Philippines reveals coral reef as its theme for Expo 2020 pavilion

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Philippines reveals coral reef as its theme for Expo 2020 pavilion

Dubai - The Philippine pavilion will be a 3,000 square-metre space with a 1,300 square-metre enclosed area.

by

Angel Tesorero

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Published: Fri 21 Jun 2019, 5:00 PM

The Philippine pavilion in the upcoming Expo 2020 will be in the form of a 'Bangkota', the ancient Tagalog word for coral reef, officials from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced recently.
According to DTI, "the theme highlights not only the country's natural resources but the similarities between the coral reef and Filipinos: both grow into colonies that thrive throughout the world."
Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes told Khaleej Times: "Our pavilion at Expo 2020 hopes to encapsulate the journey of a Filipino nation from the 16th century to the present. From the architecture, to the design, to the substance of our participation, we will show Dubai and the world that the Filipino, though he has transported his roots and established them in places other than our home country, has learned to metamorphose in to a resilient race that is able to imbibe not only his tradition and culture but also that of the country he finds himself in."
The Philippine pavilion will be a 3,000 square-metre space with a 1,300 square-metre enclosed area, designed by Budji+Royal Architecture+Design and curated by Marian Roces. It will feature five exhibit areas, an artisanal café, and Go Lokal! stores. 
Architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design said they will use mesh instead of concrete as the primary material "as a way to present the Filipinos truthfully, rather than compete with other countries."
Marian Roces will curate the five main exhibits, namely: 4,000 Years Young, Modern Becomes Filipino, The Muslims of the Philippines, The Coraline People, and Oceans Pacific. The exhibit areas will illustrate the country's history even before the arrival of the Spaniards.
"The exhibit area will endeavor to change the world's mindset about the Philippines and the Filipinos' mindsets about themselves. The Philippines has also set March 16, 2021 as the Philippine National Day to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in the Philippine islands. The celebration aims to shift the mindset of this being the day that Magellan discovered the Philippines, to the day we discovered Magellan," the DTI noted.
"Our most important goal in participating at the Expo is to present a country brand that reflects our rich history and our values as caring, compassionate, and creative people," said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
Lopez said that the Philippine government has earmarked a budget of around PhP1 billion (Dh71.5 million) which will be earned back through tourism, trade, services, and investments, as the DTI will also organize an investment mission.
DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos shared that Expo 2020 Dubai organizers thought that the Philippine pavilion is "humble, honest, yet progressive."
After Expo 2020, Bangkota will be installed permanently in New Clark City, Philippines.
angel@khaleejtimes.com


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