Photo courtesy_ Philippine Expo 2020 Dubai
Thousands of Filipinos forming part of the 700,000 strong community in the United Arab Emirates came in full force to support the festivities during the celebration of the Philippines National Day in Expo 2020 Dubai last February 11, 2022.
GMA Network was invited to be part of the official Philippine Delegation to this milestone event. GMA International’s First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph Jerome T. Francia represented the network.
Some of the highest officials from the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines attended the event such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Philippine Consul General in Dubai Hon. Renato N. Dueñas, and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Paul Raymund Cortes.
Spectators were awed to see the Philippine Flag projected at the Al Wasl Dome. The plaza was filled with fun and excitement when some of the most talented Filipinos based across the entire UAE came together to give spectacular performances.
After the flag-raising ceremony at the Bangkota, the week-long celebration officially opened with a colorful grand parade that highlighted Filipino traditional costumes and music around the “Avenue of Nations.”
One of the main highlights of the event was the “Daluyong ng Diwa” or “Tides of Our Soul,” an original musical featuring the Philippines’ outstanding artists and performers including Bayang Barrios.
Similar to festivals in the Philippines, a food fiesta was held at the Philippine Pavilion where different restaurants showcased sumptuous Filipino delicacies.
The Philippines is one of 192 countries represented in this Expo, which is the first to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, and is said to be the biggest Expo staged so far.
“At Expo 2020, under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” we aim to chart a better and more sustainable tomorrow for everyone, and we are thankful for the Philippines’ substantial contributions to our purpose,” UAE Minister of State His Excellency Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh said in his statement.
The Philippine Pavilion is called Bangkota, the ancient name for coral reef. It tells the fascinating and inspiring 4000-year journey of the Filipino people, starting when Austronesians started settling in the Philippine islands.
“[The coral reef] represents the Filipinos because you can really see them starting with one polyp and connecting with another, and then eventually building a community, and that is what the Filipinos are around the world. They move, they go to different countries, sometimes they work there or migrate and eventually they build communities,” DTI Sec. Lopez said.
PH Ambassador H.E. Quintana believes the Philippines’ participation in the event is historic. “There has been a lot of anticipation of what we are offering to the Expo and this spectacle was just mind-blowing and really touches the hearts of many people. And that’s what the Expo is all about. It’s connecting us with each other, it’s able to touch us in a very special way. And it’s good that we have been an instrument of that.”
“There are lots of Filipinos joining us to celebrate this special day. This is one of the highlights of our participation in the Expo 2020. This is a time to be proud of our heritage and of course our participation in this significant event in the community of nations,” Consul General Dueñas added.
DFA Asec. Cortes explained how meaningful this cheerful event was for Filipinos all over the world. “Ang Bangkota ay kuwento ng paglalakbay ng mga Filipino mula sa Pilipinas at kung saan man sa mundo at ipinapakita natin kung ano ‘yung kwento at kung ano ang kontribusyon ng ating mga kababayanas. We try so search for ourselves and as we try to make lives better for ourselves and the community, we transplant ourselves in.”
Bangkota Over-all Curator Marian Pastor Roces explained how their modern take on the Pavilion’s design can help improve the image of the country to the world.
“We were convinced at the very start of this project, that the Philippines needs to update its image of itself. And updating doesn’t have to be built purely on conjecture, or speculation or fantasy. We can fantasize but it must be built on something. And so, we built the pavilion on updated science.”
“Nagagalak po ang GMA Pinoy TV na maging bahagi nitong Dubai Expo 2020 Philippine National Day. Napakalaking selebrasyon po ito ng Filipino Community dito sa UAE at napakahalaga ng mensahe nito para sa ating mga kababayan sa buong mundo.“ GMA International Head Joseph Francia said.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Filipinos were able to come together, in true Bayanihan spirit, to share the beauty and grandeur of Philippine heritage, culture, and tradition to the world. Our countrymen are indeed #StrongerTogether when they dream and work together.
The Expo 2020 is open until March 31, 2022. Watch the highlights of the Philippine participation at the Expo 2020 on GMA Pinoy TV and various GMA outlets.
