The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PHILIPPINES AS THE FEATURED COUNTRY AT THE 2018 MIGRANTS’ ARIRANG MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

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Members of the Filipino Community, in their festival and traditional Filipino wear, join the Multicultural Parade. Over 200 Filipinos, including Embassy officials and personnel, led by Amb. and Mme. Hernandez, participated. The Philippines bagged the Best in Parade award.

Changwon, 07 October 2018 – The Philippines was chosen as this year’s Featured Country at the 13^th Migrants’ Arirang Multicultural Festival (MAMF) which was held at the Yongji Munwha Park and Seongsan Art Hall in Changwon City in Gyeongsangnam Province on 05 to 07 October 2018. OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio was the guest of honor.

MAMF, which is organized annually by the Gyeongnam Migrants Center, led by its Chairman Lee Choulseong, with the support of Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the city government of Chanwon, and the provincial government of Gyeongsangnam Province, is considered to be the largest multi-cultural festival in South Korea and is attended by migrants from 13 countries.

For this year, the Gyeongnam Migrants Center partnered with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to ensure the Philippines’ successful participation to the said Festival as the Featured Country.

Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, in his remarks at the Opening Show underscored the significance of the country’s participation in the MAMF, stating that “MAMF’s goals of encouraging mutual acceptance and developing the rights of the thousands of migrants in the country resonate well with the 67,000 Filipinos living in this country. As a country with about 10% of its population living in foreign lands, the Philippine government continues to work for the interests of our overseas nationals.”

Ambassador Hernandez also highlighted that the Philippines’ participation this year as the Featured Country was very opportune as the Festival served as an occasion to highlight the significance of the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and South Korea that has blossomed through the decades. “As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Philippines and South Korea bilateral relations, we hope to demonstrate our commitment as a staunch partner of this great nation by lending our support to initiatives that contribute towards the development and promotion of South Korea,” the Ambassador said.

As the Featured Country, the Philippines staged cultural performances by the Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe and the Song Weavers Philippines. The two groups successfully showcased the brilliance of Filipino talent and artistry through their rousing renditions of Filipino folk and modern songs and traditional dances.

The Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe is the official folk dance company of the Lyceum of the Philippines University- Batangas and has more than 15 years of experience promoting the rich and colorful culture of the Philippines through music, dances, and songs. Song Weavers Philippines, on the other hand, is a newly established choir group composed mostly of singers who have already been musically honed and are experienced in the choral scene.

Apart from the two cultural performing groups, Filipino celebrity artist Tom Rodriguez was also at the Festival to serenade the crowd with heartwarming Filipino love songs. A talent of GMA Network, Mr. Rodriguez is widely known for his roles in local television dramas ‘Be Careful with My Heart,’ ‘Temptation Island,’ ‘My Husband's Lover,’ and ‘My Destiny.’

The Embassy, through the Philippine Department of Tourism Korea (PDOT), operated a tourism promotions booth where partner agencies Hana Tour and Philippine Airlines offered discounted tour packages to Cebu, Manila, Clark, Bohol, and Boracay. There was also a raffle event where participants instantly gifted with small prizes such as Philippine snacks, shopping bags, magnets, and USBs among others. Two (2) raffle winners, meanwhile, received a roundtrip ticket to Manila courtesy of Philippine Airlines.

Aside from the activities in the tourism booth, the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul, in close partnership with their tropical fruit exporters, showcased new fresh fruit offerings. These include fresh saba bananas, green papayas, premium sweet mangoes, and sweet papayas (from Diamond Star Agro Products, Inc.) and señorita bananas (from DOLE). They also prepared food sampling and will demonstrate various ways to cook the saba banana.

The Embassy also hosted a luncheon reception on 07 October for the VIP guests of the Festival, which includes the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, and Pakistan, representatives from the other foreign missions, members of the MAMF Board of Promotions and the Executive Committee, as well as cultural performers from other countries.

Ambassador Hernandez and DA Ignacio also held meetings with Gyeongsangnam Governor Kim Gyeong-soo, Changwon City Mayor Hur Song-moo, and the Chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce.

The highlight of the Festival was the multicultural parade that was participated into by 13 countries. The Philippines, being the Featured Country, opened the parade with over 200 Filipinos, including Embassy officials and personnel, in their colorful traditional and festival wear joining the delegation. The Philippines bagged the Best Parade award.

