Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Handout, Department of Tourism

MANILA – In its first nine days, the Philippine Pavilion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan attracted a "remarkable" turnout of 40,252 visitors, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Expo 2025 Osaka opened on April 13, Sunday. Aside from bringing people together from all over the world, it aims to create a "future society" for mankind by showcasing each nation's culture, history, architecture, and economy.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the "overwhelming turnout" of the country's pavilion shows the global audience's curiosity and interest in Philippine's creative identity.

"The remarkable turnout of 40,252 visitors in just nine days is a resounding affirmation of the strength of our story, the power of our people, and the beauty of our culture. It is a triumphant debut for the Philippines, and a proud moment for all Filipinos," said the Tourism Chief.

"This is more than an exhibition. It is a movement of culture, connection, and creativity that brings the Philippines to the world stage in a way we have never seen before,” she added.

Blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation through light, sound, and motion interplay, the Philippine Pavilion was based on the theme "Nature, Culture and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future".  

Its 212 handwoven fabrics represent the "diverse regions of the Philippines" and offer a multi-sensory immersive experience that shows "a journey into the soul of the Filipino people", the DOT explained in a release.

The Pavilion welcomed one of its first distinguished guests, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, in its 2nd day. She toured the area and reportedly expressed admiration for its design and story.

The country's immersive Pavilion is still welcoming thousand of visitors daily.

“The [Tourism Promotions Board] team is working tirelessly to welcome guests and ensure they experience the true warmth of Filipino hospitality. Our hope is that every visitor who enters the Pavilion leaves inspired to discover the Philippines firsthand for at the heart of our country is our greatest strength—our people,” said Maria Margarita Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of DOT's PTB.

“This Pavilion is our invitation to the world to feel the warmth of our hospitality, to be awed by the wonder of our islands, and to connect with the soul of our people. We welcome everyone to experience why there is every reason to Love the Philippines,” Frasco explained.

The event will run until October 13 this year.