The Philippines is set to showcase Puerto Galera and Mindoro Island at the World Island Fair Yeosu Korea 2026, presenting an immersive exhibition that brings together contemporary art, Indigenous heritage, marine biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and live performance.
Among the 30 participating islands, the Philippine pavilion takes an artistic and immersive approach to storytelling, inviting visitors to experience Mindoro not simply as a travel destination, but as a living island where culture, biodiversity, and conservation are closely connected.
The Philippine participation also builds on the longstanding relationship between Yeosu and Puerto Galera. Puerto Galera previously hosted successive World Congresses of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 2014 and 2016. A decade later, Yeosu has invited Puerto Galera to represent Mindoro and the Philippines at the World Island Exhibition, providing approximately US$75,000 in in-kind support.
Art as a tool for conservation
Produced by D’ABOVILLE Foundation & Demo Farm, Inc. (DAF) and Puerto Galera Most
Beautiful Bay, Inc. (PGMBBI), the Philippine pavilion is curated and directed by Maïa d’Aboville, Executive Director of both
organisations and Project Director & Curator of the Yeosu participation.
Since 2004, D’ABOVILLE Foundation has been working across Mindoro to advance initiatives at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, Indigenous rights, sustainable agriculture, and eco-cultural tourism. Its work places particular emphasis on protecting the critically endangered Tamaraw and conserving the unique ecosystems that make Mindoro ecologically significant.
 |
| Photo credit: Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) photo by Andrew Tilker (Re:wild) for Thriving Together with Tamaraw, 2026 |
Under the leadership of its new Executive Director, D’ABOVILLE Foundation (DAF) is increasingly turning to art, culture, and storytelling as tools for environmental education and conservation awareness. Through exhibitions, film, photography, literature, and cultural programming, the foundation seeks to bring environmental issues to broader audiences in engaging and accessible ways.
At Yeosu, this approach is represented through a striking collection of creative and educational works. A large suspended manta ray sculpture by Puerto Galera-based Studio Bahai Anino serves as one of the pavilion’s visual highlights, complemented by large-scale underwater photography, paintings by Puerto Galera-based artists Henri Lamy
and Wilfredo Legaspi Rufon, environmental films, Mangyan cultural heritage, and educational materials.
The pavilion takes visitors on a journey through Mindoro’s diverse environments — from the depths of Puerto Galera’s marine ecosystems to the forests and mountains of the island. Along the way, the critically endangered Tamaraw emerges as a powerful symbol of Mindoro’s environmental challenges and conservation efforts.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to read a selection of children’s books from Lombosco Publications, highlighting environmental education while introducing audiences to the cultural heritage of Mindoro and Puerto Galera.
A project made possible through friendship
The organisers extend their special gratitude to Andy Locsin and the Locsin family, whose support played a fundamental role in making the Philippine participation possible. The Locsin and d’Aboville families share a longstanding friendship, as well as a shared commitment to Puerto Galera and the preservation of its natural heritage.
The organisers also express their sincere appreciation to the World Island Fair Yeosu Organizing Committee for its professionalism, generosity, warm hospitality, and exceptional spirit of collaboration throughout the project. Their support and cooperation contributed significantly to bringing the Philippine pavilion and its story of Mindoro to the international stage.
Island Friends Day: tradition becomes contemporary
On September 27–28, the Philippine presentation moves to Yeosu’s spectacular main outdoor stage for Island Friends Day.
 |
| Photo credit: Award-winning dance company: Daloy, created by Ea Torrado (top right) – Photography by Jyllan Bitalac Shot at Espacio Creativo Escolta (@espaciocreativo.escolta) |
Award-winning Daloy Dance Company, led by Artistic Director and choreographer Ea Torrado, will present Agos, a new live performance created specifically for Yeosu and developed in dialogue with Torrado’s original film Bari-Bari.
The performance features choreography by Julienne Depatilo and Sebio Guevara, with dancers performing against three enormous LED screens. A central screen descends during the presentation, revealing the sea horizon behind the stage and creating a striking connection between the performance and Yeosu’s coastal setting.
Rather than presenting traditional Philippine dance as a static cultural display, Agos takes a contemporary approach, transforming ancestral movement and Filipino cultural memory into a living artistic language. Through movement and visual storytelling, the performance explores themes of nature, identity, and environmental stewardship.
It presents a vision of the modern Philippines — deeply rooted in tradition while continuing to evolve.
From Yeosu to the next chapter
The Yeosu presentation is part of DAF’s wider commitment to using culture to build awareness and support for conservation.
On November 9, 2026, D’ABOVILLE Foundation will hold its Annual Board Meeting and Cocktail Reception at Alliance Française de Manille, bringing together partners, supporters, conservation practitioners and friends of the Foundation.
The evening will reveal a new and exciting Tamaraw conservation initiative and offer an opportunity to discover how to support DAF’s growing work across Mindoro.
The story does not end in Yeosu. Join us in protecting Mindoro’s future.
