The Philippine Pavilion opened Sunday at Expo 2025 Osaka, showcasing the country’s weaving traditions, regional craftsmanship and a blend of technology-driven exhibits aimed at promoting culture and sustainable tourism.
The pavilion, themed “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” features the largest gathering of Filipino weavers to date, alongside interactive installations and daily cultural performances. Organizers said the pavilion is designed to highlight the country’s cultural heritage while encouraging connections between communities worldwide.
Visitors were welcomed by an intricate façade composed of 212 indigenous fabrics from across the Philippines. Lead designer Carlo Calma described the façade as a reflection of the nation’s evolving cultural identity.
“We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds,” Calma said in an interview.
Inside, the pavilion displays 18 handwoven art pieces representing different regions of the Philippines. Created over six months by master artisans, the works incorporate materials such as abaca, cotton, candy wrappers and chicken feathers. The installations are enhanced by light projections and soundscapes depicting stories from each region.
One of the main exhibits, an interactive installation called Dancing With Nature, uses generative algorithms to create visual representations of visitors as elements of nature, such as leaves or fish. The installation was developed in collaboration with the design studio Tellart.
The pavilion also features five daily performances by artists from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Live weaving demonstrations are expected to begin later this month.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board and secretary general of the Philippine Organizing Committee, said the pavilion seeks to foster cultural understanding.
“Seeing so many visitors moved by our stories, our traditions and our people is the strongest reminder of why we are here,” Nograles said.
The opening comes as the Philippines and Japan mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said the pavilion reflects the friendship and shared goals between the two countries.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the pavilion highlights the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable tourism, aiming to support local communities while offering travelers meaningful experiences.
Plans are underway to repurpose the pavilion’s woven façade and other elements for display at the National Museum of the Philippines after the expo concludes.
Additional features, including a gift shop, wellness space, takeout counter and pavilion mascot Kokoro-chan, are expected to open soon.
Expo 2025 Osaka runs through Oct. 13.
