DURING my nine-day trip to Japan for the Journalists Invitation Program of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was fortunate enough to visit the Philippine pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, on June 27 in Yumeshima Island, Osaka.
Themed "Nature, Culture, and Community Woven Together for a Better Future," our very own pavilion did not disappoint, as it showcased "experience" in all forms, a multisensory journey for every visitor to encounter.
As an opener, visitors are greeted with 18 handwoven art pieces, tapestries that represent different regions of the Philippines. Crafted over six months using sustainable and upcycled materials, these pieces come alive through synchronized light projections, sound, and video -- transporting visitors to different parts of the archipelago and offering a glimpse into the soul of each community.
I was awestruck at how the Philippine organizing team, led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, conceptualized how the exhibits would look -- blending traditional and technology, creating awesome avant-garde pieces that would bring anybody to their favorite destinations in the Philippines.
In its presser, the organizing team stated that at the center of this approach are three signature features:
1. The largest collaboration of Filipino weavers – Over 200 handwoven panels created by master artisans from all over the country. A wide range of indigenous textiles — from T’nalak to Piña. Each piece tells a story of culture, identity, and generational knowledge; 2. The first-ever live performance façade at a World Expo for the Philippines – Woven panels form part of a dynamic façade that opens throughout the day to reveal live performances. The architecture becomes a living stage, where design and dance are seamlessly integrated; and 3. A multisensory experience – The Philippine Pavilion offers an immersive experience where technology, tradition, and storytelling seamlessly come together. It begins with an anime-inspired façade film honoring Japan, setting the stage for guests to be drawn and woven into the evolving narrative of the Filipino spirit.
The organizing committee has commissioned a visionary design team, led by Carlo Calma
Consultancy, Inc. as the lead architectural firm and designer, Chochay Garcia as creative
producer, Architect Yuki Kanou as executive architect and lead project manager, and Tellart as guest experience designer.
According to TPB Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee Marga Montemayor-Nograles, our pavilion in the Osaka expo is a living expression of our country’s stories and spirit.
“Every woven panel, every performance, and every flavor is part of the continuing narrative of the Filipino people. In a world driven by innovation, we’re here to show that tradition still matters — that human connection and cultural memory can shape a more inclusive, meaningful future,” Nograles said.
A pavilion with purpose
The Philippine Pavilion responds to the expo’s call to “Design Future Society for Our Lives” by placing heritage and humanity at the heart of progress.
There was also the “Dancing with Nature,” an interactive installation where guests were digitally reimagined on screen as part of the Philippines’ lush ecosystem.
I was amazed by how my movement was captured and became dancing flowers. Visitors can also choose among fluttering leaves, vibrant and luscious fruits, and schools of fish to create a powerful metaphor of connection between humanity and the natural world.
"It’s a communal celebration of life, tradition, and the environment — brought to life through both innovation and soul," the presser said.
I also get to experience listening to a live performance from the Cultural Center of the Philippines with traditional music, dance, and stories, ensuring that the pavilion is infused with warmth, rhythm, and celebration -- uniquely and unmistakably Filipino.
According to Calma, every detail in the pavilion was considered. "It’s architecture blended with an immersive portrait of who we are and who we aspire to be.”
A cultural invitation to the world!
To complement the experience, visitors can also enjoy curated spaces like the Habi Gift Shop, featuring handwoven products, which they can purchase, bringing a piece of the Philippines with them.
I was also fascinated that the team brought a group of certified massage therapists for the Philippine pavilion's Hilot Wellness Space, which offers traditional Filipino healing massages and teas. I and my Japanese friend, Ms Yoko Urano of Jetro, got to experience being massaged by Filipino masseurs. It was a soothing relief from the long walks we had taken visiting some of the pavilions inside the world expo's venue, which has a total area of 155 hectares.
There is also the Hain Takeout Counter that serves all-time favorites such as Adobong Manok sa Gata, Lumpiang Binondo, Ube Soft Serve, and the iconic Halo-Halo.
Also making its debut is Kokoro-chan, the Pavilion mascot inspired by the Philippine tarsier — an emblem of the country’s rich biodiversity and love for storytelling. A collaboration with the Tarsier Foundation, Kokoro-chan embodies the warmth and curiosity the Philippines brings to the world stage.
“Expo 2025 Osaka comes at a meaningful time as we enter 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano. “The Pavilion is a showcase of our culture and a heartfelt expression of friendship, respect, and shared aspirations with our Japanese partners. We are proud to stand with Japan in advancing the goals of sustainability and innovation. Through this platform, we invite the world to witness how our bilateral ties continue to grow stronger through art, dialogue, and collaboration.”
A legacy beyond the expo
During an interview, Philippine Pavilion manager Maria Carla Remedios Miranda revealed that the woven panels and key elements of the pavilion will be transferred to the National Museum of the Philippines, committing to sustainability and heritage preservation.
Additionally, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, stated in the presser that the Philippine pavilion is the Filipino's invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to Love the Philippines.
With its thoughtful design, emotional resonance, and commitment to sustainability, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a must-visit destination for those seeking a meaningful, moving, and truly unforgettable nod to the story of Filipinos. The Expo 2025 Osaka will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, so those planning to visit Japan, never miss the Philippine pavilion! With PR
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The author is the only journalist from the Philippines admitted to the Journalists Invitation Program of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Along with her are journalists from seven member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, namely, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.