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The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Amb. Raul S. Hernandez and Mme. Ana Hernandez, together with OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio, participate at the 13^th Migrants’ Arirang Multicultural Festival which was held on 5 to 7 October 2018 in Changwon City.

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PHILIPPINES DESIGNATED AS THE ‘COUNTRY OF FOCUS’ AT 2018 BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, together with his wife, Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez, join the Philippine delegation, led by Ms. Liza Dino-Seguerra, Chairperson of the Film Development Council, at the 23^rd Busain International Film Festival Red Carpet event on 04 October 2018.

Busan, 07 October 2018 – This year, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of the most significant film festivals in Asia, has recognized and given honor to the Philippines by designating it the ‘Country of Focus.’

As the ‘Country of Focus,’ Philippine cinema was highlighted in a number of activities and events during the weeklong festival. This includes the launching of the commemorative book published by the BIFF, titled “Centennial Anniversary of the Philippine Cinema,” as well as the staging of BIFF’s Special Program titled “Cinema as a Response to the Nation” which features the following Philippine movie classics: Lamberto V. Avellana’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” (1965), Eddie Romero’s “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976); Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” (1976); Fernando Poe Jr.’s “Ang Panday” (1980); Lino Brocka’s “Cain at Abel” (1982); Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Moral” (1982); Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” (1982); Mike de Leon’s “Bayaning 3rd World” (2000); Chito Roño’s “Dekada ’70” (2002); and Remton Siega Zuasola’s “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria” (2010).

At the “Window on Asian Cinema” event of the BIFF, the Philippine films being showcased include Mike de Leon’s “Citizen Jake”; Brillante Ma Mendoza’s “Alpha, The Right to Kill”; Alec Figuracion’s “The Eternity Between Seconds”; Dwein Baltazar’s “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus”; Chito Roño’s “Signal Rock”; and the omnibus “Lakbayan,” by Lav Diaz, Brillante Ma Mendoza and Kidlat Tahimik. Meanwhile, part of the “Wide Angle Short Film Showcase” are Joji Alonso’s “Last Order” and Stephen Lee’s “Manila is Full of Men Named Boy.” Kevin Piamonte’s “Land from God” is part of the “Wide Angle Documentary Showcase.”

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), headed by its Chairperson, Ms. Liza Dino-Seguerra, led the Philippine delegation to the BIFF, which included Filipino actors Piolo Pascual, Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Joel Torre, Max Collins, filmmakers Kidlat Tahimik, Brillante Mendoza, Joyce Bernal, Remton Siega Zuasola, Manunuri member Tito Valiente, and FPJ Productions’ vice president Jeffrey Sonora.

The 23^rd BIFF opened on 04 October with a Red Capet event and an Opening Ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center in downtown Busan. Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez and his wife, Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez, joined the Philippine delegation on the red carpet.

On 07 October, FDCP hosted the “Philippine Night” to introduce Philippine delegates to international partners for exposure and possible collaborations. Amb. Hernandez was the guest of honor.

In his remarks at the Philippine Night, Ambassador Hernandez lauded Philippine filmmakers and artists for being catalysts for change. “You inspire and encourage people to reach beyond their grasps. Through your work, you can rouse your audience to think and feel deeply, pursue excellence, and contribute to the community. You can galvanize people into action and reawaken their love for kin and country. Artists serve a very important function in society and this is very true in the Philippines,” the Ambassador emphasized.

He also called on the Philippine government and other non-government groups to continue its support for the Philippine Cinema, underscoring that they are “essential in ensuring the success of Philippine cinema in the long-term. I hope that this trend will continue into the future, as the success of the Philippine film industry is the success of the entire country.”

The 23rd BIFF opened on 04 October and will run until the 13th.

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Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino-Seguerra, and Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez, join the Philippine delegation to the 23^rd BIFF at the Philippine Night on 07 October 2018. Ambassador Hernandez was the guest of honor. Photo Credit: FDCP.

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL JOINS THE 2018 FOREIGN WORKERS FESTIVAL

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Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama and Welfare Officer Aniceta G. Deuna pose with Team Philippines (FASIGKO Community) during the 2018 Foreign

Workers Festival held on 2 September 2018 at World Cup Stadium Central Square in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Suwon, 2 September 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 2018 Foreign Workers Festival on 02 September 2018 at the Suwon World Cup Stadium Central Square in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The Embassy was represented by Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama.

