Latest news with #PhilippinePavilion
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Philippine Pavilion unveils 'Soil-beings (Lamanlupa)' at Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy
The Philippine Pavilion has opened its doors to the public at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in Italy with an exhibition titled 'Soil-beings (Lamánlupa).' The exhibition curated by Renan Laru-an and featuring the work of German-Filipino artist Christian Tenefrancia Illi aims to challenge traditional architectural perspectives by presenting soil not as a mere material, but as a dynamic, living entity. It reimagines the foundational relationship between architecture and soil, shifting focus from structure to the underlying substrate. The exhibition also aims to foster more reciprocal and ethical relationships with the earth, inviting architects, designers, and the public to engage with soil as an active participant in shaping the built environment. At the heart of the exhibition is 'Terrarium,' an installation by Illi, which is composed of nearly 1,000 soil tiles gathered from various Philippine landscapes. According to a press release, Terrarium is the culmination of Illi's months of research, collaboration, and site-specific experimentation across the Philippines and beyond. Co-founder of Studio KIM/ILLI, Illi works between Berlin and Bacolod. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
PH Pavilion at Expo 2025 on track to hit 600,000 visitors
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
Tatler Asia
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
A deeper dive into the vision behind the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Still reverberating on the world stage, the profound messaging of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka continues to unfold anew—and soon, it shall do so, even further, within the nation's heart At Expo 2025 Osaka, the magnificent pavilions of 165 participating countries stand as bastions of national and cultural pride. An estimated 28.2 million visitors are expected to visit the artificial Yumeshima Island over the Expo's six-month run, seizing the chance to witness these thematic architectural marvels until the end of October. A true collaborative feat, the Philippine Pavilion has since drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors, from all corners of the globe, to a deeply layered and sensorially stimulating exploration of the Filipino narrative. See also: How Osaka Expo's leading architects redefined national pavilions 'The Philippine Pavilion is our invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to love the Philippines,' added Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 'We hope to inspire travellers to explore our 7,641 islands, experience the depth of our culture, marvel at the excellence of Filipino creativity and be moved by the stories of triumph and resilience of our communities.' Built around the theme 'Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future', the Pavilion responds to the Expo's call to design future societies by placing heritage and humanity at the heart of progress. It is the proud, diligent handiwork of multiple moving parts—the vision of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), led by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and that of the commissioned design team of Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc as lead architectural firm and designer, Chochay Garcia as producer and creative director, architect Yuki Kanou as executive architect and lead project manager and Tellart as guest experience designer. Above Exterior view of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka They also partnered with renowned artists and cultural champions, like Kenneth Cobonpue and Francis Dravigny, who worked closely with over 200 weavers and artisans from across the country. 'At its core, Woven is not just the name of the Philippine Pavilion—it is the story of how this project came to life,' shared Margarita Nograles, TPB chief operating officer and secretary general of the POC. 'What you see at Expo 2025 Osaka is a collective achievement. It is the weaving together of ideas, traditions and people, grounded in the shared desire to tell the Filipino story with authenticity and soul. Crafted Immersion Most striking, perhaps, about the Pavilion is its thoughtfully designed façade: a moving mosaic of handwoven panels, housing 212 indigenous textiles, ranging from T'nalak to piña. This single endeavour brought together 2,331 artisans from 121 communities, many of whom are beneficiaries of the TPB's Community-Based Tourism (CBT) programmes. This itself is a statement, said Carlo Calma. 'We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds. It reflects who we are as Filipinos—always in motion, always evolving, always expressive.' Above Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in SOCCSKSARGEN Above Architects Justine Jugueta, Carlo Calma and Yuki Kanou Additionally, rather than treating scaffolding as mere temporary support, engineers evaluated their yield strength to adapt them into structural components. 'The habitable space within the scaffolding was transformed into a dynamic architectural element where the live performances take place,' explained Calma. Until recently, artists from Ballet Philippines carried out these performances, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the Pavilion and ensuring there's always something unique to look forward to. Inside, the treasure trove of our rich heritage continues to unfold. The curated space is anchored by its 18 woven art pieces, each hanging from above and representing a region of the Philippines. Painstakingly created over six months by master artisans blending traditional and unconventional materials—abaca, cotton, upcycled fruit packaging material, even chicken feathers— these evocative works portray lush landscapes, crystalline waters, colourful festivals and culinary traditions. Each comes alive with integrated light, sound and projections that draw guests into the heart of every region. Above Each region of the Philippines is represented by a woven art piece inside the Pavilion Above Marga Nograles with weavers at Lake Sebu 'One of the most powerful tools we've built into the Pavilion is the integration of QR codes linked to each of the handwoven art pieces,' Nograles additionally shared. These codes lead visitors to deeper stories— and ultimately, to curated travel itineraries available on the Travel Philippines app. This will hopefully translate the global reception into actual visits to our shores. Also showcasing the fusion of tradition and technology, Dancing with Nature is another highlight of the interior space, transforming visitors from mere observers into