GOVPH

PISTANG PINOY SA KOREA 2024 HELD IN BUSAN

13 June 2024, Busan, South Korea. Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2024 was successfully held at the Eurasia Platform in Busan on 09 June 2024, marking a significant celebration of the 126^th Philippine Independence Day, the 29th Migrant Workers Day, and the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations. The event, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Migrant Workers Office-Seoul, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Seoul, with the support of the vibrant Overseas Filipino community in South Korea and WISH 107.5, brought together nearly 3,000 participants - the largest gathering for Independence Day celebrations in South Korea thus far. Many more viewed the event live-streamed through the Wish 107.5 platforms.

The festival began with a vibrant parade of Filipino community organizations, with participants donning traditional costumes and performing various Philippine folk dances to the tune of "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas." The colorful display highlighted the unity, dynamism and cultural richness of the Filipino community in South Korea.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega noted that this was the first Independence Day activity conducted by the Embassy outside of Seoul. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the event possible, including the Busan Metropolitan City and WISH 107.5 of the Filipino media company, Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International, Inc. (BMPI). Ambassador Dizon-De Vega highlighted that South Korea is undergoing significant demographic changes and, with the rise of multiculturalism, stressed that the Embassy will continue to support the Overseas Filipino community in making a positive impact and playing a vital role in South Korean society.

Director Won Se-Yeong, representing Busan Mayor Park Hyung-Joon, congratulated the entire Filipino community in achieving the various milestones and expressed the city’s honor in hosting the event. He highlighted Busan City’s aim of being a “global hub city” that respects diversity and celebrates multiculturalism.

Guest of honor Representative Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino of the OFW Partylist also congratulated the Overseas Filipino community in South Korea and honored the OFW’s various contributions to the country. As the principal author of a bill on internet or online voting, Rep. Magsino announced the implementation of the same for OFWs who are registered Overseas Voters for the May 12, 2025 elections. She likewise shared the upcoming release of the OFW app, which is slated to offer a variety of services for OFWs.

The special guests were presented with plaques of appreciation for their continued support of the Overseas Filipino community in South Korea. They included the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team, the Alas Pilipinas, who recently held a friendly exhibition match against Powerful Daegu, promoting PH-Korea bilateral relations through sports.

Commemorative video messages from various government officials were also shown, including from Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” A. Ignacio, KABAYAN Partylist Representative Ron P. Salo, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.

The program's third segment featured the unveiling of WISHBUS South Korea, the fourth WISHBUS globally and the first in Asia outside the Philippines. BMPI President Kuya Daniel Razon welcomed everyone to the unveiling, highlighting the WISHBUS’ goal of being an innovative platform for showcasing Filipino talent to the world and the Filipinos’ “gateway to the world.”

The event showcased performances by P-Pop Kings SB19, Hori7on, Esay Belanio, Zephanie, and Zack Tabudlo both on stage and on the WISHBUS. Also spotlighted on the Wishbus were OF Got Talent winners Regina Martha Lumungsod, Mishka Reyes-Camulte, Arfel Caromayan, JPS Band, and Louis Tinawi, who were selected from a total of 47 audition submission from Korea as part of the Embassy and WISH 107.5's initiative to promote Filipino talent across the globe.

The nearly eight-hour program concluded with various raffle prizes and the much-awaited awarding of the best in parade prize. Gwangju Jeonnam Philippine Community secured second runner-up, Gwangju Filipino Catholic Community won first runner-up, and the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community took home the grand prize.

The event may again be viewed via WISH 107.5’s Facebook live stream at https://www.facebook.com/WishFM1075/videos/981443063382617, where it has garnered nearly 300,000 views, reflecting the event’s widespread impact and popularity. END

PH EMBASSY IN KOREA CELEBRATES 126TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

SEOUL, 11 JUNE 2024 — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega hosted a diplomatic reception on 11 June 2024 at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel in Seoul in celebration of the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. The event, also held in a milestone year celebrating the 75th anniversary of Philippines - Korea relations, had 400 guests from the Korean government, diplomatic corps, international organizations, the business community, academe, and civil society. 

