The Zaragoza World Expo 2008

Adhering to the Zaragoza World Expo 2008 theme “Water and Sustainable Development,” the 247-square-meter Philippine Pavilion responded with an ultra-modern aquatic design that celebrates the country’s archipelagic character.

The winning proposal by Lor Calma Design Associates in collaboration with the museum development company TAO Inc. brings together a surprising  combination of  hi-tech equipment and the most traditional,  that of industrial bone China materials with avante garde sound art .

On hand to welcome visitors is the amiable  “Filipo”, the pavilion mascot symbolizing Donsol’s famous butanding (whale shark) which is inspired by one of the best practices modules presented in the Expo.

The pavilion is designed to transport one in a seeming underwater experience. Blue-lit space with hundreds of transparent spheres are suspended from the high ceiling and  figures in bone china and embroidered translucent cloth appear luminous in the darkened pavilion creating a water realm environment.

While the pavilion is consistent to the over-all theme of water and sustainable development, it successfully blends tourism value in the presentation that creates awareness and interest about the Philippines.

“The exhibit’s main theme suits well with our existing promotional strategy for the European market. This is a great opportunity for the DOT to push our country’s water adventures to a hugely European audience,” DOT secretary Ace Durano said.

Video screens are strategically placed showing various Philippine destinations and attractions like Banaue, Baguio, Vigan, Metro Manila and environs, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin,  Davao and  top dive sites in Balicasag and  Moalboal,  with special interest activity such as Butanding (whale shark) encounter in Sorsogon. This information is replicated in various printed promotional materials in both Spanish and English translations for better understanding and appreciation of what the Philippines can offer to the visitors.

The 10 water-related efforts include the conservation efforts in Anilao, Donsol and Tubbataha Reef, watershed custodianship at the Ifugao Rice Terraces, the cultural and social welfare sustainability of Batanes, the geothermal and hydro energy projects in Leyte and other provinces, El Nido Resort’s earth-friendly hotel management, Jewelmer’s pearl farm operations and the steadfastness of the Filipino seaman.

Catering to all the senses, the Philippine exhibit includes the Agua y Olio, (water and oil) a mini-spa that provides a 15-minute traditional massage called hilot. Four experts in this type of treatments attend to about 90 persons a day. It is an ideal remedy for muscle stress, back and neck aches.

The pavilion also has a “Coffee Nook” offering the Travel Café Philippine Drip Coffee and roasted coffee beans for tasting and demonstration on coffee preparations and a corner boutique that showcases handicrafts and merchandizes from top Filipino producers.

In these three months, the Expo Zaragoza 2008 will focus on one of the greatest challenges facing the human race and that is water as a main support for life.

The Philippines in turn makes use of the opportunity to present to a global audience a high level of skill that brings together art, science, community development and tourism that will surely entice the visitors to visit the Philippines.