In the first half of 2025, AirAsia Philippines records an 85% load factor and welcomes 3 million passengers

“We’re proud to have started the year strong with an 85% load factor, 80% of which comprises domestic travelers. This strong performance signals positive growth for local tourism. We remain focused on supporting this through initiatives like the AirAsia Fiesta Series and and promotional campaigns tied to local festivals, encouraging Filipinos to explore and take part in the cultural festivities across the country, alongside our usual double-digit and P1SO sales.” ~First Officer Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head

AirAsia Philippines is pleased to announce that it has served around 3 million passengers on its local and international network so far in the first half of 2025.

With Taipei as the top international option and Puerto Princesa as the top domestic destination, the airline also recorded a great load factor performance of 85%.

AirAsia has boosted flight frequency on a number of important routes in an effort to maintain the current momentum in international travel. The frequency of flights to Kota Kinabalu has been upgraded from three times per week to seven times per week. Additionally, flights to Taipei will rise from 14 to 17 times each week starting on July 1.  Both business and leisure travelers will benefit from these changes, which are intended to improve connectivity and provide more flexibility.

As part of its commitment to reinvigorate  travel among Filipinos, AirAsia recently launched over 400,000 promo seats to boost travel during the late summer and off-peak seasons.

From now until June 1, 2025, travelers can book one-way base fares for as low as PHP 185 to favorite island destinations including Boracay (via Caticlan), Kalibo, Bohol (Tagbilaran), and Puerto Princesa. The travel period runs from May 5 to October 31, 2025, perfect for spontaneous getaways or early planning for less crowded adventures.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

Acer Unveils Creator-Worthy Swift X Duo with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs

Today, Acer unveiled the Swift X 14 AI and Swift X 14, two new models in its Swift X laptop line that are intended to provide professionals and content creators with dependable performance and a range of AI technologies to support their creative pursuits.

Powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series processors, the Swift 14 X AI enables seamless on-device rendering, modeling, and real-time visualization. This new Copilot+ PC is equipped to handle demanding AI workloads and offers exclusive AI experiences such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and improved Windows search, Cocreator, Live Captions, Image Creator, and Windows Studio Effects. The new Swift X 14 creator laptop ensures responsive performance for demanding creative workflows and all-day battery life powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2). 

Both laptops have Calman-verified 3K OLED touch screens that are calibrated to provide accurate and compelling colors right out of the box, and they are powered by NVIDIA® GeForce RTXTM 5070 Laptop GPUs with NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.

Acer Swift X 14 AI and Swift X 14: NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPUs, Plus OLED Displays

Creators now have two new model options from the award-winning Swift X line, ideal for creative professionals such as graphic designers, video editors, and photographers who need a powerful system in a portable form factor. The Swift X 14 AI (SFX14-61G) is powered by up to an AMD Ryzen^™ AI 9 365 processor with advanced “Zen 5” cores to provide fast responsiveness and endurance to run heavy AI workloads, while the Swift X 14 (SFX14-73G) is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285H to handle multitasking and demanding applications smoothly. Both devices have plenty of storage space for saving work files and content with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X system memory and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 storage.

These premium creator laptops both feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, to drive AI-accelerated workflows for live streaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, enabling new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Both systems are NVIDIA Studio-validated and optimized with pre-installed NVIDIA Studio Drivers for out-of-the-box performance. Additionally, the Swift X laptops support NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology to multiply performance and provide access to NVIDIA NIM Microservices – state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance.  

Creators and professionals can visualize their designs in lifelike color and stunning clarity on the Swift X 14 AI and Swift X 14’s Calman-verified 14.5-inch 3K OLED displays. With full DCI-P3 color range support, creators will experience impressive color accuracy in animation, photos, and video. The 16:10 displays deliver an immersive experience with edge-to-edge glass and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification. Acer Light Sensing technology vividly adapts color temperature and brightness to reflect lighting conditions. Both laptops’ displays are protected by smudge-resistant Corning® Gorilla™ Glass and are available with touch-screen options for intuitive controls. 

