The Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka earned the Silver Award for Exhibition Design, a recognition from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) honoring outstanding creativity, storytelling, and visitor experience among self-built pavilions under 1,500 square meters.
The award was received by Raquel Tria-Joya, Head of Central Information for the Philippine Pavilion Committee, alongside representatives from Poland (Gold) and Austria (Bronze).
The recognition coincided with the Pavilion’s official closing ceremony, which capped six months of cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and creative collaboration. Since opening in April, the Pavilion has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, immersing them in a multisensory experience themed “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future.”
Led by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer and Philippine Organizing Committee Secretary-General Margarita Montemayor Nograles, the closing event celebrated the Pavilion’s success and its impact on global audiences. Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano and Tourism Undersecretary Myra Abubakar also joined the ceremony.
“This Pavilion was more than a structure—it was our nation’s heartbeat,” Nograles said. “We built pride, we built hope, we built a home for the Filipino spirit—here in Japan and in the eyes of the world.”
The Philippine Pavilion, the country’s first with a live performance façade, showcased over 200 handwoven panels created by Filipino artisans from all 18 regions. Inside, visitors experienced interactive installations, AI-powered art, traditional weaving displays, and wellness features that blended innovation and heritage.
As the Expo concludes, key elements of the Pavilion will be repatriated to the National Museum of the Philippines and select regional sites. Some will also be featured at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and Travex 2026 in Cebu, ensuring the Pavilion’s legacy continues.
Through this milestone, the Philippines reaffirmed its place as a global showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural unity — proving that Filipino artistry can captivate the world stage.
