OSAKA, Japan — The Philippine Pavilion at the ongoing Expo 2025 is on track to hit 600,000 visitors soon, organizers said.
“Inaasahan natin na sa mga tatlong buwan pang darating mas marami pang bibisita kasi by word of mouth yung mga nakaranas nitong Philippine Pavilion magku-kwento whether dayuhan sila o mga Filipino nagkuwento yan kung gaano kaganda yung ating pinapamahagi na karanasan doon sa ating pavilion,” Consul General Voltaire Mauricio of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka said in an interview with GMA Integrated News.
(We expect that in the next three months, more people will visit because by word of mouth, those who have experienced the Philippine Pavilion will tell stories, whether they are foreigners or Filipinos, about how wonderful the experience at our pavilion is).
It is hard to miss the Philippine Pavilion wrapped in a facade made of rattan handcrafted by Filipino artisans. On its side, you can see the vibrant textiles from various regions of the archipelago, another way to showcase the country’s rich weaving heritage and indigenous artistry.
Despite the sweltering summer here in Japan, people line up every day to gain access to the pavilion and experience the best of the Philippines.
Inside the pavilion, one will have a glimpse of all regions through a handwoven map and a monitor showcasing the highlights and treasures of every destination.
In its center is a giant motion-reactive screen where visitors can dance and watch their movements create artistic visuals simultaneously.
Next to the interactive screen, visitors need to line up again for the in-demand AI photo booths and pose beside digital representations of tropical fish, fruits, flowers, leaves, and corals.
Photo: Ian Cruz/GMA Integrated News
A section of the pavilion offers Hilot, the traditional Filipino massage now gaining popularity among foreign visitors as they leave refreshed after going through the healing touch of Filipino wellness practitioners.
Before exiting the pavilion are the souvenir shops with distinct Filipino products such as unique delicacies and crafts.
Photo: Ian Cruz/GMA Integrated News
The pavilion’s Hain restaurant also draws long queues because of the sumptuous Lumpiang Binondo, Lechon Bisaya, and other entrees and snacks. For dessert, halo-halo is one of the main attractions.
“By them being invited and experiencing our small communities, our places of destination, we’re not only imparting something that’s worthless but something that’s priceless; these are the personal relationships being created, crafted, and developed when they visit our communities,” Mauricio said.
Expo 2025 began on April 13 and will run until October 13. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
