Philippines-Korea Friendship Year Celebrations

MANILA, Philippines - This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. To commemorate this momentous event, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1495 declaring 2009 as the Philippines-Korea Friendship Year and March 3, 2009 as the Philippines-Korea Friendship Day.

The steadfast ties between the two countries have evolved since the Filipinos helped the Koreans regain their democracy in the Korean War to the multilateral relationship that the two countries enjoy now.

Since the 60th year anniversary is an auspicious event in oriental philosophy, representing a full life cycle of a person, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted several events to celebrate the 60 years of hearty and robust friendship between the two nations.

Philippines-Korea Economic Forums (Once in Manila, Once in Seoul)

To launch the yearlong festivities, the Embassy together with Manila Bulletin and Maeil Business Newspaper hosted the first ever Philippines-Korea Economic Forum from February 18-19 at the Manila Hotel. The forum was aimed at showcasing the investment climate in the Philippines and the investment potential of its different sectors. The forum entitled “Rediscovering the Philippines: the Pearl of Asia”, included Cabinet Secretaries and heads of Philippine Government agencies, as well as presidents and officers from top Philippine and Korean companies. The forum was divided into three sessions, the first session was on Investment Environment of the Philippines and Bilateral Economic Cooperation: Energy (including Alternative Energy) and Manufacturing. The second session was on Bilateral Cooperation in Agriculture, Mining and Service, while the third session was on the Asian Economy and Prospect for the Philippine Financial Market in the Midst of the Global Financial Crisis.

On November 5 and 6, a Seoul version of this economic forum entitled “Philippines-Korea Economic Cooperation for Green Growth” will be held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Korea.

Philippines-Korea Development Forum

The Korean Institute for International Economic Policy in collaboration with the Embassy organized the very first Philippines-Korea Development Forum at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on June 24. The whole day forum was aimed at discussing the policies pertaining to the Philippines-Korea development cooperation, its status and future prospects as well as its importance from the Philippines’ perspective. A session on Development Cooperation for Green Growth was also conducted in line with President Lee Myung-bak’s Low Carbon Green Growth Initiative, which calls for more investments into developing new and renewable sources of energy and environment-friendly industrial development. Rounding up the forum, a Knowledge Sharing Program was conducted wherein a discussion on Korea’s Economic Development Experience was tackled.

34th International Bamboo Organ Festival

The Embassy sponsored the Philippines-Korea Friendship Night of the 34th International Bamboo Organ Festival on February 24 at the Las Piñas Church. The evening featured organist Yun Yang-Hee and baritone Lim Seong-Kyu from Korea. Their program consisted of Baroque organ solo music plus pieces for voice by varied composers with organ accompaniment. The AILM Chorale, conducted by Joshibiah de Juan, also shared the stage with these Korean artists.

Korean Food Festival and Fireworks Display

To celebrate the Philippines-Korea Friendship Day, the Embassy hosted a Korean Food Festival at the Manila Hotel on March 3. The food fest featured not only the popular Korean dishes which suited the Filipino palate but also the traditional ones that are not as well known to non-Koreans. The festival was made more special since it showcased the elaborate flavors and pageantry of a Korean royal cuisine.

After a sumptuous meal, guests were treated to a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display staged by Hanwha Corporation. The fireworks display was synchronized to a variety of popular Filipino songs.

Korean Navy Goodwill Visit

The two naval ships of the Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Flotilla, Choi Young and Dai Chung, recently had a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. During their visit, the officers presented to Philippine National Red Cross Chairman, Senator Richard Gordon the donations of the Korean National Red Cross for the underprivileged Filipino children. The shipmen also staged a cultural show at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia. The two-hour show featured a Taekwondo demonstration, an Honour Guard sound drill, a military band exhibition and a Samulnori, an ensemble of four traditional percussions instrument.

Korean Film Festival

This year’s Film Festival highlights the movie Old Boy, a psychological-drama and action movie, awarded the Grand Prix in the 2004 Cannes Film Fest. Other films include Barking Dogs Never Bite, Sakwa, Beyond the Years, The Show Must Go On, Forbidden Quest and Driving with My Wife’s Lover. The film fest aims to show Korean cinemas which have gained international acclaim for it uniqueness and diversity over the past two decades. Due to the overwhelming success of the first week run of the Korean Film Festival, which started in September 23, the Embassy together with the Korea-Philippines Cultural Foundation Inc. and Shangri-La Plaza extended the festival until October 6.

Korean Cultural Festival in November

To culminate the yearlong celebration of the 60th Anniversary, the Embassy will be staging a Korean Cultural Festival from November 25-27 at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The festival will feature performances of Korean traditional dances, and drum exhibitions. The Embassy and Arirang TV will also be bringing in a popular Korean pop group for a free concert on November 27. To cap off the celebrations, the Embassy and various Korean associations in the Philippines will be holding a street parade on November 28 along Roxas Boulevard, which the Embassy hopes many Filipinos will join.