The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PHL EMBASSY CONDUCTS CONSULAR OUTREACH AND MOBILE OVERSEAS VOTER REGISTRATION IN CHEONAN-ANSAN

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22 September 2024, Cheonan. The Philippine Embassy conducted a consular outreach and mobile overseas voter registration in Cheonan-Ansan on 22 September 2024. The consular team rendered 53 units of consular and Assistance to Nationals services to members of the Filipino community, including e-passport applications, notarials, civil registration, and Embassy ID, among others. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL HOSTS 2024 ASEAN FAMILY DAY

The Members of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul with the Ambassador of Timor Leste and ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General doing the ASEAN handshake prior to the start of the 2024 ASEAN Family Day that was held at the Seoul Battleship Park on 22 September 2024

22 September 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul was honored to host this year’s annual ASEAN Family Day held at the Seoul Battleship Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and concurrent Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed over 250 family members of the ASEAN diplomatic missions in the Republic of Korea during the family day. “We are celebrating the long-standing ties and friendship of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea during an auspicious year, as we move to advance our cooperation to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the 35th year of ASEAN-Republic of Korea relations,” Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said. “Today, it’s all about ASEAN solidarity and camaraderie, as we gather to enjoy delicious ASEAN cuisine and play beloved games in the region so I invite everyone to relax, have fun, and feel the warmth of the ASEAN spirit with family and friends!” she added.

ASEAN Missions in the Republic of Korea partnered together to co-host games that brought out the fiery and competitive spirit among guests. The games included Bos Angkunh (Cambodia and Brunei), Musical Chairs (Malaysia and Thailand), Tug-of-War (Lao PDR and Vietnam), Captain’s Ball (Indonesia and Singapore), and Touch Ball (Myanmar). The Philippines, as host, organized a special putting game for the ASEAN Heads of Mission in Seoul and other heads of ASEAN organizations in Korea. Children age twelve and below were also introduced to the Filipino party game “Pabitin”, a Filipino piñata, made of bamboo with hanging goodies. The objective of the game is for the kids to grab as many treats and toys as possible while it was being lowered and snatched up.

Participants of the ASEAN Family Day were also able to sample an array of regional food as each ASEAN country brought traditional food, drinks, and snacks to share with everyone. The event even attracted the interest of park visitors who were also treated with ASEAN hospitality as they sampled regional ASEAN cuisine.

Aside from the traditional Filipino food of pancit bihon (stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables), chicken inasal (chicken barbecue marinated Filipino-style), and traditional Filipino snacks sapin-sapin (layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert) and biko (Filipino snack made of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk), the Philippines also sponsored a coffee truck for the ASEAN Family Day in celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Philippines – Republic of Korea relations.

To add to the festivities, the ASEAN Korea Centre led by AKC Secretary Kim Jae Shin, raffled off prizes and gift bags to thirteen (13) lucky winners at the end of the family day.

The annual ASEAN Family Day aims to raise ASEAN awareness in the Republic of Korea, promote ASEAN culture, as well as strengthen friendship and enhance relations among the ASEAN community members in the Republic of Korea. END

The Members of the ASEAN Community in Seoul actively participated in a series of games prepared for the event. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, as the ACS Chair, sponsored a coffee truck for all the participants and attendees of the Family Day.

Members of the ASEAN Community in Korea pose for a family photo.

PHL EMBASSY COMMEMORATES THE 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHILIPPINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES TO KOREA (PEFTOK)

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5 October 2024, Seoul. In a solemn ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul took part in the 74th anniversary of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War.

The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by officials from the Philippines including Undersecretary Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr., Acquisition and Resource Management of the Department of National Defense; LtGen Roy M. Galido, Commanding General of the Philippine Army; and Col. Don D. Templonuevo, Philippine Defense Attaché, who read the Battle Resume. From South Korea and other countries, MGen. Kang In Kyu, Senior Member of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC); Capt(N) Efstratios Fyntkakis, Defense Attaché of the Hellenic Republic; Cpt. Zachary P. Balitaan, Commanding Officer of the UNC Honor Guard Company; and Mr. Du-Geon Kim, Chairman of the UN Korean War Allies Association (UNKWAA) likewise attended the event.

