The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PH DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM DESIGNATES ACTOR AND SINGER-SONGWRITER SEO IN GUK AS THE PHILIPPINES’ CELEBRITY TOURISM AMBASSADOR FOR SOUTH KOREA

[Above photo]. Seo In Guk joins Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco in a photo with the signature hand gesture for "Love the Philippines." [Below photo]. Seo In Guk delivered his message during the occasion of his appointment as the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea on 21 February 2025 at the DOT Head Office.

10 March 2025, Manila, Philippines. - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that popular South Korean actor and singer Seo In Guk has been appointed as the official Ambassador for Tourism in the Philippines. Known for his performances in well-received dramas such as "Reply 1997" and "Doom at Your Service", Seo In Guk’s charm, talent, and international fanbase make him the perfect fit to represent the vibrant tourism scene in the Philippines. This collaboration will further strengthen the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and South Korea.

In a partnership that promises to bring exciting opportunities, Seo In Guk will help highlight the diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines to the global stage. The actor's role will include participating in promotional campaigns, social media engagements, and travel projects that showcase the Philippines’ prime travel destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Manila to South Koreans and worldwide. He will also take part in official activities of the DOT in the Philippines and South Korea, share his experiences in social media and attend press engagements.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people. The Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea Office (PDOT-Korea) has also been instrumental in coordinating this initiative with Seo In Guk’s management.

Embracing his new role, Seo In Guk visited for the first time the beautiful island of Boracay from 21 to 23 February 2025, where he tried the famous crystal kayak, played golf at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club, enjoyed the sunset breeze aboard a yacht, and greeted his Filipino fans during boat tours. He also indulged in local culinary delights like signature Filipino dishes sinigang and sisig. On his official Youtube channel, he also shared his scuba diving, parasailing, and speed boating experience during his recent visit to Cebu.

Last year Korea remained the top source of foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines with 1,569,071 Korean visitors. In 2025 PDOT-Korea aims to further intensify its tourism promotion activities to entice more Koreans to experience the stunning beaches, vibrant cities, culture, and warm hospitality of the Philippines. END

Seo In Guk with Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon De Vega in June 2024.Prior to his appointment as Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people.

PR MTD 25 2025 6 Seo In Guk enjoyed playing golf at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club

Seo In Guk indulged in local Filipino cuisine such as sinigang and sisig

Seo In Guk trying the tourist-favorite crystal kayak activity along the shores of Station 1 in Boracay Island

Seo In Guk went on an afternoon yacht tour around Boracay Island

PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS SHOWCASE ARTISTRY IN KOREA PERFORMANCES

(PHOTOS: Above – Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega witnessed the MADZ’s world-class performance conducted by MADZ Musical Director Maestro Mark Anthony Carpio in Suwon City. Below - The Madrigal Singers performance at the Gwanggyo Dream Church in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province.) (Photo credits Philippine Madrigal Singers and Seoul PE.)

07 March 2025 – The world-renowned and multi-awarded Philippine Madrigal Singers showcased their artistry before Korean and international audiences in several performances in Korea from 22-28 February 2025.

The group, also known popularly as the MADZ, astounded audiences with their vocal mastery and intricate choral arrangements in various performances in Suwon, Ansan, Pohang, and as a special featured choir at the popular Jeju International Choral Festival.

The MADZ with their diverse repertoire of Filipino, international, spiritual, classical, popular, and ethnic music brought audiences to their feet as their performances received standing ovations from audiences.

(PHOTOS: The Philippine Madrigal Singers performance at the Jeju International Choir Festival held at the Seogwipo Arts Center, Jeju Arts Center.) (Photo credits Philippine Madrigal Singers and Seoul PE.)

(PHOTOS: Maestro Mark Anthony Carpio conducted master classes in choral music and technique for Korean and international choral groups at the Jeju Arts Center and Ansan City.) (Photo credits Philippine Madrigal Singers and Seoul PE.)

While in Korea, MADZ Musical Director Mark Anthony Carpio and the MADZ conducted master classes on choral singing techniques for Korean and international choirs.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega who witnessed the MADZ’s performance in Suwon remarked that the “Madrigal Singers are truly great ambassadors of the artistry and unique musicality of Filipinos. We are privileged to witness their performances here in Korea.”

Celebrating more than six decades as the premiere vocal ensemble of the country, the Philippine Madrigal Singers was founded by Philippine National Artist for Music Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion and is the first choir to win the top prize twice at the European Grand Prix for Choral Music. END.

