Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano talks about the significance of Philippine participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka during the concept presentation on the Philippine Pavilion held on 24 July 2024 at the Garden Oriental Osaka.

TOKYO, 25 July 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano joined Secretary of Tourism and Commissioner General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) for World Expo 2025 Osaka Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials of the Philippine and Japanese governments at the concept presentation and topping out ceremony for the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka. The twin events were held on 24-25 July 2024 at Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

“The theme of Expo 2025, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ resonates deeply with the Philippine vision for progress and sustainability. Our pavilion will be a testament to these aspirations, reflecting the Philippines’ dedication to these global goals through the stories we will share, the connections we will foster, and the future we will collectively imagine and build,” said Ambassador Garcia-Albano in her welcome remarks.

The Philippine Pavilion is entitled “Woven” and bears the theme “Nature, Culture & Community. Women Together for a Better Future.” Designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy, “Woven” will feature an interactive live performance facade and 212 handwoven textiles from the Philippines’ largest collaboration of weavers on a single project. The pavilion’s design aims to underline the importance of interconnectedness amidst diversity, and of sustaining harmony with nature, as the peoples of the world work as one towards a common future.

According to Philippine officials, sustainability and circularity are integral to “Woven” and the Pavilion will have a “second life” in the Philippines after the Expo.

Among the dignitaries who led the events were Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, who also serves as the Secretary General of the POC; Osaka City Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama; Mr. Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition; and Ambassador Koji Haneda, Commissioner General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

Philippine Consuls General Voltaire D. Maurico (Osaka) and Roy B. Ecraela (Nagoya) also headed their respective contingents to the launch of the Philippine Pavilion concept in Japan.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano emphasized the significance of Philippine participation in the World Expo 2025 within the broader context of robust Philippines-Japan relations, and how it demonstrates Philippine solidarity with Japan and the international community in finding solutions to global challenges.

“I know we have only just begun on this exciting journey, but please rest assured that we are fully committed to making our presence at the Expo a remarkable and memorable experience,” the Ambassador further stated.

The World Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan from 13 April 2025 to 13 October 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. This is the third time that Osaka will be hosting the World Expo following its hostings in 1970 and 1990. END

Modern Filipiniana attire made of indigenous woven fabrics embodied the design principles behind the Philippine Pavilion, “Woven”. Dignitaries who led the concept presentation include (on the main stage) Ambassador Koji Haneda, Commissioner General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (leftmost); Philippine Pavilion principal architect and designer Carlo Calma (2nd from left); Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano(3rd from left); Philippine Secretary of Tourism and Commissioner General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) for World Expo 2025 Osaka Christina Garcia Frasco (4th from left); Mr. Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (5th from left); Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles (6th from left); and Osaka City Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama (8th from left).

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