The Embassy paid tribute to the over 7,000 Filipino soldiers who answered the call to serve in Korea, underlining the Philippines’ commitment to peace, freedom, and collective security. Their courage and dedication laid the foundation for one of the Philippines’ most enduring international partnerships—its relationship with South Korea.

The ceremony also celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, a partnership born in the crucible of war and strengthened over the decades through political, economic, and cultural cooperation. As PEFTOK has become a resounding symbol of friendship and cooperation, its legacy is a source of inspiration for both countries to continue building a future grounded in solidarity and mutual respect.

LtGen. Roy M. Galido, as the keynote speaker, highlighted the lasting legacy of PEFTOK, noting that it serves as a source of pride for the Philippines and a testament to the strength of international partnerships in ensuring regional peace and stability. Mr. Du-Geon Kim, Chairman of the UN Korean War Allies Association, also conveyed his profound gratitude to the Philippines for its crucial role during the Korean War and highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the association, including the construction of memorials and monuments across Korea to honor PEFTOK.

Also present were members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, including Vice Consul Jilliane De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco, and Cultural Attaché Anthony Cornista, reflecting the Embassy’s broad diplomatic, labor, and cultural relations with South Korea.

PEFTOK played a significant role in the Korean War, with five battalion combat teams comprising 7,420 personnel deployed to fight for peace and freedom. Today, the strong ties between the Philippines and South Korea continue to flourish, driven by mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace and prosperity in the region. END

PHL EMBASSY JOINS NCCA AND NBDB ON THE LAUNCH OF BOOK NOOK SOUTH KOREA

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28 September 2024, Incheon. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in the successful launch of “Book Nook South Korea” on 28 September 2024, in Incheon, South Korea.

In his opening remarks, NCCA Commissioner Hon. Carlo B. Ebeo emphasized the significance of the Book Nook initiative, which was launched by the NBDB to promote literacy and a love for reading in underserved and remote communities across the Philippines. The initiative creates welcoming spaces—called “Book Nooks”—where people, especially children, can access books and engage in various reading activities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, represented by Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, congratulated the organizers on this milestone, which aligns with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that, “[a]s Korea becomes increasingly multicultural, it is essential to provide platforms and programs for young people from diverse backgrounds. The Book Nook not only serves this purpose, but also promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and history of the Philippines.”

The Book Nook South Korea will be housed at the Bucheon Adong Vision and Library Center, led by Rev. Hag-ui Kim, and will feature over 10,000 Filipino titles, including children's books that promote a deeper understanding of Filipino culture and heritage. As part of the ceremony, the Philippine Embassy presented a symbolic book donation from Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, marking the beginning of future collaborations. The Philippine Embassy will work towards integrating the Book Nook into its annual “Eskwelahan sa Embahada” (Summer School) program first launched in 2023, serving multicultural families across the country.

Also present was NBDB Division Chief Daniel Lorenzo Z. Mariano, who facilitated a storytelling session introducing the Book Nook; Ms. Victoria Yvette Herrera, representing the Office of Hon. Senator Pia Cayetano, an education advocate and key partner in the Book Nook program, and who expressed their continuing support for the initiative's global reach; and Ms. Mary Ann Campos, the Book Nook Area Coordinator.

The launch coincided with the 10th Incheon Bilingual Theater Festival, hosted by Festival Director Mr. Shin Seung-il, which offered an array of cultural exchanges between Filipino and Korean communities. A notable highlight of the festival was the short play “Bulawan,” directed by Mr. Jear Lopez and written by Ms. Anna Liz Cabrido, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of Filipino storytelling and artistry.

The Philippine Embassy looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Book Nook South Korea and other local partners in South Korea, reinforcing the shared commitment to cultural diplomacy, educational empowerment, and building bridges of understanding. END

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