Since the inaugural World Expo in 1851, these global gatherings have united leaders, innovators, and experts to exchange ideas and address the world’s most pressing challenges. Now, following a brief pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Expo returns, this time in Osaka, and the Philippines is making waves with its very own cultural pavilion.
Titled Woven, the Philippine Pavilion features over two hundred woven panels created by craftspeople across the country. Following the theme of “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the pavilion aims to represent the heritage, innovation, and artistry of the Philippines. The interior of the pavilion also features an AI installation titled Dancing with Nature, which calls Expo guests to celebrate a blend of Filipino and Japanese culture. Guests can also look forward to daily performances from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and handwoven artworks representing the Philippines’ 18 regions.
“The Pavilion is a showcase of our culture and a heartfelt expression of friendship, respect, and shared aspirations with our Japanese partners,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano during an exclusive preview of Woven. “Through this platform, we invite the world to witness how our bilateral ties continue to grow stronger through art, dialogue, and collaboration.”
The World Expo 2025 opens to the public on April 13 on Yumeshima (“Dream Island) in Osaka Bay. Over the next six months, the event hopes to draw over 20 million visitors before it concludes on October 13.
