Guests wave Philippine flags as Filipino performers take center stage during the Philippine National Day celebration at the Ray Garden of Expo 2025 Osaka on June 7, 2025, showcasing the country’s vibrant culture and creative spirit before an international audience.
The Philippines showcased its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit during its National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) leading efforts to elevate the country’s global profile through a vibrant display of tradition and modernity.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., welcomed dignitaries and guests at the Ray Garden on Jun. 7, affirming the country’s commitment to cultural exchange and international collaboration.
“Today, the Philippines presents itself before the world with the enduring strength of a nation rooted in heritage, reaching forward with hope,” Frasco said, as she thanked the Government of Japan and Expo organizers for the opportunity to promote Filipino identity on the global stage.
The celebration opened with a grand parade of traditional dances and cultural performances reflecting the diversity of the Filipino spirit, followed by a formal program attended by Japanese and Filipino officials.
Under Administrative Order No. 7, the DOT leads the Philippine Organizing Committee with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as secretariat, in partnership with Architect Carlo Calma and global design firm Tellart, to bring the Philippine Pavilion to life.
Titled “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Pavilion has welcomed over 300,000 visitors in two months, emerging as one of the most visited attractions at the Expo.
The Pavilion offers immersive experiences that blend heritage and innovation—from AI-powered photo booths and digital art to Hilot wellness spaces, a Habi gift shop featuring Filipino crafts, and a Hain kiosk serving local cuisine.
Frasco described the Pavilion as a platform for cultural dialogue.
“Guided by the vision of our President, it has been our mission to bring the Filipino identity to the global stage—not as a single thread, but as a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of influence,” she said.
A highlight of the program was Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination), a three-part performance curated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) celebrating the country’s weaving traditions as symbols of identity and unity.
“Each thread tells a story of ancestry, identity, and our shared hopes,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles, underscoring the role of weaving in the Filipino cultural narrative.
The event closed with a heartfelt rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, earning applause from international guests and delegates.
Among the attendees were Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition Commissioner General Koji Haneda, Secretary General Hiroyuki Ishige, Osaka City Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, and Senator Nancy Binay.
Haneda praised the pavilion for harmonizing natural beauty, cultural depth, and digital creativity, expressing hope that it would foster greater international appreciation of the Philippines.
With the Expo running until Oct. 13, Frasco invited the global community to revisit the Pavilion for upcoming events, including Philippine Week, ASEAN Day, and investment forums that aim to strengthen cultural and economic ties.
AloJapan.com