ZIPAIR now offers budget-friendly Manila-Tokyo flights just in time for your next Japan discovery!

the serenity in the middle of the city, anime lovers’ haven Akihabara, and newly established Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, to name a few.

From the busy capital of Tokyo, Filipinos can jump to other prefectures given Japan’s efficient public transportation. For the second half of 2023 alone, Filipinos can still catch Niigata prefecture’s art festival Echigo Tsumari Art Field 2023 with hundreds of artworks—making it the world’s largest outdoor exhibition.

Toyama, meanwhile, is thrilled to welcome visitors for its centuriesold Owara Kaze-no-Bon Festival, where spectators can witness the prefecture’s traditional folk dances parading through Yatsuo’s historic streets. The festival is scheduled on September 1 to 3.

ANIGHT of hope and excitement unfolded at Manila Hotel's Centennial Hall A last July 8 as the Rotary Club of Manila Magic and Rotaract Club of Manila held a joint Handover and Induction event. Hosted by Dr. Lee Roi Buenaventura of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic and Andrea Cuevas from the Rotaract Club of Manila, the event was attended by more than one hundred Rotarians, Rotaractors, and distinguished guests.

With the theme "A Galaxy Far, Far Away," attendees wore Star Wars-inspired fashion for the event that started at 6pm with dinner. The Opening Ceremonies were led by James Que, President of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic, and Arvin Reyes, President of the Rotaract Club of Manila, as they called the meeting to order.

In his welcome remarks, Rotary Club of Manila Magic Treasurer and Charter President, Charlie Chua, connected the theme to hope, reminding everyone that we could inspire positive change in the world.

The keynote speaker, former DILG Secretary and current President of the Rotary Club of Manila Raffy Alunan III, shed light on the campaign against malnutrition and child stunting, which requires immediate attention. He emphasized the need to address this issue, as over 3 million undernourished children are yet to receive support, especially within their crucial first 1,000 days of life. The areas of focus to combat child stunting include maternal and childcare, prevention and treatment, as well as sanitation and hygiene. Eradicating malnutrition will not only provide hope to countless families living in desperate situations but also empower the nation to build a brighter future by raising the level of functional knowledge and productive energies. Love, he asserted, was the catalyst for creating hope, as Rotary Club and its members found ways to spread love and hope every day.

Following the keynote speech, Rotary Club of Manila Magic Club Past President Atty. Gem Alegado delivered her valedictory address. She recalled Atty. Chel Diokno's inspiring keynote speech from the 2022 induction, which urged them to be servant leaders in their community. She thanked the people who played pivotal roles in making the past year a phenomenal success and shared the club's remarkable milestones.

She shared the club's achievements, including being awarded gold for "Most Outstanding President Phenomenal Leadership" and "Most Outstanding Club" at the recent district awards. She highlighted Project Edukada, focusing on women empowerment. The club raised over P100,000, supporting 10 scholars through the ERDA Foundation for their senior high school education.

The invaluable partnership with Young Focus, dating back to 2014, resulted in numerous initiatives throughout the Rotary year, including Global Dignity Day, Mental Health and Safe Spaces Awareness, Christmas gift-giving, and Tulong Abogada, a legal mission. After the two inspiring speeches, the new presidents and officers of the two clubs were charged by Rotary International District 3810 District Governor-Elect Joaquin “Jackie” Rodriguez and subsequently inducted to their respective clubs. The two presidents then gave their inaugural speeches.

Rotary Club of Manila Magic President James Que encouraged everyone to bring forth the passion, expertise, and dedication to serve while pushing the boundaries of what is possible and leave an indelible mark on our communities. Together, he said, we can innovate, collaborate, and target the seven areas of focus of Rotary International with unwavering commitment, while uplifting the lives of the youth and the needy communities of Young Focus and ERDA Foundation. As club president, he vowed to champion these organizations and rally the club to provide resources, funding, and volunteer support. Addressing the immediate needs of these communities and empowering them for long-term sustainability can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals, he said.