The latest Swift X versions, designed for creators, include oversized haptic touchpads that provide incredibly accurate feedback and seamless navigation.  The device's usability is enhanced by support for an MPP 2.5 tilt-enabled stylus, which enables users to easily take notes, design, edit, and draw.  Because of its elegant and adaptable design, they can be put flat, giving you more freedom to collaborate and work on creative ideas. 

Two TwinAir stereo ring fans, two copper heat pipes, and special air inlet keyboards are examples of advanced thermal innovations that effectively drain heat and keep both new laptops cool for dependable performance.

Ready to Connect, Sustainable Design 

The new Swift X models are designed for makers, with extra-large haptic touchpads that provide highly precise feedback and smooth navigation.  Support for an MPP 2.5 tilt-enabled stylus[] improves the device's usability by allowing users to easily sketch, design, edit, and take notes.  Their elegant and versatile design may be put flat, giving you more options for creative endeavors and teamwork. 

Two TwinAir stereo ring fans, twin copper heat pipes, and dedicated air inlet keyboards are among the advanced thermal technology used to efficiently drain heat and keep both new laptops cool.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

Stronger Together: RAFI Microfinance and the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) have announced an expanded partnership

“Since day one, our mission has been to make financial services more accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life. This partnership with RAFi strengthens that mission by extending meaningful support to our micro-entrepreneurs, especially those working hard in underserved areas.” ~Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, PGC Chief Business Development Officer

The RAF Microfinance Team was given a tour of the PGC headquarters, including the rooftop where views of Palawan beaches can be enjoyed.

The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), owner and operator of one of the Philippines' leading pawnshop and remittance services, is deepening its support for grassroots entrepreneurship through an enhanced collaboration with RAFI Microfinance, Inc. Through this partnership, RAFI Microfinance’s services will be made available across PGC’s extensive network of more than 3,500 PEPP branches nationwide.

By establishing a closer relationship with RAFI Microfinance, Inc., the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the proprietor and operator of Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), one of the most reputable and well-known pawnshop and remittance brands in the Philippines, is demonstrating its dedication to grassroots entrepreneurship.  A concerted effort to empower and promote micro-entrepreneurs nationwide was demonstrated by the contract signing, which took place at the PGC Head Office in Puerto Princesa.

“We’ve always believed that inclusive finance is a foundation for social progress. This partnership ensures that even micro-entrepreneurs in the most remote barangays can access the resources they need to build better futures for their families and communities.” ~Bobby L. Castro, PGC Chairman

By establishing a closer relationship with RAFI Microfinance, Inc., the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the proprietor and operator of Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), one of the most reputable and well-known pawnshop and remittance brands in the Philippines, is demonstrating its dedication to grassroots entrepreneurship.  A concerted effort to empower and promote micro-entrepreneurs nationwide was demonstrated by the contract signing, which took place at the PGC Head Office in Puerto Princesa.

PGC’s partnership with RAFI Microfinance Inc. bridges the gap in financial access for underserved MSMEs by combining nationwide reach with inclusive financial services to empower grassroots entrepreneurs.

As of 2023, small firms in the Philippines made up 99.59% of all registered businesses, contributing over 65% of all jobs in the nation, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.  Many of these, particularly those in rural or low-income communities, still face barriers to formal credit, business development assistance, and scalable financial tools, despite their critical role in the economy.

“At RAFI Microfinance, we are committed to breaking barriers that limit the growth of micro-entrepreneurs. Partnering with PGC allows us to deliver our services more efficiently and reach more Filipinos who deserve access to financial opportunities and security. And since our companies share the same values, I can say that this partnership is both strategic and virtuous.” ~Thomas Kocsis, Representing RAFI Microfinance, President and CEO

PGC continues to grow its position in providing millions of Filipinos with dependable, inclusive, and trustworthy financial services by maintaining its strong leadership in both physical and digital financial services.  By helping micro-entrepreneurs on their journey to greater financial stability and independence, this partnership further expands PGC's customer base, especially in rural and underserved communities, while offering services that are “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, quick, and hassle-free).