In her remarks, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reaffirmed the historic, vibrant, and forward-looking partnership by recounting not only the shared values and ideals of both nations but also the milestone policy mechanisms and initiatives that make for a comprehensive and all-encompassing partnership. 

The Ambassador said, “Our steadfast position on the primacy of the rule of law in international engagement and a longstanding commitment to multilateralism serve as guideposts, as we work with Korea in peace-building and ensuring prosperity through dialogue and constructive engagement. These values evolve with the challenges and opportunities of our times. And so it is with the Philippines, as we likewise embrace the values of inclusion, multiculturalism, sustainability, and concern for vulnerable sectors whether in our own country or globally. As we continue on the path towards lasting peace and sustainable development, Korea remains a steadfast partner through more than seven decades.” 

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun, as the Guest of Honor, paid tribute to the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal by quoting the line "I die just when I see the dawn break/Through the gloom of night, to herald the day" from Mi Ultimo Adios, referring to the Philippines’ freedom hard fought and won 126 years ago. He acknowledged the shared values of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and particularly lauded the inroads of the relations in trade through the PH-ROK FTA, defense cooperation, infrastructure, and labor and migration. 

Other leaders in government and pioneers of the Korean business community, including Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the OFW party-list, Rep. Na Kyung Won of the ROK National Assembly, and Chairman Chang Dae Hwan of the Maekyung Media Group were also in attendance. 

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, a friend of the Philippines and popular Korean actor Seo In Guk and the first award-winning Filipino boy band trained in Korea, Hori7on, shared their congratulatory messages for the 126th anniversary of PH independence, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and stronger PH-ROK relations on stage. Strong people-to-people ties in culture and the arts are a major driver of our relations. 

To celebrate South Korea being the number 1 source of inbound tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2023, the Philippine Embassy and the Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Korea held a lucky draw where five (5) winners were given roundtrip tickets and premium accommodations to popular destinations such as Clark, Cebu, and Bohol. These choice destinations not only promote niche tourism activities favored by Koreans such as golf and diving but likewise offer quality island experiences that support sustainable tourism. The Embassy acknowledged the support of the PDOT-Seoul and the contributions of Philippine Airlines, Hyatt Regency, Okada Manila, and Blue Water Resorts.

The Male Ensemble Philippines (MEn), a group of versatile male singers from the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of artists, serenaded the guests with a medley of Filipino, Korean, and International songs. Their moving rendition of the Korean national anthem was also received with praise from Korean guests. 

Guests also had the opportunity to try a range of Filipino food including pork sisig and chicken adobo and tropical fruits such as premium bananas, pineapples, and papaya. Guests also took home gift boxes containing 75th-anniversary tokens and souvenirs, Filipino snacks, and information materials on choice Philippine vacation destinations.  END

PH CYCLISTS WIN BIG IN CYCLING COMPETITION IN SOUTH KOREAPH CYCLISTS WIN BIG IN CYCLING COMPETITION IN SOUTH KOREA

19 May 2024, Seoul. Filipino cyclists Jermyn Prado, Kim Syrel Bonilla and Angelica Altamarino visited the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and called on Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega after successfully winning in the recently concluded 2024 Giant Seorak Gran Fondo Competition held on 18 May 2024 at the Seoraksan National Park.

Ms. Prado won third place at the competition after completing the 24-kilometer race route with at least 3,600-meter elevation. Also placing in the top 10 were athletes Bonilla and Altamarino. The race, which is known for its varying routes and panoramic view of the UNESCO reserve Seorak National Park, saw participation from at least 500 cyclists from all over the world.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated the athletes and expressed her pride in their achievements, noting their hard work and dedication. “Your accomplishments not only bring honor to our country but also serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of Filipino athletes,” the Ambassador remarked. She further assured the Embassy's continued support for Filipino athletes competing abroad, emphasizing the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international goodwill.

During the call, the athletes shared their experiences and challenges faced during the competition, underscoring the rigorous preparation and determination required to excel in such a demanding sport. They also expressed gratitude for the support from the Overseas Filipino community in South Korea, which they credited as a source of motivation throughout the race. They concluded their stay with a series of meet-and-greet events with Filipino cyclists all over South Korea. END