World Expo 2010 Shanghai China

The World Expo 2010, also known as Expo 2010 Shanghai China, was held for six months from May 1 to October 31, 2010. It was participated in by a total of 246 countries and international organizations. Its site was at a property on both banks of the Huangpu River which covers 5.28 square kilometers of land. 192 countries had pavilions or exhibition areas which showcased their respective cultures.

Of course, host China had the biggest pavilion complete with performers, exhibits, visual presentations and other activities which made it the most interesting pavilion and the most visited at that.

The Philippine Pavilion was right at the entrance to the Expo grounds and it was strategically located. Visitors cannot miss our country's area because it was all white and had hands imprinted around the building. Along the Nanpu Bridge-Lupu Bridge, from the airport going to our hotel, the Philippine Pavilion can be seen right away. It was shining with clapping hands around it signifying the festive culture of Filipinos.

Personally, the pavilion that I liked best was that of Saudi Arabia. I felt that it was the most expensively-done pavilion. 360 degrees of LED presentation about Saudi Arabian history and culture was highlighted. It was technically superior and they even had bedouin performers while we were queuing to go inside their much-anticipated pavilion. It took us more than 5 hours just to fall in line and have the Saudi Arabia pavilion experience. It was worth the wait.

Great Britain's "Seed Cathedral" was also a favorite. It had no big exhibits inside but you have to look into the seeds inside the spikes of the pavilion to understand British culture through the centuries. For me, it was intelligently done.

Another one of my favorites was the Italian Pavilion. It showcased the works of renowned Italian fashion designers who have made their marks in the global fashion scene. Why not? They have made Italy more popular with their works.

When I entered the Spanish Pavilion, I thought I was in a labyrinth. But each corner that I went to, there were surprises. I felt I had to visit their pavilion because I wanted to know more of the country that colonized the Philippines for 333 years. It was one way of touching base with the heritage that is a big part of my country.

Not to be outdone were the pavilions of other Asian nations which were also eye-catching. Those that I noticed were the pavilions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India and Japan. Each pavilion in the expo were really well thought of and each country really spent to have nice looking pavilions because the expo was one of the best ways for promotion and marketing.

Other pavilions worth visiting were those of Brazil, U.S.A., Denmark, France and Russia. With the many pavilions in a sprawling property, we were not able to visit all. In the 10 days that we stayed in Shanghai, all the above pavilions were the only ones we were able to visit. Just like I said about the Saudi Arabia pavilion, it takes hours for people to go inside each pavilion. Queuing took most of our time.

Shanghai really prepared for its hosting of the World Expo. They had efficient transport services to and from the site. They had shuttle buses from points in the city and trains that were meant to bring visitors to the expo venue. There was the usual Shanghai traffic but they had an efficient road traffic system that made travel easier.

China made sure that their hosting as flawless. Hotels and condominiums were built near the expo site for the convenience of international visitors. A zoo and park were refurbished to the enjoyment of the expo-goers.

Commemorative coins and medals were sold for souvenir purposes. But they were hot items that were purchased by visitors before noon of each day. I was able to buy the souvenir book of the expo which only cost RMB100 (or around P900).

My experience at the World Expo 2010 were both memorable and enriching. I was able to learn more about the culture of other countries. It made me realize that although we are different in race, we can come as one to appreciate each other nation's culture. I enjoyed that travel 10 years ago. I hope I can go and experience the World Expo 2020 (now 2021) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Credits to the owners of some of the photos.

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Iba is at the Heartland of Zambales

Iba is the capital town of the Province of Zambales. It is at the heartland of the province which makes it strategic in terms of services that need to be rendered to Zambalenos. It is a second class municipality and the birthplace of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.

Its local government is trying its best to make Iba an important town in the province. Not just being the capitol town but also as a major hub aside from the province's well known city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With its new municipal slogan, Iba wants to entice more tourists to visit their municipality.

Provincial malls have started to open in the town. The Iba Town Center as well as the CSI Mall cater to the shopping needs of its people and those of the neighboring towns. It will not be surprising anymore if the bigger mall conglomerates will start building their business establishments there.

Several resorts have opened to cater to the town's visitors. Having its own coastline, Iba is also a venue for swimming just like other known towns in Zambales. Aside from the sea, the resorts also have pools for those who go for swimming inside the resort premises.

Swimming in the beach is still tops for the visiting public as well as Iba residents. Being in the western coast of the island of Luzon, Iba beaches are perfect places to watch the sun set. With the West Philippine Sea in the horizon, you can just sit back and see the sun fade into the evening.

For residents, whether you live in a modern house or the old provincial type, Iba is definitely a place where rest can really be called REST. Its quiet surroundings, the unaffected people and nature at its best are perfect combination to call the town a homey environment.

Colleges and universities are important facilities especially in a capital town or city. With the increasing population of Iba, the President Ramon Magsaysay State University provides public education while institutions like the Micro Asia College of Science and Technology provides private education. These are but some of the schools that give the students of Iba and nearby municipalities their educational needs.

Iba, having the second largest land area in Central Luzon, has a lot to offer. The local officials as well as its people have maintained the cleanliness of their town and its environs. When I visited Iba, it was evident that the town is still lush at this age and time.

Many may think that Iba is just the quaint capital of Zambales but it is the most important town in the province where all decisions emanate since it is where the provincial capitol is located. My only wish is for Iba to retain its provincial allure despite the beckoning of modernity. After all, it is at the heartland of Zambales.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California

Disneyland Park is one of the two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California in 1955. Built by Walt Disney himself, it was the first of the many Disney theme parks built all over the world.

Founder Walt Disney thought of building an amusement park that cater to both children and adults alike. Initially, he envisioned it to be built adjacent to his office in Burbank, California but realized that the property was too small that is why he decided to purchase the Anaheim property after talking to his consultants.

Anaheim is the most strategic area since it has vast lands and has ample establishments that will be easier for the park visitors to go to for their other needs. Besides, hotels and lodging places are just a stone's throw away from Disneyland Park.

Inside the park, there are, of course, the usual rides meant for the children. But adults also enjoy riding on them. Aside from the rides, there are theme areas within the park for everyone to enjoy. The map shows the different places that can be visited in Disneyland Park.

Despite the size of the area, you cannot miss seeing the regulars of Disneyland Park - our most loved Walt Disney characters whom we grew up with. The likes of Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Cinderella, Show White and all the other characters that were popularized by Disney.

I was lucky to visit Disneyland Park years ago when I was commissioned to do the fashion show of Filipino fashion designer Toni Galang at the Disneyland Park Hotel Grand Ballroom. It was fancy because the hotel was inside the park and roaming around it was easy-breezy.

Of course, there is an entrance free going to the park. A little more than $100 per person is charged for those who would want to enjoy the amenities inside it. With lots of fun and enjoyment, the entrance fee is good for lasting memories. After the pandemic is over, Disneyland Park promises to be back for better entertainment.

Credits to the owners of the photos.