Hidden Gems in Japan and South Korea: Must-Visit Spots for Filipinos in 2025

Planning your next travel adventure? Japan and South Korea remain popular destinations, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Agoda noted that they are some of the countries most visited by Filipinos.  Interestingly, 2025 marks a year of exploration, with an Agoda survey revealing that 84% of travelers are eager to discover new destinations. This trend adds to the allure of exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path locations within Japan and South Korea, offering fresh experiences in these beloved destinations, especially if you’ve been here a couple of times.

For those seeking unique experiences away from the usual crowds, these spots in Japan and South Korea offer the perfect opportunity to explore something fresh and extraordinary. Both countries offer a blend of traditional and modern experiences that resonate deeply with Filipino travelers, who appreciate the accessibility, vibrant cities, and family-friendly attractions. For 2025, consider adding these hidden gems to your travel list for a unique and unforgettable experience.

GH Mall hosts first Lion Dance Competition with P100K grand prize for Chinese New Year

As we welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake this coming Chinese New Year, many are already preparing to celebrate this auspicious holiday. If you’re eager to experience the festivities early, GH Mall, in partnership with Pawchester and Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group, is hosting the country’s first-ever Lion Dance Competition with a grand prize of P100,000 at the East Wing Atrium on January 19, 2025.

The exhilarating competition will feature 10 Lion Dance teams from the Chinese community. They will showcase their talent and creativity in adding their own flare to the well-known cultural performance. It will be a display of impressive acrobatic stunts, colorful props, and heart-thumping drum beats that GH Mall visitors shouldn’t miss.

The Lion Dance Competition will have five categories: Snake, Centipede, Bridge, Drunken, and Scorpion. 

“We're so excited to share our culture to everyone and for them to watch the lion dance performances for themselves. Our goal is to make this a yearly occasion during Chinese New Year, so we can continue bringing the community closer,” said Maine Uy, CEO of Pawchester.

Enhance your travel experience with PAL’s pre-flight meal ordering feature

Start your trip right with your preferred meals planned out ahead of time.  

With PAL’s newly launched online meal pre-ordering service, travelers can now pre-order meals the quick and easy way before they fly, via PAL’s website and mobile app.

Domestic dining – and International Meal Upgrades

Travelers on PAL’s domestic flights can use the online service to purchase delectable dishes curated by PAL’s culinary team. Economy Class and Premium Economy passengers on PAL’s international flights can likewise upgrade their inflight meals by pre-ordering online. Using the website or the mobile app, simply select and purchase your meal from the offerings on myPAL Flavors. 

Palawan Launches Travel and Trade Expo 2025 to Promote Domestic Tourism

Palawan is set to take center stage as the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel andTradeExpo 2025 unfolds from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center. 

This event aims to inspire Filipinos to explore the wonders of Palawan, promoting domestictravel as a significant contributor to the local economy. 

It also aims to position Palawan as a must-visit destination for 2025, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism. It will feature exclusive travel deals, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities. 

Domestic Tourism: A Call to Action 

Experience a Season of Splendor at Discovery

Discovery Hospitality Corporation invites guests to revel in its renowned and exceptional hospitality luxury experiences this holiday season as its esteemed hotels and resorts offer a range of festive packages that are sure to delight families and friends.

Holidays in the City

Experience the warmth and excitement of the holidays through memorable gatherings in the city. Discovery Primea, located along Ayala Avenue, offers festive feasts at two of its signature restaurants. Restaurant Tapenade offers a Spanish-themed Christmas Eve buffet and Italian-inspired meals to welcome 2025, starting at PHP 1,800++ per person. From a curated menu featuring premium beef cuts for a decadent holiday meal to a New Year's Eve Tomahawk Roast to ring in the New Year, Flame offers exclusive dining experiences with menus that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients set against the backdrop of twinkling city lights.

Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Rizal’s Hometown

Aside from being the proud birthplace of the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, Calamba, a vibrant city in the heart of Laguna province is also known as the “Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines” due to the multitude of resorts that can be found there. Highly accessible and with so much to offer, Calamba is just one of the many destinations the Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to highlight as it explores more tourism projects in Laguna.

“Steeped in history and culture, the province of Laguna is brimming with tourism opportunities that will benefit locals and guests alike. The birthplace of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, the location of the beautiful Mount Makiling and the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park, there’s so much to see and experience here. Calamba’s historical significance makes it a must-see destination for all tourists who want to learn more about Philippine history. I am keen to see younger generations to also come and visit as it is highly important for our future generations to stay connected with our roots, which is why traveling to these places has so much more meaning. We hope that more tourists will add Calamba, and other tourist destinations in Laguna to their itinerary so they can discover more reasons to love the Philippines.

PAL showcases new Filipino coffee blends aboard flights

Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa and Robusta–did you know that the Philippines is one of only a handful of countries that can grow the four varieties of commercially-viable coffee? In the 400 years since coffee was first planted in Philippine soil, our coffee culture has grown to sweep the country, as evidenced by the wide variety of cafes in cities and towns across the islands. 

Now it’s taking to the skies as well.