Breakfast in Paris

One can now leave Manila at night and be in Paris the next day, in time for a warm Parisian breakfast.

- IRIS GONZALES

Perhaps, a slice of bread with butter and jam, some cereal or the occasional croissant? One may also skip breakfast and quickly jump on another plane and head off to another destination in Europe.

Thanks to Air France's newly launched direct flights between the Pearl of the Orient and the City of Lights, it's now a quick 15-hour flight from Manila to Paris. The direct route may be best suited for Filipino business travelers who have deals to hatch in France or elsewhere in Europe, whether they're listed companies looking for investors, local firms looking to expand in the West or even the national government if it decides to go on a roadshow in Europe.

It can also be the other way around – European fund managers or businessmen looking for opportunities in our corner of the world.

Air France's maiden journey took off on Dec. 7, which marks the resumption of a direct flight between the Philippines and France after 20 long years. This is enough reason to celebrate and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel did just that on Monday in an intimate yet festive reception at her residence to mark the maiden flight.

Bilateral relations

This is certainly a major step in the strengthening of bilateral relations between France and the Philippines, offering new opportunities for mobility. Actually, it's not just business that will benefit but other areas as well, including tourism, cultural development and student exchange.