The annual event, which is hosted by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), aims to promote the Employment Permit System (EPS) and support foreign workers’ stay in Korea.

The program was opened by HRD Korea President Kim Dong Man who conveyed his appreciation to all the foreign workers who greatly contribute to the productivity of small and medium companies in South Korea. The program was then followed by preparation of traditional japchae, a Korean noodle dish, led by the Ambassadors, Labor Attachés, and other HRD Korea officials.

Each of the 16 EPS-sending countries were also given the opportunity to showcase information materials, services, and national culinary delights in their respective booths, alongside counselling, medical, and other help-desks for foreign workers.

Two (2) competitions were held to showcase the talent and skills of EPS workers namely, KPOP and Traditional Culture performance. Philippines’ Briane Isidro Torres, a Filipino EPS worker from Yangsan, and the Filipino Association in Gimhae Korea bagged First Prize in the KPop and Traditional dance contest, respectively.

At the end of the program, a ceremony was held to award two excellent foreign workers from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Two outstanding business owners were also recognized.

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Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama with Team Philippines (FASIGKO Community) after their winning performance in the 2018 Foreign

Workers Festival held on 2 September 2018 at World Cup Stadium Central Square in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

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PH PROMOTED AS A PROMISING DESTINATION FOR TOURISM INVESTMENTS AT THE INAUGURAL ASEAN-KOREA TOURISM INVESTMENT SEMINAR

Seoul, 20 June 2018- The Philippine delegation, led by Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita D. Jimenez, promoted the Philippines as a promising destination for tourism investments during the “ASEAN-Korea Tourism Investment Seminar” organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center on 8 June 2018 at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

PH Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez was a special guest at the Opening Ceremony together with some ASEAN Ambassadors. The Opening Ceremony was also attended by Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) Director Angelica Cayas and Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo and other tourism officials.

The Seminar featured the theme “Tourism Investment Partnership for a Sustainable Future.” As it was the first time for the ASEAN-Korea Centre to host a Seminar on tourism investment in close collaboration with the tourism authorities of ASEAN member states, there was great interest from potential Korean investors to learn more about the tourism investment opportunities in the ASEAN member states.

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H.E. Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez (4^th from right) with H.E. Aladdin D. Rillo, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community (6^th from left), H.E. Secretary General Lee Hyuk of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (center) and Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez (6^th from right) during the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN-Korea Tourism Investment Seminar on 8 June 2018 at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

The Seminar opened with remarks by H.E. Lee Hyuk, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, followed by Welcome Remarks from Datuk Rashidi bin Hasbullah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia, and Congratulatory Remarks by Mr. Keum Gi-hyung, Director General of Tourism Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea.

Dr. Aladdin D. Rillo, a Filipino national who is currently the Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, delivered the keynote address during the event.

During his keynote address, Deputy Secretary General Rillo expounded on the opportunities and challenges in the development of tourism in the ASEAN region. He also underscored that “the Seminar was timely as it is in line with the trend of fostering tourism development of Korea and ASEAN, deepening tourism cooperation between the two sides, facilitating mutual understanding between tourism industries, and broadening cooperation in tourism investments.” To this end, Deputy Secretary General Rillo expressed hope that the governments and the private sectors from both sides could work together to expand investments in tourism infrastructure, provide a favorable policy environment and more financial support for the development of the tourism industry, and promote the sustainable and stable development of the tourism industry.

Representatives from the tourism authorities of ASEAN member states also shared with the audience the tourism investment climate and foreign investment projects in their respective countries. For the Philippines, Ms. Alma Rita D. Jimenez, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation, delivered a presentation highlighting the promising tourism investment prospects of the Philippines.

In her presentation, Undersecretary Jimenez noted that the “Philippine tourism sector is one of the biggest contributors to the growth of the Philippine economy and that the Philippines is recalibrating its travel destinations to boost capacity due to increased demand.”

Undersecretary Jimenez also underscored that “the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program under the administration of H.E. President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to boost interconnectivity throughout the Philippine archipelago and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.”

Aside from Undersecretary Jimenez, Director Danilo B. Intong of the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations also delivered a presentation during the event.

Following the presentations, business-to-business meetings were held by representatives of ASEAN member states with interested Korean investors.

The ASEAN-Korea Tourism Investment Seminar was a resounding success as it paved the way for Korean companies to be apprised of the promising investment opportunities in ASEAN’s vibrant and growing tourism sector.

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