The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

Philippines Closes ASEAN Committee Chairmanship in Seoul with Turnover to Malaysia

PR (6) (1).jpg Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid receives the ASEAN gavel from outgoing Chair of the ACS Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega. Below: The ASEAN Committee in Seoul start 2025 with a turnover of ACS Chairmanship from the Philippines to Malaysia.

06 January 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul capped off an active stint as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul (ACS) with a presentation of events and a turnover to the incoming ACS Chair, Malaysia, at a simple ceremony held on 02 January 2025 at the Philippine Embassy’s Sentro Rizal.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega presented a review of activities during the Philippine chairing of the ACS from July to December 2024. These included conferences on areas of ASEAN-ROK engagement such as in the Startup and Innovation sector, Intellectual Property Cooperation, and ASEAN-ROK Partnership; a business-related site tour of the Amore Pacific facilities in Osan; the inauguration of the ASEAN-Jeju Friendship Olle Trail; and the holding of the annual ASEAN Family Day, among others.

In passing on the chairmanship to Malaysian Ambassador His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Ambassador Dizon-de Vega acknowledged the support and active participation of all the ACS members in the different events during the Philippines’ chairmanship.

Ambassador Khalid thanked the Philippines for its efficient and active steering of the ACS in the last six months and outlined some possible ACS activities for the first half of 2025 including a forum on ASEAN matters, economic related site visits and meetings, and activities with ASEAN students in Korea.

ASEAN and Korea commemorated 35 years as Dialogue Partners last year and likewise elevated its relations to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the ASEAN Summit in 2024.

Present at the turnover activity were Ambassadors and representatives of the ASEAN member countries.END.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL – KOREA CHAPTER COMMEMORATE RIZAL DAY

(PHOTOS – Top: Chargé d’Affaires Romulo Victor M. Israel leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentro Rizal Hall together with Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo – Cornista. Below: Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter Officers and Members.)

30 December 2024, Seoul – In celebration of the 128^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) – Korea Chapter held a solemn floral offering at the bust of the Philippines national hero at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy.

The ceremony was led by CDA a.i. and Commander of the KOR – Korea Chapter Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., KOR officers and members, officers and staff of the Embassy and Filipino community members.

(Photos – Top: Officers of the KOR - Korea Chapter joined by family members of the Embassy sing the Philippine national anthem at the start of the wreath-laying ceremony. Below: CDA a.i. and Commander Romulo Israel delivers his welcome remarks.)

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas” (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Teachings, As Our Guide), CDA a.i. Israel emphasized the importance of the many writings of Dr. Rizal, citing the dedication to the motherland and love of country.

(PHOTOS - Top left: Welcome Remarks by Sir Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. KCR, CDA a.i. and Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter. Top right: Sir Anthony Z. Cornista, KOR, Deputy Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter reads the Rizal Day Message of Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander. Below left: Master of Ceremonies Sir Apolonio Gabino Alvarez, Jr. KOR. Below right: Sir Agapito Bulabos, Jr. KR leads the flag-raising ceremonies held every Monday at the Sentro Rizal Hall.)

In his Rizal Day message, Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Supreme Council, shared that we must “draw inspiration from Rizal’s courage and intellectual brilliance. Let us embrace his unwavering commitment to truth and his unwavering faith in the Filipino people. Let us strive to embody his ideals in our own lives, in our communities, and in our nation”. He further encouraged everyone to “work tirelessly to build a society that reflects Rizal’s vision – a society where education is accessible to all, where freedom of thought and expression are cherished, where social justice prevails, and where the dignity of every Filipino is upheld.”

(PHOTOS – Heads of the attached agencies in Korea, officers and staff and family members of the Embassy, with the participation of the Filipino Community join in the wreath-laying ceremonies commemorating the 128^th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr, Jose Rizal.)

The commemoration also showcased videos of two Rizal Shrines from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), “Rizal - Calamba” and “Dambana ni Rizal sa Fort Santiago.” The event concluded with a community breakfast sponsored by the KOR – Korea Chapter. END.

PHILIPPINE WEAVES (HABI) EXHIBITION HELD AT CULTURAL HUB INSA-DONG, SEOUL

(PHOTOS – Top: Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers her welcome remarks to the over sixty guests in attendance. Below: Ambassador Dizon – De Vega, Secretary General Kim Jae Shin of the ASEAN-Korea Center (left of the Ambassador) and Director Yennie Shon (right of the Ambassador) of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) together with ten Ambassadors and the members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Opening Ceremony).

