, abuse, injury or neglect and Takbo Kabitenyo, a running team from Cavite that aims to inspire the youth and promote sports and a healthy lifestyle. Part of the registrants’ fees will go to the support of future young runners from Cavite.

“The Green Run has always been an exhilarating experience for runners – be they casual, serious or elite. The freshness of the air in Vermosa, the lush foliage and the clear pathways have been hailed as real boons by participants. On its third year, the experience will be even better as the whole Vermosa Estate continues to blossom with new features. The Athletes House in the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is now accommodating guests, the FIFA-certified football pitch is operational and the new Ayala Mall Vermosa is now open with more food outlets. More importantly, the northern part of Vermosa is being rapidly developed. Runners will find more amenities and conveniences this year,” said Moses “MJ” Aragones, Vermosa Project Development Manager.

According to Mr. Aragones, Vermosa’s annual The Green Run demonstrates its dedication to the environment and to its vision and goal, which include encouraging sports and a healthy lifestyle. “We are committed to health, fitness, and the growth of Philippine sports,” Aragones continued. “Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is a state-of-the-art, professionally-managed sports facility with an Olympic-sized pool that meets FINA standards, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400-meter track oval, a football field, an athletes’ lounge and dormitory, and a Sante Fitness Lab.”

Those interested in participating in Green Run can register at ayalaland.myruntime.com.

May 30, 2024 by
Tech

Infinix soars to new heights in Q1 2024 with exceptional growth in its global market share

Achieving Highest Year-on-Year Global Market Share Growth in Q1 2024

Trendy tech company Infinix, designed for younger people, reports remarkable growth in the first quarter of 2024. Among all the major smartphone brands globally, Infinix has the biggest year-over-year rise in global market share, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. In Q12024, Infinix’s year-over-year rise in market share jumped from 1.7% to 3.7%, and its shipments of smartphones worldwide climbed by an astounding 150.6%, marking four quarters of steady and fast growth.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2024,” said Tony Zhao, General Manager at Infinix. “Our entire dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring young, tech-savvy consumers around the world the very best products at attainable price points. The launch of our highly acclaimed Infinix NOTE 40 Series and Infinix GT 20 Pro this year has been instrumental in our success, as we have strategically focused on addressing key consumer pain points, particularly in areas of charging capabilities and gaming performance. This has helped Infinix earn widespread positive acclaim and cement our position as a leading innovator in the global smartphone market.”

Infinix’s parent company, Transsion Holdings, has also benefited from the brand’s success, now ranking 4th in global smartphone shipments with an estimated 10% market share. Infinix’s exceptional performance has been pronounced in key markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia, and the brand has secured top 5 positions in smartphone market share in over 20 countries around the world and recorded impressive year-over-year growth rates. This remarkable achievement underscores Infinix’s unwavering commitment to making advanced technology accessible to a broader global audience.

Strong Regional Performance

Infinix’s exceptional performance has been pronounced in key markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia, and the brand has secured top 5 positions in over 20 countries around the world and recorded impressive year-over-year growth rates. In the Philippines, a key market in Southeast Asia, Infinix achieved a remarkable 27.1% market share in Q1 2024, ranking first amongst all the smartphone brands. This is a significant increase of 19.7 percentage points year-on-year. The brand’s success is driven by its active engagement in creative marketing, celebrity endorsements, and cross-industry collaborations, bringing new energy and competitiveness to the smartphone market.

Leading the Market with Q1 2024 Triumphs

In 2023, Infinix earned a spot in Kantar and Google’s Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Report. Additionally, Fast Company ranked Infinix sixth in the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 within the Asia-Pacific sector, making it the only smartphone brand on this prestigious list.

Behind Infinix’s robust global market share performance lies its alignment with the preferences of young individuals, evidenced by its innovative products and creative marketing. During the first half of 2024, Infinix captured significant attention from young people and gaming enthusiasts worldwide with the launch of the Infinix NOTE 40 Series and the GT 20 Pro.

These offerings included the introduction of the All-Round FastCharge 2.0, which aimed to address consumers’ demands when it comes to charging capabilities. Some of these remarkable features include 100W Multi-Speed FastCharge, Wireless MagCharge, and the Cheetah X1 chip supporting multi-functioning charging modes. Infinix GT 20 Pro, being the only smartphone in its price segment that offers a dedicated gaming display chip, strives to offer users an immersive gaming experience.