PH AMBASSADOR REFLECTS ON GENDER EQUALITY IN LEADERSHIP

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SEOUL, 8 March 2025 - On the occasion of International Women's Day 2025, The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to share this interview of the Korea Herald with Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Theresa Dizon De Vega.

An advocate for women's rights and bridging the gender gap, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega adds her voice and shares her perspectives on the ongoing struggle for gender equality, the emerging challenges of AI-driven biases, and the crucial steps necessary to fully realize women's empowerment in today’s rapidly evolving world. Throughout her career, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega has championed women's rights, focusing on the intersection of gender equality, leadership, and international development.

In an insightful article published today, Ambassador Dizon De Vega acknowledges the significant strides made in gender equality but emphasizes that persistent gender inequalities continue to hinder true empowerment for women globally and emphasized the importance of addressing systemic barriers that limit women’s opportunities, especially in leadership and technology including AI.

Despite these challenges, Ambassador Dizon De Vega remains optimistic about the future of women's empowerment and believes that significant change is possible if we focus on education, mentorship, and policy advocacy. Read more of the Ambassador’s insights through the link https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10435370.

The Ambassador’s article is part of The Korea Herald’s special International Women’s Day feature with nine female diplomatic envoys in Seoul to hear their opinions on the persistence of gender inequality, AI-driven gender biases and how women's empowerment can be fully realized.

As we celebrate the achievements of women, it is equally important to reflect on the work still needed to ensure that gender equality is a reality for all. Empowerment is a journey, one that requires continuous effort, solidarity, and a shared commitment to inclusivity. END

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PH NATIONAL BOBSLED TEAM PLACES IN THE KOREA CUP 2025

(PHOTOS - Above: Ms. Miran Shin, coach of the PH team and former KOR national bobsled team member (4^th from left), Mr. Arram Kim, Race Director of Korea Cup 2025 (5^th from left) with the PH National bobsled team and Embassy Cultural Officer Anthony Z. Cornista Below: The PH National bobsled team at the Pyeongchang Olympic Sliding Center, Pyeongchang, Gangwon province, South Korea).

02 March 2025, Pyeongchang, South Korea - The Philippine National Bobsled Team recently competed in the Korea Cup 2025 held from 27-28 February 2025 at the Pyeongchang Olympic Sliding Center in Gangwon province, South Korea. The Philippine contingent composed of seven (7) active members from the Philippine Coast Guard garnered 2^nd place in the female team 2-woman bobsled and 4^th place in the male team 2-man bobsled competitions.

The female team is composed of Ms. Reah Joy P. Sumalpong (driver) and Ms. Shirley G. Salamagos (brakeman), while the male team is composed of Messrs. Eugene P. Etrata (driver), John Froilan C. Pascual (brakeman), John Onil A. Alcaide (reserve brakeman), Team Coach Jeffrey G. Dela Cruz (reserve driver/brakeman), and Team Manager/OIC Ens Heins Lundberg G. Arlegui.

(PHOTOS – Left: Mr. Arram Kim, Race Director of Korea Cup 2025 spearheaded the training of the PH team at the Pyeongchang Olympic Sliding Centre facilities. Right: PH athlete at the Olympic Sliding Centre.)

Mr. Arram Kim, Head of Education of the Pyeongchang 2018 Legacy Foundation invited our athletes to participate last October 2024 in the New Horizons Academy, an international youth training program for winter sports, and to also train at the Pyeongchang Olympic Sliding Centre facilities. The program and training started in October 2024 and concluded this February 2025 with the holding of the Korea Cup 2025.

(PHOTOS: Above - The Philippine National Bobsled Team calls on Ambassador Dizon-De Vega at the Sentro Rizal Conference Room. Below: Officers and Staff of the Embassy together with the PH team attend the Monday flag-raising ceremony.)

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding and Declaration of Friendship was also signed between the Philippine National Bobsled Luge and Skeleton Association (PNBSLA) Inc., the Korea Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation (KBSF), the 2018 Pyeongchang & 2024 Gangwon Legacy Foundation (PGLF) and Pyeongchang County in November 2024. Signatories to the MOU are President and CEO Thelmo O. Cunanan, Jr. of the PNBSLA, President Chanmin Chyun of KBSF, Secretary General Seoungku Kang of PGLF and Deputy Mayor Seonghyun Hwang of Pyeongchang County.

The MOU signing and participation of the PH National Bobsled Team in the Korea Cup 2025 comes at a time when the Philippines and Korea are celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

The Team was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul after their participation in the Korea Cup while the Embassy’s Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista witnessed the competition in Pyeongchang. END