OSAKA, JAPAN — The Philippines proudly marked its official National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka with a vibrant celebration that honored the country’s enduring spirit of unity, creativity, and cultural pride. Led by the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) through the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the event featured a dynamic blend of community participation, dignitary-led ceremonies, and world-class performances that captured the imagination of the international audience.
The day opened with a community parade featuring members of the Filipino diaspora in Japan. Clad in colorful traditional attire and dancing to familiar rhythms, they filled the Expo grounds with a sense of homegrown festivity— offering a heartfelt preview of the country’s rich cultural landscape.
Following the parade, an official ceremony was held at the National Day Hall in Ray Garden. Among the dignitaries present were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, TPB Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee Marga Nograles, Japanese officials, and representatives from participating countries at Expo 2025 Osaka.
“Today is more than a celebration—it’s a call to rediscover the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Frasco. “Through every step, every thread, every note, we are reminded that our country’s greatest strength is its people—the true embodiment of strength, creativity, and deep pride.”
The Philippines’ participation in Expo 2025 Osaka underscores its strong commitment to cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation. Situated in the Empowering Lives zone, the Philippine Pavilion was designed in line with the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on sustainability, inclusion, and creativity,” said COO Nograles. “In a highly digitalized world, we believe human connection must remain at the heart of progress—and our Pavilion embodies this idea with every detail.”
The Philippine Pavilion: A Story Woven Into Space
With its theme of “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Philippine Pavilion has already gained praise for its thoughtful integration of design, storytelling, and sustainability. It features its first-ever live performance façade at a World Expo, using 212 handwoven textiles crafted by the largest collaboration of Filipino weavers ever assembled.
Inside, guests are invited on a multisensory journey through 18 handwoven art pieces—each representing a region of the Philippines—and experience daily performances, digital installations like ‘Dancing with Nature,’ and curated cultural spaces such as the Habi Gift Shop, Hain Takeout Counter, and Hilot Wellness Space.
“What we’ve built here in Osaka is not just a structure—it’s a living, breathing experience,” said Frasco. “And today, we bring that spirit to life through art, performance, and the unmistakable warmth of the Filipino people.”
A Cultural Showcase: Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination)
The celebration culminated in the National Day performance titled ‘Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination),’ a cultural showcase featuring three curated suites:
• Suite I: Hinabing Gunita (Remembrances) — highlighted ancestral traditions and weaving practices from various ethnolinguistic groups.
• Suite II: Matatag na Kasalukuyan (Resilient Present) — honored National Artists Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, and Larry Alcala with a modern interpretation through acappella, dance, and visual storytelling.
• Suite III: Hiraya ng Kinabukasan (Imagined Future) — featured high energy performances by Lumad Basakanon, UPeepz, and the voices of Zephanie and the Loboc Children’s Choir.
“We wanted a performance that reflected all of us—not just one region or tribe, but the full rhythm of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” added Nograles. “That’s how we honor the Filipino story: as one voice, richly woven.”
A Standing Invitation
As part of the National Week programming (June 7–12), the Philippines will continue to offer curated experiences and performances in the Pavilion as well as in pocket stages within the Expo. Guests are invited to explore the exhibits, interact with Filipino hospitality ambassadors, and enjoy special showcases throughout the week.
“This is our invitation to the world,” said Secretary Frasco. “Come visit our Pavilion. Come visit our country. Discover the Philippines—not just as a destination, but as an experience.”
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