Looking Forward

The outstanding results Infinix achieved in the first quarter of 2024 are a testament to its dedication to providing cutting-edge and reasonably priced goods, utilizing a multipronged marketing strategy, and advancing technological developments. The brand’s outstanding performance and reputation around the world are a result of its varied and youth-focused marketing techniques. Infinix wants to provide people better products and services going forward. It will also be establishing new standards and aiming for even more success in the upcoming quarters. The Infinix GT 20 Pro, the greatest reasonably priced option for gamers of all skill levels, is also soon to be released. It boasts a vibrant 144Hz display for fluid gameplay and breathtaking visuals

For more updates on the Infinix Series, check out Infinix’s Facebook page and Facebook Community.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

May 30, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

The employee-focused culture of Eastern Communications has earned them the Great Place To Work Certification™


Eastern Communications celebrates its most loyal employees through the “Araw ng Parangal” longevity awards, honoring those who have dedicated their service from five to over thirty years.

Eastern Communications is pleased to declare that it has received its 2024 Great Place To Work® CertificationTM, a distinguished honor determined by employee input. Remarkably, 92% of Eastern’s workers said they felt welcomed when they first started working there.

The certification is based on real-time employee feedback about the company culture and the leadership practices that have been shown to produce market-leading revenue, employee retention, and greater innovation, according to Great Place To Work®, the world’s foremost authority on workplace culture. By receiving this honor, Eastern Communications is now recognized as one of the best places to work in the Philippines.

“Great Place To Work Certification™ is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Eastern Communications stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“At Eastern, we make sure we build a transformational community, one that cultivates our employees’ growth while celebrating each employee’s unique talents and skills. Our culture thrives on the strong connections between our team members, and earning the Great Place To Work Certification™ affirms all our combined efforts. This recognition belongs to our incredible Ka-Eastern family—whose dedication, passion, and relentless hard work truly make us a great place to work,” said AC Cometa, Eastern Communications’ Human Resources Head.

Ka-Eastern: Employees at the Heart of Eastern Communications


Eastern Communications earns two Bronze Stevies at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards held at Shangri-La The Fort Hotel, Manila on May 24, 2024

Eastern Communications, a pioneering Philippine telecommunications company, bridges high-tech with high-touch, emphasizing human connections. This 145-year-old telco champions a people-centric approach, deeply valuing its employees, known as “Ka-Eastern.”

The company’s Heart of Service value encourages employees to go beyond their tasks, fostering meaningful interactions with customers and stakeholders.

Eastern’s dedicated Learning & Engagement team alongside an internal core committee organizes various activities that focus on generating camaraderie, supporting a healthy lifestyle, and increasing employee satisfaction. These activities, such as fun runs, online games, community engagements, and celebrations, are done both virtually and in person. Through its Longevity Awards, the company also recognizes employees who have dedicated many years of service to Eastern.

Eastern Communications invests in the growth of its people through regular skills training sessions. By providing valuable learning tools and opportunities to enhance their skill sets, the company boosts productivity, empowers its team, and ensures everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Empowering its people also earned Eastern Communications recognition at the 2024 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, where the company won two Bronze Stevies for thought leadership and infrastructure initiatives.


[From L to R] Eastern Communications’ VP & Head of Product & Innovation Edsel Paglinawan, DSCN Consultant Albert Tuason, and AVP & Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation (NPEI) Delfin Lopez at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Eastern Communications’ Brand Communications Head, Hannah Lazatin, emphasizes how Eastern’s winning initiatives focused on digital transformation, future-proofing businesses, nation-building, and boosting economic growth.

Join Eastern’s Growing Team!

Job searchers are 4.5 times more likely to discover a terrific boss at a recognized workplace, according terrific Place To Work study. These companies also pay their workers fairly and have higher employee satisfaction and advancement rates.

Are you hoping to progress in your career with a company that values its employees? Go to Eastern Communications Careers Careers to view our careers page.

May 30, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Sports

Running for Change: Run2Plant Encourages Fitness-Based Environmental Action

The second year of Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas, a virtual run initiative by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding human dignity through community-based efforts to improve social, physical, and economic well-being in the Philippines, officially begins under the One To Tree (OTT) program.

