Architectural wonder: Carlo Calma’s ‘Woven’ Pavilion at World Expo 2025

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines recently announced their plans for the Philippine Pavilion to represent the country in the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. 

In a ceremony held on July 16, 2024, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, the scale model of the “Woven” Pavilion was revealed, promising an immersive experience celebrating Filipino craftsmanship with the theme "Nature, Culture, and Community, Woven Together for a Better Future.”

Sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the World Expo 2025 will run for 184 days from April 13 to October 13 next year on Yumeshima Island in Osaka. 

Approximately, eight billion people from around the world are expected to visit the different attractions. The expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” challenges individuals to “think how they want to live and maximize their potential” and “to drive co-creation by the international community in designing a sustainable society."

The “Woven” showcase
The Filipino architecture firm, Carlo Calma Consultancy, designed the Philippine ”Woven” Pavilion. Their proposal won in an open-invitation architecture and design pitch hosted by TPB, the marketing and promotions arm of the DOT and designated Secretariat of the Expo Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) in charge of the groundwork.

With an interactive live performance facade, the Philippine Pavilion will showcase traditional dance and crafts, a World Expo first for the Philippines that embodies the Filipino spirit of creativity and connection.

The facade also features 212 handwoven textiles, the largest collaboration of weavers in a single project. Each woven piece tells a unique story and reflects each community’s rich heritage, tradition, and art, celebrating diversity and their inclusive aspiration. The pavilion also embodies the partnership between individuals, private sector partners, and communities.

To be built with indigenous renewable materials, the Philippine Pavilion will take visitors on a captivating journey through a forest of handwoven artworks symbolizing the country's 18 unique regions, culminating in an interactive AI-powered fiesta.

Developed by Amsterdam-based Tellart, which specializes in building multisensory spaces that leverage technology to build a deep connection between the visitors and the space, the experience will serve as an immersive invitation to discover the wonders of the Philippines firsthand.

The pavilion team
The tourism secretary was appointed as chairperson and commissioner-general and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as vice-chairperson of the POC. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) were identified as POC members.

“I am honored to present our participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing the essence of Filipino craftsmanship and creativity,” said Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco in her keynote speech. “Our pavilion symbolizes innovation, sustainability, and economic progress, embodying the spirit of unity and partnership that defines us as a nation. Join us on this immersive journey to experience the rich tapestry of our culture and the limitless opportunities for collaboration and growth that our country offers on the global stage.”

“At the heart of the World Expo lies the promise of economic growth and collaboration. The Philippines’ participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is not just a showcase of our cultural heritage, but a strategic platform to foster economic opportunities, attract  investments, and build partnerships,” she added.

“We have a wealth of communities around the Philippines that have a unique world-class story to tell. At the TPB, community-based tourism (CBT) is a priority agenda for us not only to give that unique Philippine experience to every traveler that visits our country but also to empower local communities all over the nation,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor-Nograles.

The pavilion’s local run
The Pavilion’s structure and exhibitions are also planned to be staged back home in the Philippines at the end of the Expo.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the Pavilion exhibitions back home to the National Museum in 2025 after the World Expo concludes. This represents the culmination of our efforts to showcase the rich cultural heritage, innovative spirit, and sustainable practices of the Philippines on an international stage, and the return of these exhibitions will provide a unique opportunity for our fellow Filipinos to experience and celebrate the artistry and achievements that have been shared with the world, fostering national pride and cultural appreciation,” said National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Director-General Jeremy Barns.