Expo 2025: Filipino spirit shines

OSAKA, Japan — The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is making waves as a vibrant showcase of Filipino ingenuity, cultural pride, and commitment to sustainability, drawing global attention at the world exposition.

With the theme, “Isang Bukas Para sa Lahat” (A Future for All), the pavilion celebrates the interconnectedness of nature, culture and community.

Designed by renowned architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, its striking woven form — reminiscent of the banig (traditional mat) — symbolizes the strength of individual strands coming together, much like the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.

As of 19 June, the pavilion has welcomed over 372,000 visitors, offering them an immersive experience that highlights the Philippines’ contributions to building a more inclusive and sustainable global future.

Leading the showcase of Filipino talent on the world stage, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos did a walkthrough of the Philippine Pavilion on Friday.

They checked key highlights, including the interactive features such as the AI-powered photo booth and the Dancing with Nature installation. They also viewed a vibrant fashion and cultural showcase celebrating Filipino artistry and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

Joining the First Couple were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board COO Marga Nograles, Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano, Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, and other Philippine officials.

The participation of the Philippines at Expo 2025 is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT), TPB, and other agencies, along with the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

Located in the Asia-Pacific zone of Yumeshima, Osaka, the Philippine Pavilion is part of the global event’s focus on building a sustainable and inclusive future, aligned with the expo’s overarching theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The DoT serves as chairperson and commissioner-general of the Philippine Organizing Committee by virtue of Administrative Order No. 7 with the TPB as secretary general.

Expo 2025 Osaka hosts more than 150 participating countries and regions and aims to attract 28 million visitors before it concludes on 13 October.

For more information about the Philippine participation, visit https://expo2025philippines.com or check official updates from DTI Philippines and the Philippine Embassy in Japan.