Around the world in 182 days: Philippines

Presenting a creative and compassionate nation. Pavilion of Philippines at EXPO 2020 in Dubai, UAE.

Philippines Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai

January 2022

Bangkóta: Philippine coral reef. The natural, organic shape of the Bangkóta (coral reef) draws you into defined, free-flowing, open spaces, reflecting a culture that embraces openness, meaningful encounters, and connectivity.

Bangkóta is ‘coral reef’ in old Tagalog, one of the 175 Austronesian languages in the Philippines. It updates knowledge about the country by poetically articulating the Filipino as coral reef—sea-oriented and globally connected—thriving in vibrant communities everywhere in the world. From the ocean-voyaging Austronesians to the Filipinos of today, they were and still are connected by the world’s oceans—a 4,000-year journey of cultural sustainability. Bangkóta is the story of every Filipino.

In the Philippines Pavilion:

Authentic Filipino architecture, art and design. A spatial form evoking a coral reef, and within, a vanguard music environment, the architectural interiors “grow” the visitors’ imagination with visual experiences and a sequence of artworks that drive updated science about the Philippines and its people.
An epic symphony of nature, culture and a 4,000-year journey. Artmaking and design interlink with scientific work on ancient Philippines to tell a story from the past—65,000 years of genetic mixing in precolonial Philippine archipelago—to the future—multiple expressions of a tenacious culture sustained for 4,000 years.
Cultural expressions in Go Lokal! and Marahuyo boutique. An impressive collection of artisanal, contemporary and practical luxury products and designer pieces, all made in the Philippines.
A distinctive culture expressed in food and artisanal and practical luxury products. A delightful food experience at the Mangrove Café. A full and delectable sensory experience with Philippine cuisine, drawn from a rich cultural history and a diversity of flavors, aroma and color.
Biggest Philippines Pavilion. 1,386 sqm on a 3,163.25 sqm lot, the biggest the Philippines has showcased in any Expo.
700,000 Filipinos in the UAE. A strong, natural audience base of overseas Filipinos in the UAE.
Philippine creative economy in focus. A platform for globally-recognised and up-and-coming Filipino creative minds and talents.

Ξ EXPO 2020 Dubai webpage

EXPO 2020 Dubai | Philippines Pavilion