Presenting the Splendidness of the Philippines to Expo Shanghai

Dialogue with Joseph H. Durano -- Commissioner General of the Philippines for World Expo 2010

Written by Zhao Hong Photographed by Xu Jiechen 

There is a heavenly country which boasts 34,600 kilometers of coastline and 7,107 islands and islets with unique scenery to tempt every nature-loving tourist; the skyscrapers built with glass-fiber reinforced concrete and the sculptures of the historic heroes standing side by side along the street transmit the signal of interlacement of time and space; the sublime and holy churches and the historical museums guide people to walk along the long corridor of history. This is the Philippines -- a charming country where the natural sceneries and the historical culture reflect the glories of each other.

On March 27, 2008, Joseph H. Durano, Minister of Philippine Department of Tourism and Commissioner General of the Philippines for World Expo 2010 signed the participation contract with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination. The Philippines will create her National Pavilion at the Expo Site, setting a brand-new record in her World Expo participation history.

"Displaying Cities" and Presenting Unusual Splendidness

To get in tune with the theme of Expo Shanghai, the Philippine Pavilion will deduce the theme of "displaying cities", highlighting the interaction between the humanistic urban development and the mankind, cities and environment through animation technology. According to Joseph H. Durano, the theme "displaying cities" contains two concepts: arts at one side and achievements or responsibility at the other side. It elucidates how the Filipinos incorporate urban construction with design, planning, management and sustainability and blend music and performance into the design and planning of the specific cities. Inside the Pavilion will be a coffeehouse, a water therapy and amusement center and a special zone for the world's first-rate products and technologies as well as the forums and seminars. Philippine Department of Tourism together with the National Organizing Committee of the Philippines which consists of other relevant government bodies will be in charge of the relevant affairs concerning the participation of the Philippines in World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

Joseph H. Durano was quoted as saying, "The Philippines is a fascinating country surrounded by the coasts and the cities inside have their unique features. You can walk around Manila -- the picturesque capital of the country to have a good understanding of the fusion of the brilliant history and modern civilization; you can go to the southernmost of the Philippines to visit Davao -- the largest city in the world, feasting your eyes with the fairyland-like views and products of the‘Treasure Island of the South China Sea'; you can tour around the Clark Air Base, the largest one in Asia the American military force built during the Second World War, rejoicing at the rebirth of the small town during the flames of war; you can also visit the picturesque Subic Bay and the Baguio City dotted with flowers and green pipes……These cities are all likely to be displayed at Expo Shanghai, where the brilliance and splendidness characteristic of the Philippines will be presented to the world."

An Act of Cultural Performance Being on Show

In addition to the deduction of the theme of Expo Shanghai through pavilion, the rich and colorful cultural exhibition activities are indispensable to this passionate and unrestrained country. The national dance constitutes a key part of the Philippine culture. From the south to the north, every place has its distinctive dance pattern: the dance on Luzon Island Plain features ardent Spanish rhythm; the Muslim dance for the wedding ceremony on Mindanao Island has graceful melody and the aboriginal music of the high-mountain tribes contains age-old tunes. Just as Joseph H. Durano commented, "The Philippines is an act of cultural performance being put on, and the temperament of the Filipinos is just as warm and loyal as the sunshine in the country."

Mr. Durano added that the Philippine Pavilion Day for Expo Shanghai will be celebrated in tune with "Filipino-China Friendship Day". During the festival, the Philippine Pavilion will showcase the essence of the local culture. The picked representative programs will reflect the absorption and transformation of the cultural elements of China. And the exhibition highlighting sustainability of the urban development will also be held concurrently. All these will make the world have a deep understanding of the humanistic arts of the Philippines and the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Filipinos.

"Emerald Necklace of the Pacific" Warmly Welcomes Visitors

China and the Philippines are neighbors which boast long-standing and rich cultural exchange and economic and trade relations. Among the major tourism and investment markets of the Philippines, China has always been given priority. China is the third largest trade partner and one of the largest tourism markets of the Philippines, with tens of thousands of Chinese touring around the country annually.

The Philippines is full of surprises: the immense chains of mountains tell of the fascinating legends; the century-old cities and architecture have erected up monuments for history; the distinctive handicrafts and rich night life have added some tints of fashion; and the crystal sea water and tropical climate have been attractions to the tourists across the world. During the interview, Joseph H. Durano gave his earnest invitations to the Chinese, "Come to experience the Philippines! This is a country with splendid natural wonders, long history and charming customs and practices. The unique charm of the Philippines comes from the 7,107 islands and islets, which are just like the numerous shining bright pearls dotted and inlaid in the immense blue waves of the West Pacific, hence the name of‘Emerald Necklace of the Pacific'. Everywhere in this island country, you will unexceptionally meet with unusual enthusiasm and friendliness. This kind of experience will sure imprint on your mind."

At last, Joseph H. Durano said, "Filipinos look forward to the advent of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, because it can display and share the splendid history and cultural essence of the Philippines with the world. Currently, 40,000-or-so Filipinos visited Shanghai annually. Starting from this year, we will involve more Filipinos to participate in Expo Shanghai through a series of promotion and publicity activities. It is my deep belief that the platform of Expo Shanghai will deepen the friendship between the two peoples further."