The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

NICK JOAQUIN’S CLASSIC WORKS AND MICA DE LEON’S LOVE ON THE SECOND READ LAUNCH IN KOREA

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega (left) with Ms. Mica de Leon (center) and the Chairperson of Hansae Yes24 Foundation Ms. Soomi Baek (right) poses for a photo with the newly published Korean-versions of the books Tales of the Tropical Gothic and The Woman who had Two Navels by Nick Joaquin, and Mica de Leon’s Love on Second Read.

14 February 2025, Seoul. Korean readers are set to experience the depth and diversity of Philippine literature as the Korean-language versions of three (3) Philippine books: The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, and Love on Second Read by Mica de Leon are now available in Korean bookstores nationwide. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega attended the press conference and the book launch at the Korea Foundation (KF) Global Center on 14 February 2025.

The Hansae Yes24 Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges and building bridges between ASEAN countries and Korea, published the books to introduce Philippine literature to Korean readers. The books were launched during Philippine National Arts Month and during the commemorative 75th year of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.

Newly published books in Hangul from L to R: The Woman who had Two Navels, and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Nick Joaquin, and Love on the Second Read by Mica de Leon.

During the press conference, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed confidence that Korean readers will gain a deeper understanding of the society, history, and culture of the Philippines through these books. Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin (1917–2004) is renowned for his short stories, novels and essays that explore the country’s colonial history, identity and cultural heritage. Among lovers of literature, Nick Joaquin’s writing is revered for his profound exploration of culture, historical allegory, and psychological depth. Contemporary author Mica De Leon is a winner of the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award and is known for her evocative storytelling and exploration of contemporary Filipino life, relationships and identity. All three books promise to bring fresh and classic Filipino storytelling to a new audience, fostering cross-cultural appreciation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul likewise attended a book salon for the publications held later on the same date entitled 'Stories in Bloom: Stories of Love and Literature', with author Mica De Leon. The book salon, held at the Yes24 Gangseo Branch to a large local audience, featured discussions on literature and the creative process of contemporary writing. Korean Singer Yozoh and Korean YouTuber Sylvia Kim likewise joined the event.

Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic, and Mica de Leon’s Love on the Second Read are now available for purchase both in digital and paperback formats online and in bookstores across the country. END

Members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul attended the book launch of Ms. Mica de Leon at Yes24, Gangseo.

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