This year, all eyes are on Osaka, Japan as it hosts the Expo 2025. Held every five years, the World Expo is a highly anticipated event for international collaboration and the celebration of cross-cultural ties. Beyond participation, the Philippines looks forward to showcasing its rich heritage and aspirations on a global platform, where its pavilion will speak for itself.
An international spotlight on global talent
According to Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, Expo 2025 will put the Philippines on the map with an elevated global image. “The Philippines’ participation will be a showcase of our nation’s natural beauty and biodiversity, our proud history and heritage, and the culture and creativity of the Filipino people, evincing our nation’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.”
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Tourism Promotion Board and Secretary-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee; Randy Ortiz, Fashion Designer; Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka
RIGHT: Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Christina Garcia Frasco and Mylene J. Garcia-Albano
Fittingly so, the Philippine Pavilion’s theme is “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future.” Designed by Architect Carlo Calma, the pavilion’s design is both aesthetically beautiful and deeply meaningful. With a heavy emphasis on indigenous Filipino weaving traditions, this intentional creative choice speaks to the greater story of the interconnectedness of diverse cultures.
Fittingly so, the Philippine Pavilion’s theme is “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future.”
Bigger and better than ever, the Philippine Pavilion will feature monumental iterations to make it truly memorable. With their first ever interactive façade at the Expo as well as 212 handwoven textiles made by the largest-ever collaboration of Filipino weavers, the Pavilion is testament to the country’s steadfast commitment to innovation and improvement. Textile-by-textile, these weaves tie together the indelible narratives of every community as part of the nation’s traditions, history, and artistry.
A pavilion with a purpose
There will be no stone left unturned at the Philippine Pavilion –– showcasing the best of the country’s best, from its natural beauty, to its vibrant tourist spots, and rich culture. By participating, the Philippines hopes to translate its efforts into economic gain for the country and its people. Visitors of the expo may be captivated by the engaging exhibits and presentations, leaving the Philippines top of mind as they craft their next travel itinerary.
Tourism as we know it holds greater gravitas than ever before. One priority of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is bolstering the agenda of Community-Based Tourism (CBT). Aside from visitors feeling more enriched from the authenticity of their travels, local communities will directly benefit and feel uplifted.
Moreover, central to the theme of the Philippine Pavilion is sustainability. “Indigenous renewable materials will be utilized in its construction, reflecting the country’s dedication to eco-friendly practices. After the Expo, the Pavilion and its exhibits will be repurposed and given a second life at the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring their cultural and educational value endures,” says TPB’s Chief Operating Officer, Marga Nograles.
The pavilion’s construction in the Philippines is another strategic move, addressing the surge in Japanese construction costs while also highlighting Filipino craftsmanship. The approach ensures that the pavilion is a true product of the communities it represents, bringing Philippine talent for the rest of the world to see.
Melding together innovation and tradition, the Philippines will artfully display its commitment to circularity and resourcefulness in an international arena.
An enduring interconnected history
Together, Japan and the Philippines have deeply rooted ties, a shared history, and cultural connections. The two countries have close to seven decades of partnership on diplomatic and economic fronts.
“Beyond trade and investment, our people-to-people ties are deeply significant. Japan remains one of the Philippines’ top tourist markets, ranking as our third-largest source of international visitors in 2023. Similarly, the Philippines ranks among Japan’s key source markets. The 2023 Memorandum of Cooperation in Tourism has further strengthened this relationship,” emphasizes Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Mylene Garcia-Albano.
The Philippine Pavilion will stand as a paradigm for fostering tourism and cultural ties, deepening connections with Japan and the global community during the expo, and beyond.
The Philippine Pavilion will stand as a paradigm for fostering tourism and cultural ties, deepening connections with Japan and the global community during the expo, and beyond. The World Expo 2025 is not just a moment of celebration but a pivotal opportunity to redefine the Philippines’ place alongside other global players. Through its pavilion, the country will chronicle historical themes of resilience, creativity, and unity that have been woven together to leave a legacy for future global collaborations.
