Cover Vibrant cultural dancers from the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group greeted the crowd during the Philippine National Day parade (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
Vibrant cultural dancers from the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group greeted the crowd during the Philippine National Day parade (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
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Celebrating Filipino identity on the global stage, the Philippines’ National Day featured handwoven installations, tributes to national icons and high-spirited performances
Celebrating the spirit of unity, creativity and cultural pride, the Philippines marked its official National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka last June 7. Led by the Philippine Organising Committee (POC) through the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and in partnership with the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP), the festivities showcased dignitary-led ceremonies alongside world-class performances.
“Today is more than a celebration—it’s a call to rediscover the Philippines… Through every step, every thread, every note, we are reminded that our country’s greatest strength is its people—the true embodiment of strength, creativity and deep pride,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
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Above A central moment to both the Sinulog and Ati-atihan performances was the triumphant showcase of the image of the Santo Niño. For the past five decades, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group has documented and performed cultural expressions of over 50 ethnolinguistic groups in the country (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
Above Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
A central moment to both the Sinulog and Ati-atihan performances was the triumphant showcase of the image of the Santo Niño. For the past five decades, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group has documented and performed cultural expressions of over 50 ethnolinguistic groups in the country (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
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The day opened with a community parade from members of the Filipino diaspora in Japan. Colourfully clothed in traditional attire, the festivities kicked off with cheerful dancing as familiar music filled the air—fostering a sense of heartfelt national pride. An official ceremony was held right after at the National Day Hall in Ray Garden which was graced by Frasco, TPB chief operating officer and secretary general of the POC Marga Nograles, Japanese officials and representatives from participating countries at the Expo 2025 Osaka.
“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on sustainability, inclusion, and creativity… In a highly digitalised world, we believe human connection must remain at the heart of progress—and our Pavilion embodies this idea with every detail,” says Nograles.
Above The Philippine Pavilion lit up against a spectacular Osaka sunset, drawing visitors with its warm glow and rhythmic audiovisual presentation that embodied the Expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
Above Performers delighted guests with a lively ‘tinikling’ performance inside the Philippine Pavilion. The bamboo rhythm and joyful energy invited all to celebrate Filipino heritage, explore the exhibits and enjoy special showcases throughout the Philippine participation at World Expo 2025 Osaka (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
The Philippine Pavilion lit up against a spectacular Osaka sunset, drawing visitors with its warm glow and rhythmic audiovisual presentation that embodied the Expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
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Themed under “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future”, the Philippine Pavilion presented guests with a multisensory journey through 18 handwoven art pieces—with each meant to represent a region of the Philippines—digital installations and cultural spaces.
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Above Performers at the Philippine National Day presented the richness of various ethnolinguistic groups united by their weaving traditions and ways of life through movement, rhythm and ritual (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
Above Costumed performers struck a dynamic pose mid-performance, where they gesture a welcoming energy that invited audiences to take part in the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
Performers at the Philippine National Day presented the richness of various ethnolinguistic groups united by their weaving traditions and ways of life through movement, rhythm and ritual (Photo: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines)
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The celebration continued with a National Day performance aptly named Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination), which featured three curated suites. The first suite, Hinabing Gunita (Remembrances), spotlighted the age-old customs and weaving practices of various ethnolinguistic groups, while the second suite, Matatag na Kasalukuyan (Resilient Present), honoured National Artists Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes and Larry Alcala with a modern interpretation of a cappella, dance and visual storytelling. Finally, suite three, Hiraya ng Kinabukasan (Imagined Future), had Lumad Basakanon, UPeepz, Zephanie and the Loboc Children’s Choir serenade audiences with high-energy performances.
“We wanted a performance that reflected all of us—not just one region or tribe, but the full rhythm of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao… That’s how we honour the Filipino story: as one voice, richly woven,” says Nograles.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
