GOVPH

PHL EMBASSY AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL-KOREA CHAPTER COMMEMORATE 163RD BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL HERO DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

23 June 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal (KOR)-Korea Chapter, commemorated the 163rd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on 23 June 2024. The event, held at the 2F Sentro Rizal Hall, brought together Filipino community members including multicultural families and Embassy personnel in South Korea to honor the life and legacy of the Philippines' national hero.

In his welcome remarks, Sir Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Commander of the KOR-Korea Chapter and KOR Regional Commander for Asia, pointed out that a throughline existed between 12 June 1898 and 19 June 1861 in the life of the Filipino nation. Rizal's fervent patriotism, works and writings, such as his famous novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which served as powerful instruments of social change, as well as his martyrdom in Bagumbayan, ultimately led to the country’s liberation. His life and legacy reminds Filipinos today that freedom has a price and comes with responsibility.

Supreme Commander Sir Raymundo A. del Rosario, KGCR, of the Knights of Rizal, through a message read by Sir Apolonio Alvarez of the KOR Chapter, said that the commemoration is about “remembering Dr. Rizal’s] immense contributions - his writings that awakened our national consciousness, his pursuit of reform through education, and his unwavering love for the country.” He encouraged everyone to be a “role model like Rizal” and honor his memory by “continuing the fight for a just, equitable, and progressive Philippines.”

In her special message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega also highlighted how Dr. Rizal's teachings and values can be applied to modern challenges such as on climate change and the rule of law. She said that by using Dr. Rizal’s teaching as guiding principles to contemporary issues, we embody the spirit of his famous phrase, “[a]ng hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” Ambassador Dizon-De Vega emphasized that despite being a reluctant revolutionary, Dr. Rizal's enduring legacy continues to inspire countless Filipinos and the generations to respond with courage to the myriad challenges today.

The ceremony included a wreath-laying ceremony and flower offering, honoring Dr. Rizal's memory. The formal program was closed by Sir Anthony Rafael Gil Z. Cornista of the KOR-Korea Chapter, who expressed gratitude to all participants and invited everyone to a fellowship session meant to deepen the attendees' understanding of Dr. Rizal's legacy.

Knights of Rizal postulants led by Mr. Agapito Bulabos, Jr., and members of the Filipino Community in South Korea shared personal reflections on Dr. Rizal's significance in their lives. The event concluded with a fun pop quiz to enhance the attendees', especially young Filipino-Koreans’ knowledge of the national hero’s life.

Immediately after the program, the Philippine Embassy screened the documentary “Ang Buhay ng Isang Bayani” (The Life of a Hero) presented by Bookmark Inc. and the Department of History of the Ateneo de Manila University at the Consular Section. The documentary may also be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALb4ig-8agc.

In light of recent Philippine Independence Day celebrations, the commemoration provided another meaningful opportunity for the Filipino community in South Korea to come together, reaffirm their national identity and shared heritage, and draw pride and inspiration from the exemplary life of Dr. Jose Rizal. END

PH Ambassador Delivers Talk at KOIMA CEO School

20 June 2024, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-de Vega delivered a talk on Philippine Economic, Business, and Investment developments at the CEO School of the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA).

KOIMA Chairperson Byung-Kwan Kim welcomed Ambassador Dizon-de Vega to the CEO School, an innovative platform for a select group of CEOs from among KOIMA’s member companies to learn about international economic and business trends through special learning sessions.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega gave a presentation on the latest economic and business developments in the Philippines as well as investment incentives. She likewise shared the benefits expected to be gained for both the Philippines and Korea under the two countries new Free Trade Agreement. END

Screening of Films from the "Golden Age of Philippine Cinema" held at Korean Film Archives, 28 May to 12 June

20 June 2024, Seoul. The Korean Film Archives (KOFA) together with the Philippine Embassy in Korea presented a series of film screenings dubbed “Golden Age of Philippine Cinema” as part of the commemorative events for the celebration of 75 years of Philippines-Korea relations from 28 May to 12 June 2024 at the KOFA Cinematheque in Seoul.

The festival featured nine (9) classic Filipino films produced by LVN Pictures and newly-restored and enhanced by ABS-CBN Inc. The films screened included “Sumpaan”, “Malvarosa”, “Giliw Ko”, “Mutya ng Pasig”, “Triplets”, “Ibong Adarna”, “Badjao: The Sea Gypsies”, “Anak Dalita” and “Biyaya ng Lupa”.

The opening ceremony was held on 28 May with messages by Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega who welcomed the guests and viewers to the screenings and thanked the KOFA for “helping to bring these films to a wider audience in Korea” as they present “insights into the culture and society in the Philippines through the film medium”. KOFA Director Kim Hong Joon likewise shared that KOFA was pleased to realize this project to introduce classic Philippine cinema from the mid-20th century to a young generation of filmgoers, enthusiasts, and experts. 

A special talk on the golden age of Philippine Cinema was likewise held on 08 June 2024 featuring one of the foremost experts on Philippine film, Dr. Joel David of Inha University, Korea and Founding Director of the U.P. Film Institute. END