This noodle dish from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, is a savory mix of minced carabao meat, bean sprouts, and assorted vegetables, topped with crispy pork skin and a poached egg.
Month: April 2025
This sanctuary in the City of Ilagan, Isabela, offers a wide array of amenities, whether seeking thrills, exploring the wilderness, or just looking to retreat to nature. Picturesque landscapes,
Spanning over a thousand hectares, this eco-park invites you to experience the great outdoors with its picnic spots, camping sites, boating, and eco trails suitable for all ages.
It is known as the largest protected area in the country where adventurers can observe up close a rich array of flora and fauna and unwind with refreshing dips in the diverse waters.
These ten islands make Batanes the northernmost and smallest province of the Philippines. Among these islands, only 3 are inhabited – Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang Islands.
OSAKA, JAPAN – April 9, 2025 – Just days before Expo 2025 Osaka opens to the public, the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) hosted an exclusive media preview of the Philippines Pavilion at the World Expo Osaka 2025—a multisensory celebration of culture, creativity, and sustainability designed to leave a lasting impression on the global stage.
At the media briefing, Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the POC, Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, invited the press to look beyond structure and design, and into the very soul of the Philippines.
“The Philippine Pavilion is a living expression of our country’s stories and spirit,” said COO Nograles. “Every woven panel, every performance, and every flavor is part of the continuing narrative of the Filipino people. In a world driven by innovation, we’re here to show that tradition still matters — that human connection and cultural memory can shape a more inclusive, meaningful future.”
A Pavilion with a Purpose
Carrying the theme “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Philippine Pavilion responds to the Expo’s call to “Design Future Society for Our Lives” by placing heritage and humanity at the heart of progress.
At the center of this approach are three signature features:
- The Largest Collaboration of Filipino Weavers – Over 200 handwoven panels created by master artisans from all over the country. A wide range of indigenous textiles—from T’nalak to Piña. Each piece tells a story of culture, identity, and generational knowledge.
- The First-Ever Live Performance Façade at a World Expo for the Philippines – Woven panels form part of a dynamic façade that opens throughout the day to reveal live performances. The architecture becomes a living stage, where design and dance are seamlessly integrated.
- A Multisensory Experience – The Philippine Pavilion off ers an immersive experience where technology, tradition, and storytelling seamlessly come together. It begins with an anime-inspired façade fi lm honoring Japan, setting the stage for guests to be drawn and woven into the evolving narrative of the Filipino spirit.Inside, guests will encounter 18 handwoven art pieces, each one representing a region of the Philippines. Crafted over six months using sustainable and upcycled materials, these pieces come alive through synchronized light projections, sound, and video—transporting visitors to different parts of the archipelago and offering a glimpse into the soul of each community.At the heart of the Pavilion is “Dancing with Nature,” an interactive installation where guests are digitally reimagined on screen as part of the Philippines’ lush ecosystem. Their movements become dancing flowers, fluttering leaves, or schools of fish, creating a powerful metaphor of connection between humanity and the natural world. It’s a communal celebration of life, tradition, and the environment—brought to life through both innovation and soul.To enrich the experience, live performers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines perform five times a day, sharing traditional music, dance, and stories. These performances infuse the Pavilion with warmth, rhythm, and celebration, ensuring that every visit is uniquely and unmistakably Filipino.
Designing the Philippine Pavilion was about capturing the spirit of the Filipino—adaptable, expressive, and deeply connected to nature and community,” said the Pavilion’s head designer Carlo Calma. “Every detail was considered, from the façade that breathes with performance to the woven stories inside. It’s architecture blended with an immersive portrait of who we are and who we aspire to be.”
A Cultural Invitation to the World
“What makes this Pavilion truly special is that aside from being seen—it’s also meant to be felt,” COO Nograles emphasized at the briefing. “We want every visitor to walk away carrying a piece of the Philippines with them: in their hearts, in their memory, and perhaps even in their hands.”
To complement the experience, visitors can enjoy curated spaces like the Habi Gift Shop featuring handwoven products visitors can purchase, bringing a piece of the Philippines with them, the Hilot Wellness Space offering traditional Filipino healing massages and teas, and the Hain Takeout Counter serving favorites such as Adobong Manok sa Gata, Lumpiang Binondo, Ube Soft Serve, and the iconic Halo-Halo.
