More fun... Definitely!

MANILA, Philippines - As The 2012 Expo in the southern port city of Yeosu in South Korea draws to a close today, the Philippines can consider its participation in the three-month expo a success. The ocean-themed expo has drawn nearly 5 million visitors since it opened last May 12; over half a million have visited the Philippine pavilion, located within the International Pavilion, the largest structure in the expo site.

True to the hugely successful campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” visiting the Philippine pavilion is more fun right from the get-go, with sounds from DJ Elmer and the infectious percussion beats of Grupo Tribale at the entrance inviting passersby to come in and join the fun.

Inside, a cinema wall constantly runs videos of underwater wonders, inviting destinations and cultural snippets. On one side, “coral spores” made of abaca feature QRCs (quick read codes, all the rage in tech-savvy Korea).

Four “islands” or pods occupy the main floor of the pavilion, running images of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, plus one dedicated to biodiversity and conservation. The pods are very popular because of the sand surrounding each pod, of different colors and taken from different areas of the country: powdery white from Boracay, black from Sto. Domingo in Albay, pink from Sta. Cruz island in Zamboanga, and brown from San Lorenzo, Guimaras. Not a single visitor misses the chance to feel the sand, especially children who often end up playing with the sand. And nevermind that the sand spills out of the box; efficient staff quickly clean up the spills.

The Philippines took centerstage at the Expo last July 22 with the celebration of its National Day. The country delegation led by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and Ambassador to Seoul Luis Cruz escorted the national flag to the front of the Expo Hall, where the colors were raised. The barong tagalog and Filipiniana dress crowd included Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, Tourism Assistant Secretaries Ramon Enerio III and Eugene Kaw, NCCA executive director Emelita Almosara, Tourism attaché in Seoul Maricon Ebron, pavilion director Gwen Batoon, Tourism Promotions Board’s Jeanie Sudario, Cebu Pacific’s Candice Iyog.

Inside the Expo Hall theater for the national day official ceremony, expo commissioner general Lee Joon-hee cited the Philippines’ vital role in marine conservation and the preservation of biodiversity. Noting the country’s place in the Coral Triangle with “unique and diverse marine life and with vast coral reefs and seagrass beds” which attract not only Korean divers but dive enthusiasts from all over the globe, Lee said such marine resources “deserve the best care and attention we can offer.”

Jimenez, for his part, acknowledged that conservation efforts are crucial, as oceans are important not just for tourism but for the economy, providing income and livelihood for many communities. He also noted that “oceans do not separate but connect people, as the seas surrounding us demonstrate today.”

The cultural program that followed drew enthusiastic response from the mostly Korean audience, with small groups of Filipinos living in Korea proudly waving small Philippine flags. Project director Nestor Jardin said that the program, Connected Diversities, celebrated Filipino artistry and pride in being Pinoy.

Dancers from Ballet Philippines and the University of Cebu Dance Company, P-pop group Down to Mars, singers Gian Magdangal and Kyla, and host Sam Oh lit up the stage and electrified the audience. Director Ariel Yonzon and production designer Eric Cruz did a splendid job, especially with the images flashed in the background.

That show was such a success that word apparently spread, because the afternoon program drew an overflow crowd who filled the 1,000-seat hall over an hour before curtain time. A huge crowd waited in the lobby, but ushers would not allow them in since the theater was already full.

An expanded program for the afternoon featured the same artists, although Jardin said this program was “more fun,” and emphasized shared values between the Philippines and Korea.

The cast and crew on stage with TourismSecretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and Ambassador Luis Cruz (top). Pinoy pride as Gina Magdangal sings “Noy Pi” (middle). The Expo outdoor arena, with The Big O, scene of nighttime light and sound shows.

And indeed, the audience agreed that it was more fun, cheering and clapping intermittently. Organizers said the Philippines shows were among the best attended, and noted that unlike other shows, no one left but everyone stayed till the end.

Koreans account for about a quarter of tourist arrivals in the country. The target for this year is 1.1 million Korean visitors and, from the enthusiastic response at the Expo, that target just might be surpassed.