Rotaract Club of Manila President Arvin Reyes, in his speech, acknowledged the club's challenging journey, as they were on the verge of closing their doors just a year ago, left with only three members. However, against all odds, they decided to carry on their legacy. He thanked the "most awesome team ever," including three past presidents, whose dedication allowed the club to rise again. He also thanked their adviser, Rotary International District 3810 Assistant Governor Oliver Alvarez. He extended his appreciation to Rotaract Club of Manila’s sister and friendship clubs, Rotaract District Committee, and their parent clubs, Rotary Club of Manila Magic and Rotary Club of Manila, for their support. Despite being dormant for seven months, the club experienced a resurgence in the last three months, reaping awards and distinctions. He also unveiled the club's programs, including classroom renovation and expansion, provision of equipment, installation of water fountains/dispensers, and Project CREATE, Creating Resources by Embracing Arts Towards Entrepreneurship, for Rotaract Club of Manila’s community partner and beneficiary, Young Focus.

Following the inaugural speeches was the traditional fundraising segment called “Happy Money”, where guests were encouraged to share something that recently made them happy and then pledge amounts for the previously mentioned projects. Fifty-six thousand pesos were raised then and there. Presidents Arvin Reyes and James Que jointly adjourned the event, signaling the end of a magical evening filled with hope, friendship, and dedication. Although the event has ended, this was just the start of both clubs. More than anything else, the joint induction and handover ceremony commemorates the extraordinary gathering of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive impact in the world, leaving a trail of hope and inspiration that would continue to light the way for years to come.

STARTING July 1, 2023, Japan’s lowcost airline ZIPAIR has expanded its network to include the ManilaTokyo route, with daily direct flights between the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Narita Airport, giving more Filipinos a new convenient way to explore every corner of Japan brimming with culture and tradition.

ZIPAIR, which operates under Japan Airlines, offers attractive flight tickets while making sure that every passenger experiences quality services while onboard its eco-friendly aircraft. Its planes are equipped with free internet service, extensive in-flight entertainment options, and onboard shopping experiences.

Seating options are also being offered to travelers as its aircraft have full flat seats, giving more room for passengers to lie down completely. Manila is the latest destination to be included in ZIPAIR’s growing network. Aside from the Philippines, the airline also links Narita in Tokyo to Singapore, and key cities in Thailand, South Korea, and the USA.

Japan is home to unique and interesting customs, traditions perfectly blended with modernity and mouthwatering dishes that have become popular globally.

Just in the heart of Japan, Tokyo offers a rich mix of modern appearance, nature spots, arts, and historical sites— including the famous intersection Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky, an observatory that offers the panoramic view of Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine where you can feel

Filipino basketball fans are also in for a treat when they travel to Okinawa as they will have the opportunity to watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup live from August 25 to September 10. Aside from the international basketball competition, Filipinos can also enjoy exploring Okinawa’s nature adventures, local cuisine, traditional crafts like Ryukyu glass, music, and among others.

The number of Filipinos traveling to Japan has reached 277,100 from January-June 2023, which is almost 94 percent of the travelers in 2019 during the same period. Since Japan resumed welcoming inbound travelers for tourism purposes in October 2022, the number of tourists has been recovering.

ZIPAIR is committed to growing its international network, promising foreign travelers, including Filipinos, seamless air travel to the wonders of Japan.

GARFIELD MARKS 45TH YEAR . Garfield garments for kids continues to join in the celebration of the funny feline’s 45th anniversary at the Block, SM North Edsa with its presence in the activity on August 13, 2023. The event is a gathering of various artists and their Garfield toy creations and 45 memorable Garfield moments found in enlarged comic strips hung within the confines of the exhibit place. Also found at the exhibit are various Garfield items and merchandise including the Garfield garments for kids collection, solely manufactured and distributed by Canary Enterprises, Inc. The children’s clothing brand has released new designs of stylish and colorful clothes that are great for the finicky taste of trendy kids. The new collections include many variations of fashionable boutique clothes that can be used for special occasions or as an everyday wear and the athletic collection that comes in either pair of jersey shorts and sleeveless tops, set of perspirer shirts and jogging pants. Garfield garments for kids are available at all SM supermarkets and Garfield Botiques nationwide. Available also for online shopping through Shoppee and Lazada.