The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PH EMBASSY AND FILIPINOS IN THE CREATIVE SECTOR MEET

(PHOTO: Ambassador Dizon-De Vega meets with Ms. Vangie Buizon (on the left of Amb. Dizon-De Vega) and Filipino creatives at the Embassy’s HABI Lounge).

16 February 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Korea, hosted a get-together and sharing session with Filipino creatives in Korea on 15 February 2025 at the Embassy’s new Habi Lounge. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega along with Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Victor Romulo Israel, Vice Consul Jillian De Dumo-Cornista, and Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista welcomed Filipinos who undertake acting, modelling, hosting, performing, talent management, and influencer work in Korea to the activity. Some of the participants have extensive experience, particularly in the acting field, in various Korean content production sectors.

(PHOTOS: Top – Amb. Dizon-De Vega opens the get-together luncheon. Below: Mr. Chrisitan Lagahit (in green sweater) of Squid Games Season 1 shares his experiences working in the Korean film industry).

The Embassy convened the gathering discuss further cooperation among the Philippine Embassy, the Filipinos in the entertainment, arts, and creative sectors in Korea, and the larger Filipino Community. The creatives shared their current situation and concerns as well as ways in which they could contribute to further elevating the Filipinos’ presence and voice in Korea, optimizing the new opportunities offered by Korea’s growing attention to multiculturalism.

The Philippine Embassy will work closely with the creative sector in organizing cultural activities as well as informative, welfare, and capacity-building programs for the Filipino creatives sector. END

ALBAY DEVELOPMENT TEAM 2 EMBARKS ON A KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Top photo: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (seated fourth from right) and officials from the ADT2 led by Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo of Camalig, Albay (seated third from right) pose for a delegation photo at the Sentro Rizal conference room of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 16 February 2025.

16 February 2025, Seoul. A forty-member delegation of local officials comprising the Albay Development Team 2 (ADT2), an association of Local Government Units of the Second District of Albay conducted their Knowledge Exchange and Benchmarking Activity in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 18 February 2025.

The ADT2 led by Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo Jr. of Camalig, Albay and ADT Chairperson, received a briefing from the Embassy’s economic team spearheaded Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega together with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Head of the Political and Economic Section, Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon Yalong of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Seoul) and Administrative Officer John Trexy Noveros of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT-Korea).

Mayor Baldo Jr. shared that the delegation is visiting the ROK for a knowledge exchange program in line with their plan to operate flights from Bicol to Korea, explore other tourism opportunities, establish renewable energy partnerships, exchanges in product development, and technical assistance in climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega welcomed the delegation and presented on the overview of Philippines and Republic of Korea relations highlighting areas the ADT2 can learn from ROK as well as possible areas for exchange. She shared sectors where the ADT2 can learn from Korea such as Sustainable Tourism Development, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience, Smart Agriculture and Rural Development, Heritage Conservation & Cultural Tourism Promotion, Smart Cities and Digital Innovation, and Food Tourism and Product Innovation.

At the end of the meeting, the Albay Development Team 2 also proudly presented Ambassador Dizon-De Vega with 100% organic craft chocolates from Mayon Gold, which are harvested from the trees that are native in the Bicol region, specifically in the area of Mt. Mayon.

PTIC Seoul Commercial Attaché Yalong delivered a presentation on PH-ROK trade relations and highlights of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement while PDOT Administrative Officer Noveros shared the tourism promotion initiatives of PDOT-Korea.

At the end of the meeting, the Albay Development Team 2 also proudly presented its 100% organic craft chocolates from Mayon Gold, which are harvested from the trees that are native in the Bicol region, specifically in the area of Mt. Mayon. Due to the perfect conditions of the area’s volcanic soil, the chocolates are flavor-rich and have higher cacao content with low-acidity, making it very healthy. These hand-crafted chocolates are certified sustainable, vegan, organic, allergen-free, palm oil-free and gluten-free for the international market to enjoy. END

PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTES THE PHILIPPINES AS PREMIER RETIREMENT DESTINATION FOR KOREANS

Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The Ambassador was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jillian Joyce Cornista, Philippine Department of Tourism Director Corazon Jorda-Apo, and Commercial Attaché Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong during the call. GM Zozobrado was joined by Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Division Chief III together with the GM’s Executive Assistant, Mr. Dionisio D. Valerio Jr, and Ms. Madeline De Vera.

Seoul, 3 February 2025 – Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to discuss efforts to promote the Philippines as a premier retirement destination for Korean retirees.

During the meeting, PRA officials provided updates on the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program and ongoing initiatives to attract more South Korean retirees to the Philippines. With our warm climate, affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and welcoming community, the Philippines has become an attractive option for Koreans seeking a retirement haven in Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed full support for PRA’s initiatives, emphasizing the Embassy’s role in strengthening awareness among the Korean public about the benefits of retiring in the Philippines.

PRA hopes to create more linkages and potential partnerships with Korean stakeholders and clients to enhance the retirement experience for Korean nationals in the Philippines. END

ULSAN CITY OFFICIALS VISIT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials at the Chancery on 23 January 2025. The Ulsan Metropolitan City International Cooperation Division travelled all the way to Seoul to connect with Embassy officials in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 meetings in South Korea.

Seoul, 10 February 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials from the International Cooperation Division at the Chancery on 23 January 2025. The Ulsan Metropolitan City officials met with Embassy officials in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 meetings in South Korea. At the sidelines of the APEC 2025, Ulsan hopes to enhance economic, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges between the Philippines and Ulsan, contributing to the broader objectives of APEC.

Both sides discussed areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, sustainable energy, and maritime industry cooperation. As one of South Korea’s industrial powerhouses and a leading hub for green energy innovation, Ulsan presents significant opportunities for Philippine businesses, particularly in shipbuilding, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials expressed their high regard for Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega and members of the Filipino Community in the Republic of Korea residing and working in Ulsan. The Philippine Embassy is proud to note that several Filipinos working in industries in Ulsan have been recognized for their exemplary skill and professionalism.

Ulsan City was represented by Mr. Lee Sung Tae, Head of the International Exchange Team, and International Relations Specialists Mr. Kim Dowoo and Mr. Kim Moonsu. The Philippine Embassy was represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Commercial Counselor Charmaine Mignon Yalong. END