Beijing, China
10 November 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III was welcomed at the South Gate of the National Aquatic Center (a.k.a. Water Cube) where he and other 20 APEC leaders were assembled for the APEC Family Photo session.

Arriving at the Water Cube, the official convoy carrying the 21 APEC leaders were greeted with music and dancers dressed in traditional Chinese tribal costumes, dancing at both sides of the entrance. A red bright light also streamed down the pavement similar to a red carpet to signal the arrival of the official convoy.

Located in what is now referred to as the Olympic Green, the National Aquatic Center was constructed as the main in-door swimming pool for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.  The unique structure design got its inspiration from soap bubbles that come together to form a 12 or 14-sided cell structure.

Stretching for 177 meters and 30 meters high, it holds a capacity of 17,000 seats serving as a main venue for several water sport events like swimming, diving and water polo.

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