After a long period of preparations, the delegation of Palauan dancers and performers, which the Bureau of Arts formed for the occasion, are ready to showcase Palau’s cultural dance to thousands of spectators of the World Expo during the country’s National Day.
The World Expo 2010 is being held in Shanghai, China, from May 1 to October 31 this year. The 15 participating from Pacific Island Countries have one pavilion each to showcase their country and its culture.
“October 23 is the Palau National Day,” Alexander said in an interview. “On that day, we will meet with the Shanghai officials and representatives of the Chinese government who put together the World Expo to celebrate Palau’s tourism promotion.”
During the meeting with the Chinese officials, Alexander said they will be exchanging gifts with the Shanghai officials, sort of acknowledging the National Day for Palau.
“Then there are going to have speeches from both the Shanghai organizing committee and from Palau,” Alexander added. He will be delivering the speech on behalf of Palau.
After the speeches, the Palau performers will be entertaining the guests for about half an hour.
“After lunch, we will then visit the Chinese Pavilion and Palau Pavilion,” Alexander said.
During the closing ceremony, Alexander will be joined for the occasion by two of the Pavilion Staff. Only three people are allowed by the organizing committee to represent each country.
“The Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) will be sending invites to all the member countries. The closing ceremony will be done entirely by the Shanghai Committee,” Alexander said. “We will also be just spectators. It’s going to be wonderful. We were there during the opening ceremony and it was great.”
The Palau Pavilion, according to Alexander, is doing really, really good. Their Pavilion staff are doing a good job representing the country to the rest of the world.
“And not only do they know their materials, they are also very outspoken. They’re good performers and they can speak in public. They’ve been at the forefront of a number of events,” Alexander shared.
The Palau Pavilion staff arrived in April and will be coming home to Palau first week of November.