Run2Plant, co-presented by Anytime Fitness and Pinoy Fitness, offers Filipinos a fresh, accessible, and ecologically friendly method to run, especially in honor of June’s Philippine Environment Month. RAFI promises to plant one to three trees with each registration, contingent on the run package selected by the participant.

Funds donated from the simulated race will go toward reforestation efforts in Batangas, with the goal of planting 6,000 native trees, expanding forest cover, and mitigating the serious effects of climate change, all in the name of creating a “Greener Pinas.”

Last year’s Run2Plant had 700 participants from different parts of the country. In partnership with the Bagacay Tree Growers Association, runners contributed to adopting 1,450 native trees in Borbon, Cebu, yielding a total of 9,900 kilograms of potential carbon sequestered per year.

Registration for Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas is ongoing. Here are the steps:

  1. Download the Pinoy Fitness App in Google Play Store or Apple Store. Choose and register on RUN2PLANT Virtual Run on the app.
  2. Select your preferred distance and sign up.
  3. Wait for the confirmation email and complete the payment process via online bank deposit. Registration fees are:

Participants can either finish a 5K, 10K, or 21K run at their own pace and anywhere in the Philippines from June 1 to 30, 2024 by using any GPS-tracking running app, watch, or treadmill.

Registered participants will also have free access to treadmills in 48 Anytime Fitness branches nationwide from said dates where they can complete the virtual run by signing up to tinyurl.com/Run2PlantAFRegis.

To complete the task, runners simply snap a picture of their performance using a treadmill or running app and upload it to Run2Plant. A Run2Plant finisher’s medal and completion certificate will be awarded to participants who successfully complete their selected distance.

Run2Plant seeks to make everyone’s future better and more environmentally friendly by fusing the health advantages of running with the objective of planting trees. Visit https://tinyurl.com/Run2Plant to sign up for Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas, and follow One To Tree on Facebook page for updates.

May 29, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

As per HK magazine, SM Investments is the best corporate governance-compliant Philippine corporation

In its 14th Institutional Investor Corporate Awards, the Hong Kong-based journal Alpha Southeast Asia named SM Investments Corporation the Philippines’ top company with the Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance.

SM has already won the aforementioned category nine times, with 586 investors and analysts from Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe casting their votes.

“At SM, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in keeping with our commitment to attain shared value for our stakeholders – towards responsible and sustainable development for the communities we serve,” said SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio.

SM Investments secured its 13th victory in the Most Organized Investor Relations category and placed among the top five performing businesses in the Best Strategic CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) category.

Fund managers with investments in Southeast Asia, big institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, hedge fund funds, private banks, equity and fixed income brokers, as well as buy- and sell-side analysts, were among the participants in the Alpha Southeast Asia survey. This year, the top 38 publicly traded businesses in Southeast Asia were identified based on their exceptional performance in the areas of corporate governance, investor relations, disclosure, transparency, financial management, integrated reporting, corporate social responsibility, and/or dividend policy.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] 

May 29, 2024 by
Food

Remember to leave space for dessert! Burger King and Nutella collaborate to create a new line of desserts, including the brand-new King Fusion with Nutella

BRB! Running to Burger King for the sweetest treats – who’s coming?

Dessert lovers, be prepared! The world’s most popular hazelnut spread, Nutella, ties up with Burger King, the well-known international brand best known for its Whopper, to create the all-new King Fusion with Nutella, which promises to satisfy dessert cravings like never before.

Burger King has unveiled its BK Dessert Treats with Nutella, a line of three (3) new goods that are a chocolate lover’s dream come true and are designed exclusively for people who enjoy delicious sweets. This new dessert series is fantastic whether you’re searching for the ideal way to end a dinner or just want something sweet to enjoy on a hot summer day.

The Star of the Show: King Fusion with Nutella

Building on the popularity of the BK Nutella Series, Burger King is upping the dessert game by adding the all-new King Fusion with Nutella to the line-up. This new product combines smooth, creamy soft-serve ice cream generously laced with Nutella spread and delightfully sprinkled with crunchy cookie bits – a sure way to create a textural and flavorful experience like never before!