Also making its debut is Kokoro-chan, the Pavilion mascot inspired by the Philippine tarsier—an emblem of the country’s rich biodiversity and love for storytelling. A collaboration with the Tarsier Foundation, Kokoro-chan embodies the warmth and curiosity the Philippines brings to the world stage.
“Expo 2025 Osaka comes at a meaningful time as we enter 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano. “The Pavilion is a showcase of our culture and a heartfelt expression of friendship, respect, and shared aspirations with our Japanese partners. We are proud to stand with Japan in advancing the goals of sustainability and innovation. Through this plattorm, we invite the world to witness how our bilateral ties continue to grow stronger through art, dialogue, and collaboration.”
A Legacy Beyond the Expo
True to its commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation, the Philippines Pavilion has been designed with a “second life” in mind. After the Expo, the woven panels and key elements will be transferred to the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring their stories live on.
“The Philippine Pavilion is our invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “We hope to inspire travelers to explore our 7,641 islands, experience the depth of our culture, marvel at the excellence of Filipino creativity, and be moved by the stories of triumph and resilience of our communities. By blending the use of traditional weaving methods with innovation and technology in highlighting the diversity of our Regions and the identity of our peoples, we are bringing our message of sustainable tourism development to the fore, where tourists are introduced to meaningful experiences while our local communities benefit with sustained livelihood and employment.”
With its thoughtful design, emotional resonance, and commitment to sustainability, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a must-visit destination for those seeking a meaningful, moving, and truly unforgettable nod to the story of Filipinos.
THE TEAMS BEHIND THE PAVILION
The Philippine Organizing Committee—led by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines—commissioned a visionary design team, with Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc. as Lead Architectural Firm and Designer; Chochay Garcia as Creative Producer; Architect Yuki Kanou as Executive Architect and Lead Project Manager; and Tellart as Guest Experience Designer.
ABOUT THE TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines aims to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. As an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, TPB develops strategic partnerships with private and public stakeholders to deliver unique high-value experiences for visitors, significantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.
PRESS CONTACT
Carol RH Malasig
carol@almostdiplomatic.com | +81 70 8991 1975
![](https://phworldexpo.tpb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PH-Opening-Press-Release-1.jpeg")
From L-R: Tourism Promotions Board Acting Deputy COO for Marketing and Promotions Teresita Dandan, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee, World Expo 2025 Margarita Nograles, and Philippine Consul General to Osaka Voltair Mauricio
OSAKA, JAPAN – April 13, 2025 – The Philippine Pavilion officially opened its doors today at Expo 2025 Osaka, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to experience one of the Expo’s most anticipated national pavilions. Built around the theme “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Pavilion captivated guests with the largest collaboration of Filipino weavers ever assembled and a multisensory journey that blends traditional craftsmanship with tech-powered storytelling.
From the striking woven façade to the emotional resonance of its immersive installations, the Pavilion delivered on its promise to be both visually stunning and deeply meaningful—inviting visitors to connect with the Philippines in a wholly new way.
A Living Showcase of Filipino Ingenuity
Guests were welcomed by the Pavilion’s intricate façade, showcasing 212 indigenous fabrics from across the Philippines. While the live performance element is set to debut later this month, the handwoven panels already drew admiration for their scale, detail, and symbolism.“This façade is a statement,” said Carlo Calma, lead designer of the Pavilion. “We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds. It reflects who we are as Filipinos—always in motion, always evolving, always expressive.”Inside, visitors explored a curated space anchored by 18 handwoven art pieces, each representing a region of the country. Created over six months by master artisans using both traditional and unconventional materials—abaca, cotton, candy wrappers, even chicken feathers—these works are enhanced with light, sound, and projections that transport guests to each region’s story.Another feature is “Dancing with Nature,” an interactive installation that weaves guests into the Filipino narrative. Using generative algorithms, it transforms visitors into fluttering leaves, blooming flowers, or swimming fish—symbolizing how we are all threads in the fabric of nature. Developed in collaboration with design studio Tellart, the experience reinforces the Pavilion’s core message: that harmony, like weaving, begins with connection.