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and as over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

The Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets.

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

Irresistible Food at SM Foodcourt

There's always something cooking at the SM Foodcourt, whether you're craving something spicy, crispy, meaty, or cozy. The aroma there is so good that it makes you forget about your diet.  At SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central, the SM Foodcourt serves delectable Korean fare, fiesta-ready lechon, and flavorful seafood. The flavors are worth the trip.

Captain Calamares

Captain Calamares is the newest addition to SM City Valenzuela's Foodcourt lineup.  What began as a little food stand in Brgy.  Sto.  Thanks to its innovative twist on seafood street food, Niño, Cainta, Rizal, which opened in March 2023, has now attracted devoted followers throughout Metro Manila.

The key components of Captain Calamares are taste, texture, and that golden crunch.  Their famous calamares, which are crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside, are available in a variety of flavor combinations to appeal to both traditional fans and daring foodies.  The brand's culinary staff takes pride in combining traditional Filipino cooking methods with contemporary flavors to transform the common seafood snack into a mouthwatering experience.  Every taste is an escape to the sea, whether you serve it with creamy sauces, hot vinegar, or garlic rice.

Mr. Kimbob

Mr. Kimbob, another audience favorite, is right next to the Captain.  Mr. Kimbob, a mainstay for lovers of Korean cuisine, is renowned for its hearty portions, lively flavors, and dedication to authenticity.  Mr. Kimbob has mastered the art of Korean fast-casual dining and has more than 45 company-owned locations across the country.  Every dish, from the colorful bowl of rice, pork, and vegetables known as bibimbob to other beloved mainstays like kimchi, bulgogi, and ramen, is made using ingredients that are imported straight from South Korea to guarantee authenticity and flavor.

Beyond flavor, Mr. Kimbob makes sure every store follows stringent hygienic guidelines and provides prompt, courteous service, making every visit as fulfilling as the cuisine.  Go see Mr. Kimbob at the foodcourt of SM City Valenzuela.

Trusted Favorites worth Rediscovering

Sea Shack and Lechon Belly Kitchen, two SM Foodcourt treasures located a short distance away at SM City Grand Central, are prepared for their well-earned spotlight.

A seafood fiesta on a plate awaits you if you haven't tasted Sea Shack yet.  Every dish, from tender grilled squid to flavorful tuna belly, is prepared with care and is bursting with flavor.  Sea Shack's platters are ideal for people who want a hearty, festive lunch from the sea, whether they are dining alone or with a barkada.

Additionally, every order from Lechon Belly Kitchen gives a little celebration for those who enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine.  Their lechon belly, which is crispy on the outside and juicy and delicate on the inside, is a delectable tribute to the Filipinos' passion for lechon.  This recipe has the ability to transform any typical lunch into a mini-festival.

Whether you're into Korean cuisine, seafood specials, or traditional lechon, SM Foodcourt has something to satisfy every craving. From the new to the tried-and-true, these flavorful stops at SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central prove that SM Foodcourt dining is far from ordinary — it’s where delicious stories begin.

So drop by, take a bite, and discover your new food favorite only at SM Foodcourt.

Acer Adds Six New Copilot+ PCs to Its Aspire AI Series, Using Next-Gen Processors

Available in 14- and 16-inch laptop models with various processor options, powering AI solutions for smarter collaboration and productivity 

TAIPEI Acer today announced the addition of six new Copilot+ PCs to its Aspire AI range of laptops, demonstrating their user-friendly AI capabilities and adaptable features.  These laptops, which come in stylish 14- and 16-inch versions, combine powerful computing with contemporary designs at affordable rates, offering a variety of configuration possibilities.

