Philippines celebrates National Pavilion Day at Shanghai Expo

SHANGHAI - The Philippines celebrated its National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo Wednesday.

Actors perform during the celebration of the National Pavilion Day of the Philippines in the World Expo Park in Shanghai, east China, on June 9, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Outgoing Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attended the celebration.

She hailed China for once again capturing the world's attention with "grandest of all Expos" in Shanghai, adding that the Shanghai Expo is "another milestone in China's history as a nation."

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With the theme "Performing Cities," the Philippines Pavilion was designed to illustrate the fact there are many emerging performing cities in the Philippines that create sustainable economic growth like music: they emphasize harmony with balance, coordination and good vibrations, Arroyo said.

The pavilion features daily live performances, including jazz and classical duets, and offers free ten-minute traditional Filipino massages.

Yu Zhengsheng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, said he believes the two peoples will advance communication and friendship through the Expo.

The two leaders unveiled a commemorative envelope to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which also fell on June 9.

A book, "A Selection of Folk Tales from the Philippines," was presented to a representative of China's youth by a young Filipino at the official celebration.