CELEBRATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN SEOUL
Last Sunday, I and my husband attended the fiesta at the UN Compound. It was a joint celebration for the Independence Day and Migrant Workers’ Day. Unlike last year’s event, this one was really small. A reliable source told me that it was because a Filipino group had their own separate party.
The event last Sunday was coordinated by the Philippine Embassy. We were there at exactly 2:30 PM but the program did not start until after an hour later. My husband was supposed to go to the library but I asked him to stay and watch the presentations, instead.
I saw a couple of familiar faces from last year, unfortunately I forgot what their names were. It’s such a shame because they remembered mine :D. A lot of the men wore barong and the women were in their baro’t saya. I looked so casual with the pair of blue jeans, blouse and sandals that I wore.
The program was divided into three parts. The first part was for the speeches, the second was for the song and dance presentations, while the last part was for the bands. I really just went there for the bands but we left just before the second part ended.
The different Filipino groups showed their talents in singing and dancing. What really stood out, though, was the Korean teenagers’ version of “Maglalatik”. I remember that it was well applauded. The leader of that group said that he loves the Philippines so much that he’s thinking of living there permanently.
There was also a Filipino choir that performed called “After Glow”. They have been to numerous countries around the world and they were so impressive. I didn’t concentrate on the other numbers because I was talking to a friend who came all the way from Wonju City.
My husband, who loves the Philippines probably more than I do :D, enjoyed the show so much that he forgot that he had to go to the library. He just remembered it when somebody sang a song so out of tune.
I really miss the Filipino bands. My husband told me to stay and enjoy but I had a lot of things to do that day. Overall, the festivities was really good.
I was planning on attending, but a friend told me we needed an invitation. Too bad, it looked like a lot of fun
I was planning on attending, but a friend told me we needed an invitation. Too bad, it looked like a lot of fun
We didn’t have an invitation on hand but one of the organizers just told us to come and call him when we get there.
We didn’t have an invitation on hand but one of the organizers just told us to come and call him when we get there.
Hi Betchay,
Hello! I don’t know if you still remember but I e-mailed you before November 2005 prior to my trip there as part of the Filipino journalists delegation covering the APEC Busan Summit.
I really would like to thank you for referring me to Prof. Marlon Aves Diloy, of Yeungjin College, who was not only a very potent source of news and information regarding Pinoys in Korea, but who has since become my good friend, too.
Anyway, Prof. Diloy and I are organizing a concert for the Filipino community there in October in time for the Cushuk festival. We will be bringing in Ara Mina and Jimmy Bondoc for an acoustic-type of concert, titled “Ara Mina: Heart n’ Seoul.” Part of the net proceeds of the concert will go to the Pinoy group who would be willing to help us in other aspects of the concert, such as processing of the visa and work permits of the artists and the entourage. Of course, if the org wants to co-prod with us, they’ll have a bigger share in the net proceeds. By the way, a Filipino band who is well-loved in Daegu will serve as the front act.
I was wondering if you could help us out again in finding our perfect organization to work with us in this project. I am determined to go there by June 11 to attend the Migrant Workers Day celebration and to meet the Fil org leaders. If in case, I might not be able to come, Prof. Diloy will certainly be there.
I am looking forward to your favorable response and I assure you that our concert will start promptly. Ara and Jimmy are even willing to spend some time with the Fil groups there for picture taking and autograph signing probably a day before the actual concert.
Thank you and my warmest regards to everyone there. I hope to finally meet you and see you soon.
Anne