The BK Nutella Series: A Trio of Delights

While the BK King Fusion with Nutella takes center stage, the BK Dessert Treats with Nutella offers a selection of sweet courses to satisfy everyone, no matter the cravings!

For the Classic Craver: Craving the beloved BK Sundae but with an extra kick? Get ready for a flavor explosion with BK Sundae with Nutella! This twist on the classic features rich and creamy Nutella swirled into a smooth vanilla soft serve, delivering a delightful hazelnut upgrade you won’t forget.

For the Waffle fanatic: Craving something warm and fluffy? The 2-pc BK Waffles with Nutella are your jam. These heavenly waffles with a soft and fluffy center topped with a generous drizzle of your favorite hazelnut spread, create a perfectly balanced, sweet, and satisfying treat that you can enjoy any time of the day.

For someone who always wants something extra:  Craving for a textural twist on your BK Sundae? The King Fusion with Nutella is just what you need! This special soft-serve sundae is taken to the next level with the addition of Nutella hazelnut spread and sweet, crispy cookie bits. Combining this mix of textures and nutty flavors, this dessert is simply irresistible. Just a heads up – it’s hard to resist once you try it!

Limited Time Offer: 

Indulge your sweet tooth as this trio of desserts is now offered at every BK Luzon store!

King Fusion with Nutella and 2-piece BK Waffles with Nutella will soon be available in all BK Visayas and Mindanao outlets. Get ready to indulge in dessert perfection found only at Burger King!

May 29, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Travel

Make Moves to Make Moves Walks in the Nature in Japan: Leave No Trace

Tourists strive to pack as many activities as they can into each day of their trip by planning ahead with packed agendas. However, occasionally we forget to sit down, take a deep breath, and appreciate our surroundings since our lives are already so hectic. That is the essence of Japan. We don’t realize how beautiful nature is until we pause and give it some thought. Japan has breathtaking scenery as well as charming towns; it’s the ideal place to take a moment to appreciate nature.

  1. Shosenkyo Gorge

If you want to take “the scenic route” to a whole new level, stop and admire the views of Shosenkyo Gorge. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, the gorge features a hiking trail that takes you through vibrant plants and rock formations that resemble Mt. Fuji and other figures. Speaking of the mountain, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Japan Alps should you take the ropeway.

To get there, you can go to Kofu Station, a 90-minute ride from Shinjuku Station. From Kofu Station, the rest of the trip is a 40-minute bus ride.

  • Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a walk not to be missed. Mt. Fuji towers over the surrounding view and its reflection fills the caldera lake. Coupled with the Hakone Shrine, the scenery is staggering. Few sights in the world are as breathtaking. You can also go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats or on swan paddle boats that are available for hire.

From Tokyo, Lake Ashinoko can be reached via the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, take a 35-minute bus ride to Motohakone-ko station.

  • Nagatoro

This small town in Saitama Prefecture is a gem waiting to be discovered. Its rich history is nestled in between mountains and trees. Taking a boat ride down the Arakawa River and riding down through the Nagatoro Gorge can soothe any soul, but there are also more intense river rafting rides for those looking for a thrill. Nagatoro is a town designed for outdoor activities and has something for everyone!

Nagatoro can be reached by car through the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or by train through the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro station, both ways taking around an hour and a half.

  • Mt. Horaiji

If you are in the mood for soul-searching, look for the towering Mt. Horaiji. It envelops a forest and lets you experience colors that seem hand-picked by a landscape artist. Found in the Aichi Prefecture, this mountain mixes nature and spirituality, perfect for an introspective walk filled with facts about history and Japanese religion. Only a mountain this majestic can remind us that life is bigger than the things we do and that the beauty of the natural world is unmatched. Horaiji Temple located on the mountain was built in 703 and is believed to have curative powers.

Get to Mt. Horaiji by local bus from Hon-Nagashino Station, or by shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station, transferring to the JR Iida Line to Hon-Nagashino Station.

  • Nunobiki Falls

Nunobiki Falls may be reached by using a meandering path that winds beyond Shin-Kobe Station, passing a few homes and an odd local. One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan; the trek is worthwhile because of the vista from the top. There are several informative signs in English and a herb garden, making it a serene location. The Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway can be used to reach the top of the waterfall and provide an unparalleled perspective of the surrounding vegetation. The location offers a distinctive opportunity to experience peace with nature because it is remote from the typical bustle of Japan.

