The Philippines ended its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai on a high note, earning the Silver Award for Exhibition Design (Under 1,500 square meters) from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and welcoming more than a million visitors to its pavilion — marking the country’s strongest showing in a World Expo in recent years.
Built around the theme “Nature, Culture, and Community — Woven Together for a Better Future,” the pavilion was designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy for the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). Its façade featured 212 handwoven panels created by artisans from 18 regions, symbolizing unity through craftsmanship. Inside, the interactive installation “Dancing with Nature” translated visitors’ movements into patterns inspired by water, wind, and light, blending traditional artistry with modern technology.
Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the award affirmed the country’s success in presenting the Philippines as a destination where culture, creativity, and sustainability converge.
“When President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. entrusted DoT to lead our country’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, it was with the conviction that we would bring to the world the heart and soul of the Filipino. This recognition affirms that when we lead with authenticity and pride, the world sees the goodness and strength of who we are as a people,” Frasco said.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB COO and secretary-general of the Philippine Organizing Committee, said the pavilion was envisioned as a creative expression of Filipino identity: “The recognition affirms our belief that design can connect people. It’s not just a structure we built, but a statement of who we are — creative, collaborative, and grounded in community.”
Over six months, the pavilion drew more than 1.1 million visitors. Beyond cultural engagement, it generated P262.8 million in tourism sales leads from a Japan mission, P349.9 million from participation in Tourism Expo Japan 2025, and P51 billion in investment pledges from Japanese firms in renewable energy, design, and sustainable development.
The pavilion also served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between the Philippines and Japan as both nations prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano described it as “a bridge of friendship and shared aspiration,” emphasizing its role in promoting cooperation and understanding.
After the Expo, the pavilion’s woven panels and installations will be displayed at the National Museum of the Philippines and regional cultural centers to continue promoting culture and learning.
The BIE also recognized other national pavilions across categories. Poland won Gold and Austria took Bronze in the same category as the Philippines. For larger self-built pavilions, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates received the top Architecture and Landscape awards; Uzbekistan, Serbia, and Ireland were honored for Theme Development; while Germany, Luxembourg, Jordan, and Equatorial Guinea received Sustainability awards.
For Nograles, the Silver Award marks both recognition and renewal. “The story doesn’t end in Osaka,” she said. “What began here continues — in every artisan’s hand, in every Filipino who dares to dream and design a better future.”
World Expos are international exhibitions organized under BIE, which oversees them as platforms for nations to share ideas, culture, and innovation. Held every five years, these events foster collaboration and progress through exhibitions that highlight creativity and global cooperation. The Philippines, a BIE member since 1993, has participated in World and Specialized Expos since 1962, using them to promote the country’s talent, trade, and tourism on the global stage.
AloJapan.com