17 December 2024, Seoul – The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Threads of Culture: An exhibit of Philippine Weaves (HABI)” was held on 17 December 2024 at the Ohmi Gallery, Maru Art Center located in the bustling cultural hub of Insa-dong in Seoul. The exhibition, showcasing the rich and intricate weaving traditions of the Philippines, was organized to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, highlighting the enduring cultural ties and shared history between the two countries.

(PHOTOS: Top Left: Secretary General Kim Jae Shin of the ASEAN-Korea Centre and Top right: Director Yennie Shon of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) deliver their congratulatory remarks. Below (far right): Ms. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, President of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Korea (ASAS) joins Director Shon, Ambassador Dizon – De Vega, and Director General Kim in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the Philippine weaves exhibition).

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega highlighted the significance of the exhibit, describing it as “a tribute to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea as we commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations – a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to fostering cultural understanding” she further expressed, “gratitude to the artisans whose works we celebrate today, the social entrepreneurs who are tirelessly building sustainable bridges between heritage and commerce, the weave advocates and tradition bearers, and all those who made this exhibit possible”.

ASEAN Korea Centre Secretary General and a former Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines Kim Jae-shin, congratulated the Philippine Embassy for its efforts in bringing Philippine culture closer to the Korean people and acknowledged the strong and meaningful relationship shared by the two nations.

Meanwhile Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) Director Yennie Shon in her remarks stated that “I believe that the “HABI” Philippine Textile Exhibition, being held here in Insa-dong – a cultural heart of Korea – will serve to deepen the cultural connections between our two nations”. She likewise cited the recently concluded Asia Song Festival and Culture Bridge Festa festival in October, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism where the Philippines was honored as the guest country.

(PHOTOS: Various cotton and pineapple weaves displayed at the exhibition).

The opening program was attended by over 60 guests, including Ambassadors, other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Seoul, and personalities from the business, design, and cultural sectors, along with representatives from the local media. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was participated in by Ambassador Dizon-de Vega, Secretary General Kim, Director Yoon, and Ms. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, President of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Korea (ASAS). A reception and viewing followed the program.

(PHOTOS: Various cotton and pineapple weaves displayed at the exhibition).

The event featured the participation of weaving companies, designers and social entrepreneurs from the Philippines, including Anthill Fabric Gallery, Pidayit by Philip D. Torres, Bagoyan, Lokal + Home + Art + Fashion, Ha.bi by Iris Ceneta, Lumban Embroidery by Josefina Llamoso, Lakat, Happy Andrada, and Our Little Ideas Philippines. These participants showcased the unique designs and intricate patterns of their creations, highlighting the rich diversity of Philippine weaving traditions. Ambassador Dizon – De Vega also contributed pieces from her personal collection, featuring weaves and traditional attire crafted by various indigenous communities in the Philippines.

(PHOTOS: Guests from the diplomatic corps and private sectors admiring the creations of the contributing participants).

The exhibition will run from 17 to 21 December 2024. END.

PHL EMBASSY ADMINISTERS OATH TO OFFICERS OF PHILIPPINE ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION IN KOREA, HANPHIL-SASANG DAMUNHWA, AND PINOY COMMUNITY IN HWASEONG-SI

3PR-MTD-169-2024 - Oath PEAK Hanphil PCH.png

15 December 2024, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega presented three Filipino Community Organizations – the Philippine Engineers Association in Korea (PEAK), Hanphil-Sasang Damunhwa (HSD), and Pinoy Community in Hwaseong-Si (PCH) – their Certificate of Registration, which symbolizes and reaffirms their commitment to help protect and promote the general welfare and interests of the Filipino community, in December this year.

In her message to the Filipino community organizations, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega conveyed her enthusiasm for collaborating with these groups in the coming months. She emphasized the importance of leveraging their respective expertise to advance various initiatives, particularly those aimed at enhancing discussions on migration in South Korea. These include programs such as the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars for EPS workers and marriage migrants, the "Know Your Rights and Responsibilities" Seminar Series, and reintegration programs under the PEAK Pinoy initiative.

Witnessing the recognition and oath-taking were Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, and Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco.

The Philippine Embassy continues to accept new registration, renewal, or administration of oaths for the induction of newly elected officers of Filipino community organizations in South Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/filipino_community.asp. END