Students, professionals, and families looking for dependable performance and multi-day battery life for their everyday computing demands are among the many people that the new Aspire AI laptops serve.  These laptops, which are Copilot+ PCs, let customers find what they need quickly and continue jobs more easily by streamlining workflow with unique AI experiences like Click to Do (preview), Recall (preview), and Improved Windows Search[].  AcerSenseTM, Acer LiveArtTM 2.0, Acer PurifiedViewTM 2.0, and Acer PurifiedVoiceTM 2.0 are Acer's proprietary AI programs that make it simple to control settings, sort through data, create beautiful content instantly, and enhance videoconferencing quality.

The Aspire 16 AI and Aspire 14 AI are ideal for travel, education, and mobile work because to their sturdy, lightweight, and thin aluminum chassis.  Because of their adaptable 180° hinge designs, they can be positioned in different ways or laid flat, changing the viewing angle according to the task at hand.  These gadgets may run for over a whole day without requiring a plug because to their long-lasting batteries.

The Aspire range comes with 14- or 16-inch up to 120 Hz displays featuring slim bezels, and 16:10 aspect ratios for expansive viewing. Touchscreen models are available for more interactive use cases. Each device is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, 1 TB PCIe Gen4 storage, and offers ultra-fast, stable connectivity with up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Plus, they are equipped with a generous number of I/O ports, including a pair of USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and MicroSD card slots. Each model is also EPEAT Gold registered[ ] and is encased in 100% recyclable packaging. 

Aspire 14- and 16- AI Featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT)  laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.

They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.

Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT)  laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.

They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.

Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors

Powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processors with advanced “Zen 5” CPU architecture, the Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M/A14-61MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M/A16-61MT) laptops are supercharged to effortlessly run local AI applications, breeze through tasks and workflows, and enhance device responsiveness while maintaining low power consumption. 

Combined with high-speed wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connections, these latest Aspire AI Copilot+ PCs have the tools to create, play and browse faster and better, with fewer bottlenecks. They also feature up to OLED resolution, VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500-certified displays to deliver immersive visuals. 

Aspire 14- and Aspire 16- AI with Snapdragon X processors

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M/A14-11MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M/A16-11MT) laptops are powered by the Snapdragon® X platform with integrated Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU, Qualcomm Hexagon™ NPU  and a  Windows on Snapdragon software ecosystem, offering reliable computing experiences with solid performance for creating presentations, web browsing, connecting on-the-go, or enjoying streaming content. 

These Copilot+ PCs feature WUXGA displays with touchscreen options, and provide added convenience with biometric security features; QHD IR camera with privacy shutter, USB4 Type-C ports, and speedy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

Ballet Manila's Pearl Year is a captivating Swan Lake performance by international ballet stars

“Esteban is the complete package. Last year, his performance as Basilio was simply perfect. But Siegfried is a very different character—elegant, noble, restrained. He has been a principal dancer for quite some time now, so his depth of experience, technique, and artistry will work all very well for him as Prince Siegfried.” She adds, “Esteban and Katherine have already danced Swan Lake together, so I think that they will, as a principal couple, be very effective in their roles. It is a very Russian ballet, so the dancing needs to be technically strong and artistically sound. But our dance company practices the unique Vaganova training, so the over-all strength of the legs and backs of the dancers are developed by the technique, allowing the dancers to hold poses well, jump high and turn fast. This is ingrained and practiced with the dancers in daily class and translates into everyone, especially the swan corps de ballet, moving as one onstage. What I am also excited about is Nathaniel’s impending partnership with Abi. She will learn and grow so much in her interpretation of Swan lake when she explores the choreography with a new partner like Nathaniel who, height wise, is perfect for her.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director

Dancers are shaped into artists by time and experience, and for San Francisco Ballet's First Soloist Katherine Barkman, returning home to Ballet Manila is a celebration of her heritage and her development.  She plays the difficult dual roles of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, returning to the stage where her career started, alongside one of the most renowned figures in ballet, Esteban Hernández, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet.

