Philippines unveils its cultural soul at Expo 2025 through ‘Hinabing Hiraya’

Few art forms are as symbolic of the Filipino spirit as paghahabi—weaving. It is an act of preservation and creation, a living archive of culture, identity, and dreams.
At Expo 2025 Osaka, that symbolism took center stage in Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination), a three-part cultural performance that stitched together the nation’s past, present, and aspirations in a bold expression of identity on the global stage.
Curated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the showcase marked the Philippines’ National Day celebration. It drew from the country’s deep well of tradition and contemporary creativity to present a unified story of resilience, pride, and forward momentum.
“For centuries, paghahabi or weaving has been at the heart of the Filipino story—from birth to death, from peace and conflict. This art form is not only intricate in design but also very rich in meaning. Each thread tells a story of ancestry, identity, and our shared hopes,” said TPB chief operating officer Marga Nograles.
“Our Philippine National Day performance celebrates the Filipino dream, made visible. By remembering the past and embracing the present, we imagine a future shaped by Filipino artistry—a future where every thread strengthens the collective fabric of the nation on the world stage,” Nograles continued.
Performed at the Ray Garden, Expo 2025’s National Day Hall, Hinabing Hiraya unfolded in three distinct suites—each a vivid layer of the national narrative.
The first, Hinabing Gunita (Remembrances), evoked the sacred memory of the ancestors. National Living Treasure Rosie Godwino Sula, a T’boli epic chanter, led the audience into the spiritual heart of indigenous oral tradition. Her performance, anchored by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, paid tribute to the diverse cultural legacies of the Philippines through ritual, music, and movement that echoed centuries of storytelling and community.
Matatag na Kasalukuyan (Resilient Present) followed, casting a spotlight on living masters and the strength of the contemporary Filipino voice. Vocal ensembles Acapellago, Baihana, and Pinopela offered vibrant reinterpretations of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s music. Alice Reyes Dance Philippines transformed Larry Alcala’s iconic Slice of Life cartoons into kinetic visual storytelling. A stirring solo by The Voice winner Sofronio Vasquez honored the everyday struggles and quiet triumphs that define modern Filipino life.
The final segment, Hiraya ng Kinabukasan (Imagined Future), exploded with energy and vision. Lumad Basakanon electrified the stage with their dynamic Sinulog-inspired performance. Martial arts group Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico displayed the finesse and discipline of the national sport. Hip-hop champions UPeepz pushed the narrative forward with high-impact street choreography rooted in Filipino grit and global awareness. Rising pop star Zephanie and the angelic Loboc Children’s Choir closed the suite on an emotional note, blending youthful promise with cultural continuity.
The evening concluded with a collective performance of Pilipinas Kong Mahal—a solemn, powerful moment of unity that underscored the themes of the showcase without veering into spectacle.
More than a celebration, Hinabing Hiraya was a cultural offering: a portrait of a nation woven through time, shared with the world not just as performance, but as presence.
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