Over 5,000 visitors experienced “Bangkota,” the Philippine pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai when the prestigious world fair opened earlier this week.
At 1,386 sqm, “Bangkota” is the largest pavilion the Philippines has showcased in any expo. Named after the old Tagalog word for “coral reef”, the pavilion is described as an “epic symphony of nature, art and architecture” that tells the story of the 4,000-year journey of Filipinos, from our prehistoric roots to today.
The pavilion was designed by visionary architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal, which takes natural and organic shape of the coral reef –– drawing visitors into free-flowing, open spaces that included visual installations, musical scoring, along with updated scientific information about Philippine history. The pavilion features a high-profile roster of collaborators curated by Pastor Roces, notably National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos, while 10 of the most prominent artists in the country contributed to the exhibit.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry, the pavilion is meant to showcase globally-recognized and up-and-coming Filipino creative minds and talents.
The Expo 2020 Dubai, originally scheduled to be held last year, is the latest World Expo edition, carrying on the centuries-old tradition since it was first held in London in 1851.
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