Esteban Hernández is a sensation, not just a guest artist.  Esteban, a trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, received his training at The Royal Ballet School and became well-known throughout the world for his expressive storytelling and technical mastery.  He has enthralled audiences all around the world as a principal dancer for the San Francisco Ballet.  His charisma and virtuosity were initially seen by Filipino audiences in Don Quixote 2023 as Basilio.  He now makes a triumphant comeback as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

For Katherine, this return is deeply personal. Once a principal dancer of Ballet Manila, she trained under Macuja Elizalde for over three years before joining The Washington Ballet and later the San Francisco Ballet. Now taking on Swan Lake’s duality with deeper insight, she reflects: 

“With experience comes more fearlessness. I take more risks—I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable. If there’s one thing I truly believe, it is that technique is to be used to express emotion. Every step should say something.” ~Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s First Soloist

With her strong foundation from Ballet Manila, Katherine approaches the demanding dual role with deep awareness, relying on her technique to convey the proper emotions for each character. 

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, having played the role of Odette and Odile during her prima ballerina days gives her full awareness of how intricate it is to mount a full-length Swan Lake. 

On Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, Macuja made sure to pull all the stops to cast two pairs of powerful main leads. Aside from Katherine and Esteban, audiences will see another take on the main characters with Ballet Manila’s principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro portraying Odette and Odile and San Francisco Ballet’s company artist Nathaniel Remez playing Prince Seigfried. 

Catch all performances from Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez on May 30, 2025 at 8PM, May 31, 2025 at 5PM, and June 1, 2025 at 5PM, and matinee performances with Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remez on May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025 at 1PM. 

May 30, 2025 - 8:00 p.m.

May 31, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

June 1, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. 

Tickets available exclusively through Ticketworld. Direct link to buy : https://bit.ly/BM30SwanLakeBuyTickets

For group or bulk purchases and advance reservation, send an email to : balletmanilamarketing@gmail.com

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Pinoy Pride Sets The Stage At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan

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 attracting attention and showcasing cultures from all around the world with a single, massive display of global expression!  The exhibition offers an invitation as well as an in-depth exploration of its dedication to sustainability, creativity, and cross-cultural interaction. This year, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" is the theme.

The occasion acts as a "living lab" for international cooperation and the strength of interpersonal relationships. With contributions from more than 160 nations and international organizations, the expansive location on Yumeshima Island in Osaka will host more than 150 pavilions that will highlight cutting-edge technologies, cultural customs, and innovative answers to global problems.

Photo courtesy of Pasona Group.

For aficionados of both anime and science fiction, Bandai Namco's Gundam Pavilion is a fantasy come true.  A life-sized interactive exhibit honoring Japan's engineering excellence and cultural exports is promised at the Gundam Pavilion.  The pavilion, which combines virtual reality, robotics, and immersive storytelling, is a lighthearted yet potent representation of Japan's technical inventiveness and global cultural influence.

With the Awaji Island Trip, Pasona Group’s Naturverse invites visitors to an adventure they won't soon forget! This experiential travel extension offers guided eco-tours, organic eating experiences, and a hands-on look at how Japan is fusing innovation and tradition in sustainable living to allow guests to discover Awaji Island, which is only an hour away from the 2025 Expo site. Highlights along the route include the adorable Hello Kitty Smile theme park, where the well-known character lines every ride and attraction, and the lively Nijigen no Mori theme park, which offers well-loved Japanese pop-culture experiences.

Presenting your boarding ticket to Awaji Island also gives you priority admission to the “PASONA NATUREVERSE” pavilion at the Expo. The Awaji trip offers a slower, soul-nourishing counterpart to the futuristic buzz of the main Expo.

Expo 2025 opened on April 13 and will be running for six months.The expo only lasts until October 13, so make sure you use the Expo’s Ticket Portal and plan your trips soon! With daily, seasonal, and passport-style multi-entry passes, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and personalize their Expo experience.