participants. Through generative algorithms, guests' movements ripple into emerald fronds, dissolve into iridescent swimming fish or blossom into vibrant petals. This interactive installation, developed in collaboration with Tellart, reinforces the Pavilion's core message—that harmony begins with connection. More from Tatler: Reimagining the narratives of the past: the UP Vargas Museum highlights works by Lee Paje and Ampannee Satoh Beyond this, the Pavilion will offer tactile pleasures and tastes as tangible cultural experiences. The Habi Gift Shop invites visitors to run their fingers over unique keepsakes, each one a testament to Filipino artistry. For those seeking respite, especially amidst the bustle of the Expo, the Hilot Wellness Space promises the soothing touch of traditional Filipino healing massages. And finally, the Hain Takeout Counter beckons with the aromatic promise of homegrown flavours, from the rich, savoury notes of adobong manok sa gata to the delightful sweetness of halo-halo . Above Live performances are held daily at the Philippine Pavilion 'The Pavilion is a long-term investment in our communities, culture and the artisans who keep our heritage alive,' Nograles tells Tatler . The government is committed to strengthening the CBT across the Philippines, supporting them through capacity building workshops and promoting market access that connects them to broader audiences. The TPB COO adds, 'Our goal is to ensure that the Pavilion serves not as a culmination, but as a launchpad—elevating these communities and ensuring they continue to thrive long after the Expo concludes.' With sustainability as a clear cornerstone of the POC's vision, the Philippine Pavilion is designed to outlive the festivities of the Expo 2025 Osaka. Its key elements, including the grand frontage, are poised for a second act at the National Museum of the Philippines, where they will be repurposed and displayed for years to come. 'I think it is important for the spirit and significance of the Pavilion to endure meaningfully within our national narrative,' articulates Jeremy Barns, the museum's director-general. 'It is not only by breathing new life into its physical elements—the artworks, the structure, its design—but also the ideas, aspirations and cultural expressions it embodies. More than an architectural structure, the pavilion is a statement of identity, creative and artistic excellence and, most of all, resilience.' By hosting its homecoming, the National Museum amplifies the Pavilion's message with fresh meaning and relevance long after its debut on the world stage. What could have been a fleeting spectacle now secures its place as a continuous wellspring of inspiration and national pride. The partnership between the POC and this particular government trust is strikingly deliberate and robust, underpinned by their shared zeal to honour, preserve and promote our cultural heritage on the global stage while fostering open access for all Filipinos. Nograles captured it best when she professed her hope that visitors come away with a true sense of how deep, diverse and alive Filipino culture is. 'No amount of technology can replace human warmth, and that's where the Philippines shines,' she shared. 'Our strength lies in our people— their stories, their creativity, their hospitality. Through immersive storytelling, whether at the Pavilion or across our islands, we honour those narratives and invite the world to not only learn about the Philippines but to feel it.' NOW READ Giving thanks: The Tourism Promotions Board's 'Pasasalamat' party National Gallery Singapore introduces shifts in perspectives through its Zóbel exhibition and more How to use the refreshed Travel Philippines app for your future trips
GMA Network
22-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos returns from working visit to Osaka
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. meets with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) officials during his working visit to Osaka, Japan on June 21, 2025. Photo from his official Instagram account President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is back in the Philippines after a working visit to Osaka, Japan, his office said Sunday evening. Marcos landed in the Philippines at 6 p.m. after a four-day visit that included meeting with the Filipino community in Osaka and establishing business commitments with Japanese firms. "Kanadevia Corporation will partner with Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. on a waste-to-energy project that will help manage waste while generating clean energy. Tsuneishi Group will build the world's first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier in Cebu, creating jobs and positioning the Philippines as a leader in green shipping," Marcos said in a social media post. "We also strengthened our partnership with Japanese tourism leaders to bring more visitors to the Philippines and open more opportunities for our workers. Our meeting with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency opened new paths for cooperation in space technology to enhance disaster monitoring, support farmers, and strengthen community safety," he added. Marcos, who was accompanied by First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta Marcos, also twice paid a visit to the Philippine Pavilion at the 2025 Expo currently taking place in Osaka Marcos left on Thursday, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III appointed as caretakers until his return. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Marcos, FL Liza visit PH Pavilion in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan on June 20, 2025. (Screenshot from RTVM) President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos on Friday visited the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The First Couple was given a guided walk-through inside the Philippine Pavilion, which features the largest collaboration of Filipino weavers, with more than 200 handwoven panels created by master artisans from across the country. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Deputy Speaker and Cebu Representative Duke Frasco joined the First Couple during the walk-through. The woven panels formed part of a dynamic façade that opens throughout the day to showcase live performances, the Presidential Communications Office said. Meanwhile, Marcos also visited the circular structure of the Japan Pavilion that carries the theme ''Between Lives.'' Embodying the cycle of life, this features a biogas power generation using food waste from the Expo site and other cutting-edge Japanese carbon recycling technologies in order to create a cyclical loop. This aims to inspire visitors to adopt sustainable behaviors for a sustainable society.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
