Philippines to participate in 2020 World Expo Dubai with a coral reef-themed pavilion

For the first time since we last participated almost a decade ago, the Philippines will be joining the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with a coral reef-themed pavilion.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)'s press statement on Wednesday, the pavilion will be called "Bangkóta." It's the ancient Filipino word for “coral reef,” and it aims to represent the creativity and compassion of the Filipino people, a number of which is staying in the Middle East.

Just like the coral reef, the statement said, Filipinos have also established themselves in different places and bringing with them their own culture and traditions,all the while nurturing communities.

The Philippine pavilion itself is a collaborated work led by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, architect Royal Pineda, and Philippine pavilion curator Marian Pastor-Roces.

Among the selected talented artists and photographers are Duddley Diaz, Lee Paje, Abdulmari Imao, and Scott Gutsy Tuason and many others.

"The intent thus is for visitors to the Philippines Pavilion, through their sense of sight, sound, and emotions to gain a better appreciation of the story of Filipinos—a story that is often hidden in the pages of history," the release wrote.

The Bangkóta Philippines Pavilion is set to open its doors in Dubai on October 20, 2020. — LA, GMA News