You may travel from Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station in about 12 minutes by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The falls are 20 minutes’ trek away from there.

Even if racing through urban jungles on vacation is exciting, there are moments when all we need to do is pause and take in the beauty. For those who take the time to search, Japan is blessed with a plethora of natural beauties. Anyone can create amazing memories and capture amazing photos with a little preparation, a talent for scrutiny, and a sense of adventure. To truly enjoy nature, one must seek it out, and in Japan, the land of boundless discovery, there is always more to see.

May 29, 2024 by
Food

Before flights, RACKS and Tenya are serving bites!

Fortunately, you now have one less problem to worry about on the day of the flight: what to eat! Travel days can be really stressful! Take a moment to say farewell over a delicious supper at Tenya or RACKS before you head off into the big wide world. Tenya and RACKS are the ideal pleasure to return home to if you are arriving. I’m so delighted that my favorite restaurants are now very easy to access and convenient, especially if you’re craving something great to eat while waiting for your flight. I’m such a huge fan of Japanese foods; that’s why I do love Tenya, as they serve authentic and delicious Japanese foods. On the other hand, RACKS, one of the OGs, always serves the delicious staple. They are now ready to serve as we head to our destinations and or as we return home from our wonderful trips.

I enjoyed eating during the launch of Racks and Tenya at NAIA Terminal 3

In NAIA Terminal 3’s Food Hall, RACKS and Tenya have opened for business! You can now pick between two more delectable stops prior to flights. Arrivals can sample their specialty staples during their welcome lunch, which is served directly in the airport.

If you are in the mood for classic American fare, family-style ribs with all the trimmings, then head over to RACKS! It’s the perfect place to have one more bonding moment with your loved ones before boarding or as soon as you arrive.


Photo from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Facebook Page
 

Is Japanese dining more your style? Are you looking for something hearty to keep you energized for your travels? Then be sure to stop at Tenya for authentic Japanese tempura. You’ll want to fill up on something succulent and delicious before you face a long plane ride.

RACKS is the perfect family restaurant for a reunion! It’s been serving ribs for over 20 years in the Philippines. Tenya is the number one tempura tendon restaurant in Japan. Together, they are a formidable new addition to the Terminal 3 Food Hall.

“These new restaurants in NAIA are a great move for us at RACKS and Tenya. We are proud that the Philippines is showcasing our food in the gateway to the globe,” said Cavallino Inc. Managing Director, Chukri Prieto.


Photo from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Facebook Pag
This new location hopes to see traffic from both Filipino and foreign travelers, balikbayans and tourists alike. RACKS and Tenya, both have long track records of proving themselves as favorites for Filipinos and will be tantalizing new options in the airport.

“We want to be where the action is and give travelers a good, reliable place to say goodbye, get ready for a flight, or even a place to welcome someone to Manila.” General Manager, Iggy Ramos said of the move.

These branches of RACKS and Tenya will feature special sections for all-day breakfast with drip coffee or tea from Twinings. There will also be a Stuff N’ Go Section with to-go items and souvenirs for anyone who needs something last minute before rushing over to their gate.

“It’s important to us that travelers have a nice place to welcome people home or see them off, all while enjoying food they know will deliver every time.” says Denise Ramos, Director for Operations.

Two trips to Japan were given away during the opening ceremony. Travelers from all over the world will soon be delighted by the meals that the invited personalities and guest the media had a fantastic time sampling. Having delicious cuisine in a convenient location when saying farewell to loved ones, welcoming them home, or just having a bite to eat will improve any traveler’s spirits, no matter how they are feeling. Enjoy your last supper at Tenya or RACKS in the L4 Food Hall at NAIA Terminal 3, or host a welcome-home reunion!

Visit www.racks.ph and www.tenya.com.ph for additional information about RACKS and Tenya. You can also follow RACKS and Tenya on Facebook at RACKS and Tenya Philippines and on Instagram at @racks.ph and @tenyaph. Additionally, Foodpanda, GrabFood, Pickaroo, and SM Malls provide RACKS and Tenya for purchase online.

May 27, 2024 by