Photos courtesy of Tourism Promotions Board Philippines
The Philippines has won the Silver Award for Exhibition Design at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, a prestigious recognition from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organization that oversees and regulates World Expos globally.
The award honors self-built pavilions under 1,500 square meters that demonstrate outstanding design and storytelling, marking a milestone achievement for the Philippines amid 158 participating countries and regions.
“When President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. entrusted the Department of Tourism 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 — our warmth, creativity, and steadfast spirit,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “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.”
The Philippine Pavilion, led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Commissioner General and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as Secretary General, has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors since opening in April. The Pavilion serves as a vibrant showcase of Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and sustainability, carrying the theme “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future.”
Secretary Frasco called the award “a triumph not only of design but of devotion,” dedicating it to Filipino artisans, architects, and curators whose work embodies “the hard work, persistence, and faith of a people who continue to fight for their culture and proudly share it with the world.”
The Pavilion captivated audiences with its live performance facade — the first of its kind — featuring hundreds of woven panels handcrafted by communities across all 18 regions of the country. Inside, visitors experienced AI-powered installations, a curated Habi Shop, Hilot wellness corner, and Hain take-out counter — blending heritage and innovation in a uniquely Filipino experience.
Beyond its visual impact, the Pavilion became a hub for cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and trade networking, hosting Philippine National Day celebrations, MICE roadshows, and investor meetings, while strengthening ties with Japanese prefectures, travel agencies, and cultural institutions.
To promote sustainability and cultural continuity, key elements of the Pavilion will be brought home to the Philippines for exhibit at the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring its legacy as a platform for learning, national pride, and global engagement.