It has been almost a month since the world’s greatest show, Expo 2020 Dubai, closed its curtains. Many stories have already been told about its guests, regular visitors, and organizers.
Visitors from across the world relished the moments they had experienced during the six-month-long event. Long-time UAE resident Ronald Gelacio has been playing a significant role in the Expo 2020 Dubai’s formation. He has been working as a delivery management system specialist for five years now at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
He is one of the in-charge of the online scheduling system utilized by suppliers, participants, and internal Expo 2020 Dubai departments. They also regulate the flow of all vehicles carrying goods and vehicles performing maintenance work at the site.
Before being part of the mega event, Ronald’s first job was as a professional tour guide. He then worked as a sales executive for different tourism and construction companies until he became a UPS deliver package delivery man.
“Nakaka-proud as a Filipino na maging part ako nito, lalo na sa operations side ng Expo 2020 Dubai. And yung ma-meet mo yung ibat-ibang tao from different parts of the world, yung engagement mo sa kanila, connections, regardless of their age, cultures, races, and beliefs. Parang iisang family lang,” Ronald, who has been working and living in the UAE for 16 years now, said.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s biggest fan
The Filipino could be one of the biggest fans of Expo 2020 Dubai after collecting memories and memorabilia at the event. During his free time at the venue, he collected pins to be given away to kids and adults who wanted to have one. His passion for collecting pins led him to be friends with Michael Angelo, Allen, Ryan, Aireen, Yska, and many more.
Ronald has more than 400 pins collected during the entire six-month-long event.
“I am not keeping all the spare pins for myself, mas gusto kong i-share ang pins sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga late na nag-collect, until now I am still collecting,” he said.
The Filipino also has a 1 metre by 1 metre canvas of the site’s map. He started doing it in February which now has more than 200 stamps and 192 flags of participating countries. The canvas was also signed by His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Nahyan nin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Expo 2020 Dubai General Commissioner.
The Expo 2020 Dubai map is now safe in a frame and displayed in his home.
“Nakita ko yung groundbreaking, hanggang sa pagtatayo ng mga pavilions. It’s a bittersweet experience kasi natapos na siya. Pero I can say na nag-enjoy ako sa Expo 2020 Dubai talaga and looking forward ako sa Expo 2025 sa Osaka, Japan,” he added.
When asked about what he missed about the event, Ronald said it was the concert, food, people, and collecting memories of the event.
“Madami ako nakakausap na tao. We shared stories, I gained many friends, and until now nakakausap ko pa din sila.” he further added.