Philippine Pavilion Shines at World Expo 2025 Osaka with Silver Award for Exhibition Design

The Philippines has proudly clinched the Silver Award for Exhibition Design at the prestigious World Expo 2025 in Osaka, a recognition bestowed by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). This honor celebrates the country’s self-built pavilion—crafted on a plot under 1,500 square meters—for its outstanding storytelling and design excellence, standing out among entries from 158 participating nations and regions.

A Showcase of Filipino Creativity and Spirit

Led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Philippine Pavilion has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors since its opening in April. Under the theme “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future,” the pavilion became a vibrant canvas of Filipino artistry, sustainability, and innovation.

Its standout feature: a live performance facade adorned with hundreds of woven panels handcrafted by weaving communities from all 18 regions of the Philippines. Inside, visitors were immersed in AI-powered experiences, including:

• Dancing with Nature generative installation

• Interactive AI photobooths

• Curated Habi Shop

• Hilot wellness corner

• Hain take-out counter

These elements offered a multisensory journey that bridged heritage and technology.

Global Recognition, Local Pride

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that the award is not just a triumph of design, but a tribute to the devotion of Filipino artisans, architects, and curators. She noted that the Pavilion reflects the resilience, creativity, and warmth of the Filipino people, and serves as a beacon of cultural diplomacy and economic opportunity.

Throughout the Expo, the Pavilion hosted national celebrations, trade meetings, and tourism roadshows, forging stronger ties with Japanese prefectures, travel agencies, and cultural institutions.

Legacy Beyond the Expo

In a move to preserve and extend its impact, key elements of the Pavilion will be repatriated for display at the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring its legacy continues as a platform for education, cultural continuity, and national pride.

This global recognition reaffirms the Philippines’ place as a source of beauty, resilience, and hope—a nation whose stories and spirit captivate the world.