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DTI targets October 2019 as start of PH Pavilion construction at Expo 2020 site

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) targets October 2019 as the start of the construction of the Philippine Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

During a media roundtable at DTI headquarters in Makati on June 11, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos told The Filipino Times that preparations for the country’s participation in the Expo are now at full speed.

Gaetos added that, if all nuts and bolts would be fastened early, the construction of the “Bangkota” pavilion will likely be set in October. However, if processes would not permit, it might be set at a later date until January 2020.

Notwithstanding, she said they are confident that the structure will be completed by September 2020, a month before the actual opening of the global expo.

“Bangkóta” is an ancient Tagalog term for “coral reef”. DTI said that the pavilion concept owes its overarching design to the architectural character from the coral reefs native to the archipelago.

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DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez (C); DTI Assec. Rosvi Gaetos (L); Arch. Royal Pineda

Arch. Royal Pineda, Director for Theme Development of the Philippine Pavilion, revealed that the architecture will be luxurious in design but very cost-effective.

The exterior of the pavilion will be made mostly from mesh, which will make it conducive to the UAE weather.

“What’s nice here is that, because it’s sunny in Dubai, the mesh, which is actually a sunscreen, will [reflect shades of light],” Pineda said, demonstrating how the mesh will enhance the beauty of the structure. He added: “So, you will never see the architecture the same way as you saw it last time.”

Pineda also explained that: “Our aim is not to bring bahay-kubo (nipa hut) there [in Expo 2020 Dubai], but to bring its modern principle. The pavilion is an exhibit in itself from the moment you see from afar, not from the moment you enter it.”

All the plants that will be used are the ones already available in Dubai.

In terms of Filipino participation in the construction, Pineda said they would like to employ the concept of modern bayanihan.

“Our principle is geared towards modern bayanihan, wherein the creative direction comes from us [Filipinos], but we will also collaborate with the international community to realize it,” Pineda explained.

The pavilion design is spearheaded by Budji+Royal Architecture+Design with original content created by Marian Roces & Digital Content Creators, who will be responsible for the film and exhibit installations, literature, history, and music.

Expo 2020 will open next year, October 20, 2020 and will run till April 10, 2021 for a total of 173 days. Timings run from 10:00 am to 1:00 am on weekdays, and from 10:00 am to 2:00 am during weekends and special days.

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

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