International News UAP Dubai and the World Expo 2020

By: Ar. Jerico Z. Bisnar, UAP

What a great time it was.

It was the most memorable 6 months, brimming with great moments - the type that builds legacies for everyone involved. The Expo 2020 Dubai has provided an arena for nations to showcase what they got and further invigorate global trade and cultural exchange with the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. An arena for the architecture and engineering industry to once again take centerstage and stir human creativity. It was a challenge and an opportunity made extraordinarily difficult by the unexpected arrival of Covid-19.

And even with the extended incidence of the pandemic, the collective will is greater than the obstacle. The UAE has led the way with a strong resolve. The Philippines followed suit. The UAP Dubai was called, and we responded. We gave back to the community and created more meaningful legacy for the UAP in the global architectural stage and for the Philippines in the world fair stage.

A couple of years before the UAP Dubai was tapped to contribute to the Expo 2020 as part of the organizing committee for the Philippine Pavilion (more popularly known as “Bangkota”), the Chapter has actually initiated an ambitious task of redefining itself to raise its position and stand shoulder to shoulder with more popular counterparts like the AIA and RIBA. Its arrow was aimed at a singular target: producing more Global Filipino Architects. The tagline?

“UAP Dubai – Keeper Of The Best”.

Although it seems easier said than done, the Chapter’s dedicated officers and committees have systematically broken down the goal into bite-size pieces starting from internal reorganization to networking and branding, and even recreational activities for its members. Technical capabilities are not enough to maximize the full potential of the Global Filipino Architect, he also must be adept at the business and marketing side of things. The Chapter understands that in order to be globally competitive and relevant, it needs to also interact and learn from other fields and industries.

And like an answered prayer, the Bangkota was served on the UAP Dubai Chapter’s plate.

A wonderful opportunity to showcase what the Chapter can contribute, not just in terms of technical but also in terms of coordination with other trades, socializing, sports, and entertainment.

Among other things, the UAP Dubai Chapter has contributed to the success of the Philippine Pavilion and the Expo 2020 in general thru the following:

• Before the Dubai Expo 2020 opened its doors to world, the UAP Dubai worked closely with Arch. Royal Pineda in developing the concept for the Bangkota and the DTI for recommending consultant, suppliers, and contractors, as well as conducting periodic site visits to ensure smooth construction of the Bangkota

• The UAP Dubai Chapter has partnered with other organizations and businesses in an information dissemination campaign called “I Am Bangkota” weeks before the official opening of the Bangkota

• A lot of UAP Dubai members have been involved in the design and construction of most of the structures and pavilions inside the Expo 2020 thru their respective employers

• The UAP Dubai Chapter was part of the Dubai-based Coordination Committee together with The Philippine Business Council and the Filipino Social Club that ensured community support and engagement for the whole duration of the Expo 2020

• The Global Business Forum on ASEAN is one of the events where UAP Dubai has interacted with other industry players and learned some business trends and ideas

• The UAP Dubai actively participated in the celebration of the “Philippine National Day at the Expo 2020” and showcased UAP Dubai’s other talents thru some members’ participation in the Bangkota Music

• The UAP Dubai is treated to a presentation about Space by the Philippine Space Agency’s Director himself

• The UAP Dubai has hosted the first ever “UAP Dubai International Conference” attended my government dignitaries and industry partners to further enhance the branding and image of the UAP in the UAE and to the world

• The Filipino culture is replete with food and dining together, and the UAP Dubai has enjoyed socializing over the various delicacies served at the Philippine Food Festival at Bangkota

• And to prove that it is not all work at UAP Dubai, the Chapter has spearheaded the “Bangkóta Fitfest” together with the Filipino International Triathletes to prepare the body for “Run The World” which was also spearheaded by UAP Dubai with several UAP national officers also in attendance

• The UAP’s 47th anniversary programs was conducted simultaneously between the Manila and Dubai with the coordinated efforts of the UAP National Office and the UAP Dubai Chapter

What a great time it was, indeed. A lot of firsts for UAP.

And more to look forward to.

A Little Bit of Trivia:

1. Bangkota means “coral reef” in old Tagalog; the Filipino - much like a coral reef – grows into colonies, spreads out all over the world; and yet still connected by migration, travel, and technology.

2. The Bangkota is conceptualised and actualised by Architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design and independent curator Marian Pastor Roces, collaborating with unusual synchrony with Assistant Secretary Rosario Virginia Gaetos of the Department of Trade and Industry, who also serves as Alternate Commissioner General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC).

3. The current government has allocated $7 million for the Bangkota, which sits on 3,163.23 sqm of land and built by Dubai-based contracting company RAQ Contracting LLC.

4. In terms of land area, the Bangkota is the biggest Philippine Pavilion so far for a world expo.