15 October 2024, Changwon City – The Philippine Embassy upon the invitation of the Co-Chairs of the MAMF Promotional Committee and the local governments of Gyeongsangnam-do Province and the Special City of Changwon, participated in the 2024 edition of the Migrants Arirang Multicultural Festival (MAMF) as the featured country.  This special recognition was in commemoration of the celebration of the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries.

The MAMF 2024, recognized as Korea’s largest multicultural festival, took place from 11 to 13 October 2024 at Changwon Yong-Ji Cultural Park and the Sung San Art Hall Grand Theatre in Changwon City. The event celebrates cultural diversity, and the Philippines’ leading role as the featured country further enriched the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, fostering mutual understanding and friendship among the multicultural communities in Korea. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, an honorary co-chair along with the other MAMF Co-Chairs from the private sector, welcomed guests of honor from the Philippines for this year’s festival. Among the distinguished attendees were Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairperson and Secretary Romulo V. Arugay and DFA Assistant Secretary for Cultural Diplomacy Celia Anna M. Feria, who were present to join in the festivities and support the celebration of Philippine culture and broader multicultural exchange.

The 2024 MAMF, with the theme “Together to Gather – A Festival for Global Citizens”, featured the participation of at least 21 countries, including Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Japan, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines, and for the first time a group of countries from Latin America. The festival aims to raise awareness of the cultural diversity among the over 3 million migrants in South Korea, promote meaningful interactions between foreign residents and Koreans, and strengthen its role as Asia’s leading festival celebrating cultural diversity.

Visitors to the Philippine booth were treated to a wide array of cultural experiences, including the chance to play the traditional “kulintang,” a brass-based instrument from Southern Philippines, and pose for photos in Filipiñiana attire, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The booth also offered a taste of the Philippines with fresh tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and papayas, which were a hit among the crowd, reflecting the Philippines’ bountiful agricultural traditions.

The Philippines’ booth also featured several engaging activities, including a cultural and tourism promotions booth, an arts & crafts booth, a snacks booth, and traditional Philippine games. Souvenirs from the Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea (PDOT-Korea), along with Philippine sweets and fresh fruits provided by the Department of Agriculture – Korea (DA-Korea) were distributed to delighted visitors, further promoting the country’s hospitality. 

Guest performers from the Philippines included the internationally acclaimed Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company, who captivated the audience with their vibrant and dramatic performances, showcasing the richness of Philippine folk traditions.  Their colorful costumes and graceful movements brought the beauty of Filipino culture to life on stage. The Bayanihan Troupe likewise presented a program with collaborative numbers with the famous Little Angels Group of Korea in commemoration of 75 years of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.

Rising singer Ms. Esay Belanio also captivated the crowd with her own version of the Filipino hit song “Anak”, beloved among many Koreans, and her dynamic renditions of popular songs, adding a contemporary touch to the event. Additionally, Korea-based Filipino boy band HORI7ON entertained the audience with their signature blend of dancing and singing, delivering an exciting performance to the delight of the younger audiences.

The Philippines took home the top prize in the Cultural Diversity Parade category at MAMF 2024, with the Filipino community participating in full-force.  They captivated the audience with the vibrant colors and lively spirit of their “MaasKara Festival” themed celebration from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The parade highlighted the energy, creativity, and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, leaving a lasting impression on the spectators.

In the World Dance Festival, Filipino dance group “Zealous Ph” composed of OFWs secured second place with their impressive dance moves and choreography.  Their creative performance stood out, reflecting the group’s talent and passion for dance. 

In addition, for the duration of MAMF 2024, the Philippine Embassy conducted a Consular Outreach Mission, providing full consular services, DMW – OWWA services, Pag-Ibig and PhilHealth registration and information campaigns to the Filipino community. END