Philippines National Day celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai - GulfToday

Philippines National Day celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai

Philippines-NationalDay-Expo

Philippines National Day celebration at Jubilee Stage Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday night. WAM

The Philippines celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, with a host of activities marking the country’s strong ties with the UAE. Almost 700,000 Filipinos call the UAE home, and have become part of the nation’s growth.

Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, welcomed Ramon Lopez, Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry, Commissioner General of the Philippine Pavilion and Chair of the Philippine Organising Committee for Expo 2020 Dubai.

 Mohamed bin Zayed receives message from President of Philippines Mohamed bin Zayed / President of the Philippines / message DUBAI, 12th February, 2022 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received a message from President Rodrigo Duterte of the Republic of The Philippines, dealing with ways of consolidating bilateral relations.  The message delivered to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, when he received President Duterte's Special Envoy Robert Borje, at Expo 2020 Dubai.  In turn, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah His Highness handed Borje a message from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to President Duterte, also related to bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.  The two sides discussed the relations of joint cooperation between the UAE and THE Southeast Asian country, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. They also reviewed the participation of the friendly Republic of The Philippines at Expo 2020 Dubai and the role of this prominent global event in enhancing joint cooperation between the two countries in a number of important fields such as industry and trade.  Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of Borje, highlighting the distinguished bilateral relations and the keenness of both countries to strengthen them and develop cooperation in various fields in order to realise the mutual interests of the two countries and bring good to their peoples.  For his part, The Philippines's presidential envoy praised the impressive organization of Expo 2020 Dubai, which draws wide participation of about 192 countries, and contributes to providing an important global platform to create promising opportunities for cooperation and partnership between countries. He also added that his country participates for the first time with a national pavilion in the World Expo events since the beginning of its participation decades ago.   He also expressed his country's aspiration to elevate joint cooperation with the UAE in all fields, praising the leading position that the UAE enjoys at the regional and global levels.    Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, attended the meeting.   WAM/Tariq alfaham Filipinos parade on Ghaf Avenue during the Philippines National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. WAM

Al Sayegh said, "The Philippines Pavilion showcases the successes and the innovations of its people, promotes the Philippines’ growth sectors, including Infrastructure, ICT, and Eco-tourism, and positions the country as a key trade partner in the region.


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"The relationship between our two countries, which was established in the early 1970s, is based on shared visions and mutual respect. Given that the Philippines is one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia Pacific region, we are keen on exploring new prospects of cooperation between our public and private sectors within areas of common interest."

Lopez said, "We commend the UAE government for its bold initiative in hosting the first world expo in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region and in delivering what (has) turned out to be the biggest and most impressive Expo ever. We are proud to be part of such an achievement.

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The Philippines Pavilion showcases the successes and the innovations of its people.

"Expo 2020 Dubai has been a game-changer in Philippine-UAE economic relations, opening up unlimited opportunities in trade, tourism and investments. We project increased revenues in major industry sectors."

A cultural performance by Daluyong ng Diwa, depicting the four-thousand-year history of the Filipino people, with music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco, concluded the ceremony. The show was created to complement the Philippines Pavilion.

Philippines-artists-Expo Artists perform during the Philippines National Day celebration at Jubilee Stage, Expo 2020 Dubai. WAM

Located in the Sustainability District, the pavilion has a thematic presentation titled ‘Bangkota,’ an ancient Filipino word for "coral reef." This presents the Filipino people as sea-oriented as well as globally connected, thriving in vibrant communities across the world.

In the evening, the Philippine flag was projected on Al Wasl Dome, while a gala presentation featuring Filipino artists and performers was staged at Jubilee Park. A food fiesta, showcasing the southeast Asian nation’s diverse cuisine was also held at the Philippines Pavilion.

Rounding off the festivities was a concert in Al Wasl dome by Filipino American singer, Bamboo, whose musical talent and songs about social issues have made him a pop icon.

WAM

 

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