Follow the Journey, Visit Bangkóta!
The Bangkóta tells the 4000-year journey of the Philippines at the Dubai Expo 2020
Shin Kitane | September 11, 2021
The Philippines opens up its proverbial gates to the world as it gears up for the opening of Dubai Expo 2020 this coming October. Delegates from over 190 countries are expected to visit the five-month long Expo, with special exhibits featuring various countries, such as the Philippines.
The Philippines will showcase its cutlure and heritage at the "Philippines Pavilion" area of the expo, with all Filipino food, artwork, and architecture coming together under one roof, the "Bangkóta."
The Bangkóta takes the form of a large coral reef, something that the Philippines is known for. Designed by architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, the structure not only represents Philippine coral reefs but also tells the story of its rich, 4000-year old history.
The Bangkóta designed by Royal Pineda
The "Bangkóta is a living coral reef, pulsating with people, movement, activities, flora and water features, all functioning as one global ecosystem," Pineda shares. The structure is an impressive 1,268-square meter area that includes water features and a unique see-through mesh exoskeleton inspired by the form of a living coral reef.
Philippine coral reefs in Palawan. Photos by Jules Bss and Tamara Mohle on Unsplash
The Philippines Pavilion will feature the following attractions in the exhibit:
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is optimistic that the exhibit will bring positive attention to the country and attract international investors. Ahead of its opening, the
exhibit has already strengthened trade between the Philippines and UAE by at least 32%.
DTI expects that the exhibit's opening will further enrich the country's prospects for global partnerships and increase opportunities for local and international employment.
“During the Expo, the country hopes to strengthen its trade partnership with the UAE and the greater Middle East region on key sectors. With the magnitude of global publicity of Expo 2020 Dubai, we are positive that the Philippine participation will contribute to enhancing international goodwill for the Philippines and, more importantly, create more interest in the Philippines as a competitive and innovative trade partner. Expo 2020 Dubai will act as a catalyst for Philippines to penetrate the world’s fastest emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, a region of more than 3.2 billion people, with a collective GDP of more than Dh24 trillion,” says Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos, Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group at PH Expo 2020 Dubai.
Filipinos in UAE are likewise excited for the exhibit. In a promotional video, they are seen inviting people to attend the exhibit by chanting "Follow the journey, visit Bangkóta." Watch it here.
Expo 2020 Dubai will run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The exhibit will open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. For tickets, visit their website.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai Website