Guests were welcomed by the Pavilion’s intricate façade, showcasing 212 indigenous fabrics from across the Philippines. While the live performance element is set to debut later this month, the handwoven panels already drew admiration for their scale, detail, and symbolism.“This façade is a statement,” said Carlo Calma, lead designer of the Pavilion. “We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds. It reflects who we are as Filipinos—always in motion, always evolving, always expressive.”Inside, visitors explored a curated space anchored by 18 handwoven art pieces, each representing a region of the country. Created over six months by master artisans using both traditional and unconventional materials—abaca, cotton, candy wrappers, even chicken feathers—these works are enhanced with light, sound, and projections that transport guests to each region’s story.Another feature is “Dancing with Nature,” an interactive installation that weaves guests into the Filipino narrative. Using generative algorithms, it transforms visitors into fluttering leaves, blooming flowers, or swimming fish—symbolizing how we are all threads in the fabric of nature. Developed in collaboration with design studio Tellart, the experience reinforces the Pavilion’s core message: that harmony, like weaving, begins with connection.
Daily live performances by artists from the Cultural Center of the Philippines bring warmth and authenticity to the Pavilion, happening five times a day and blending tradition with movement.
“We are overwhelmed and honored by the reception on Day 1,” said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee. “Seeing so many visitors moved by our stories, our traditions, and our people—it’s the strongest reminder of why we are here: to connect through culture and to showcase the heart of the Filipino spirit to the world.”
A Diplomatic and Cultural Bridge
The Pavilion welcomed dignitaries, VIPs, and guests throughout the day, with many calling it a must-see experience.
“Expo 2025 Osaka comes at a meaningful time as we mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan,” said Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano. “The Pavilion goes beyond being a cultural showcase—it’s a heartfelt expression of friendship, respect, and shared aspirations with our Japanese partners.”
“The Philippine Pavilion is our invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “We hope to inspire travelers to explore our 7,641 islands, experience the depth of our culture, marvel at the excellence of Filipino creativity, and be moved by the stories of triumph and resilience of our communities. By blending the use of traditional weaving methods with innovation and technology in highlighting the diversity of our Regions and the identity of our peoples, we are bringing our message of sustainable tourism development to the fore, where tourists are introduced to meaningful experiences while our local communities benefit with sustained livelihood and employment.”
A Pavilion With a Purpose
Designed with a second life in mind, the Pavilion’s key elements—including its woven façade—will be repurposed and displayed at the National Museum of the Philippines after the Expo, ensuring their legacy continues.
Soon to open are additional Pavilion experiences such as the Habi Gift Shop, Hilot Wellness Space, and Hain Takeout Counter, along with the debut of Pavilion mascot Kokoro-chan, representing the warmth and curiosity of the Filipino spirit.
Soon to open are additional Pavilion experiences such as the Habi Gift Shop, Hilot Wellness Space, and Hain Takeout Counter, along with the debut of Pavilion mascot Kokoro-chan, representing the warmth and curiosity of the Filipino spirit.
“We invite the world to not only see the Philippines, but to feel it,” added COO Nograles. “From every thread on our façade to every story told inside, this Pavilion is our invitation to connect—heart to heart, culture to culture.”
THE TEAMS BEHIND THE PAVILION
The Philippine Organizing Committee—led by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines—commissioned a visionary design team, with Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc. as Lead Architectural Firm and Designer; Chochay Garcia as Creative Producer; Architect Yuki Kanou as Executive Architect and Lead Project Manager; and Tellart as Guest Experience Designer.
ABOUT THE TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines aims to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. As an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, TPB develops strategic partnerships with private and public stakeholders to deliver unique high-value experiences for visitors, significantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.
The Folk Healing Festival in Siquijor highlights the island’s traditional healing practices. Visitors can witness the herbalists’ rituals as they harness the power of nature to heal the sick.
Negros Island boasts a rich sugar heritage, deeply intertwined with history and culture. Sugar has been a major industry in Negros, shaping its economy, society, and landscape. Explore the remnants of this era – grand haciendas, towering sugar mills, and elegant ancestral homes – offering a glimpse into the lives of sugar barons and their workers. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry woven by this industry, from vibrant culture celebrating sugar production to the unique culinary offerings influenced by this sweet commodity.
A paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the vibrant marine life beneath the surface of Surigao del Sur.