After hosting in 2008 the most spectacular opening ceremonies in the history of the Olympics, China once again calls the world’s attention, this time to the Shanghai World Expo, the size of 990 football fields with crowds of 800,000 expected on peak days and totaling 70 million by the end of October.

The Philippines is right in there, hoping to win again, after Aichi, Japan 2005 and Zaragoza, Spain 2008, first prize in the competition for best pavilion. “We’ll make it a grand slam this year,” vowed Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

On the Chinese end, Ethan Sun, spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Manila, said, “We anticipate Shanghai Expo will be much, much more impressive.”

Even the RP participation is on a grander scale. Built at four times the cost of its predecessor in Japan, the R400 million pavilion is designed to highlight “Performing Cities” to jibe with the Expo theme of “Better Cities, Better Lives.” Curator Marian Pastor Roces reprises her prize-winning roles in the two previous Expos.

“Performing” on Philippine Day on June 9 are Cecile Licad, Rochelle Gerodias, Joseph Esmilla, and Joanna Go. And that should add to Mr. Sun’s “impressive” wish list.