Marcos visits Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Marcos visited the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on the second day of his official working visit to Japan.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, visited the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on the second day of his official working visit to Japan. One of the most visited attractions at the Expo, the Pavilion has drawn over 370,000 guests in just two months with its immersive celebration of Filipino identity, sustainability, and design.

The visit placed a spotlight on the Philippines’ vibrant creative spirit, with President Marcos witnessing firsthand the first-ever live performance façade at a World Expo for the Philippines. This was followed by a fashion show featuring modern Filipiniana looks by designer Michael Leyva, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary flair. The program also included cultural performances from across the archipelago, offering a multisensory journey through the country’s diverse stories and living heritage.

President Marcos toured the Pavilion’s striking façade, composed of over 200 handwoven panels crafted by master artisans—representing the largest collaboration of Filipino weavers ever assembled for a global exhibition. Made from indigenous fabrics such as T’nalak, piña, inabel, and more, each textile narrates tales of cultural resilience, artistic mastery, and intergenerational knowledge.

The program also included cultural performances from across the archipelago.

Inside, the President explored the Pavilion’s interactive features, including the “Dancing With Nature” installation, a high-tech AI photobooth, and the Habi Gift Shop and Hain Take-out Counter, which showcase Filipino products, flavors, and craftsmanship. Adding a whimsical touch to the visit, the presidential couple was greeted by Kokoro-chan, the Pavilion’s tarsier-inspired mascot.

In a statement, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles, who also serves as Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), said:

“President Marcos’ visit to the Philippine Pavilion reaffirms our belief in culture and creativity as powerful tools of soft power and diplomacy. Through fashion, music, and immersive storytelling, we are proud to present the Philippines to the world—not just as a beautiful destination, but as a nation of depth, diversity, and design.”

The President explored the Pavilion’s interactive features.

The Philippine Pavilion is anchored on the theme “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainability, community, and cultural preservation. In answer to the Expo’s core call—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—the Pavilion invites the global community to see innovation through the lens of heritage and humanity.

The visit follows an invitation extended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during his official visit to the Philippines in April and underscores the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines.

Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The Department of Tourism (DOT) serves as Chairperson and Commissioner-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee, with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as its Secretariat.