Last June 12th, thousands of Filipinos in Korea converge at the Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul to celebrate the 118th Independence Day and 21st Migrant Workers’ Day. This year’s celebration is entitled “Bayanihan sa Korea”
The event started at 9:30am with a Mass officiated by Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla. After the Mass, the main program started with the singing of the national anthem of the two countries by Ms. Yani Mishyael Eco and Chae Rim Kim. Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul Hernandez delivered the welcome remarks. The Vice President of HRD Korea, Ms. Kim Pyung Hee, and the Ambassador for International Relations to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Hon. Kim Chang Beom expressed the congratulatory messages.
Members of the Filipino community participated in the colorful “Bayanihan sa Korea” parade. The participants from the HFCC or Hyehwa Filipino Catholic Community wore Filipino costumes representing the different regions of the Philippines. The men and women from the Cordillera Brotherhood Association proudly presented their dance in their traditional costume. The ladies of SFPCO or Seoul Filipino Parents and Children Organization were radiant in their yellow terno. Other groups paraded wearing their official shirts.
After the parade and the lunch break, it rained a bit but it did not dampen the Filipino spirit for entertainment. Musical performances started after lunch. People gathered around the amphitheater to listen to local talents as well as visitors from Manila ~ DJ Chacha, Daryl Ong and the sexy Ellen Adarna.
Here’s Ground Zero performing ~ video by Pinoy Gigs
The audience participated in singing a few songs like when they passed the mic during an Eraserheads songs. A few of the men in the audience were lucky to join in the dating game with Ellen Adarna.
Aside from the shows, people who came to the “Bayanihan sa Korea” last Sunday enjoyed different Filipino food from the booths setup by the different organizations. I spent about 12,000 won (that’s the only cash I had) for food. I’d like to thank those who shared their food with me ~ you know who you are 🙂
Service companies also setup booths last Sunday. A few of those I remember are Sentbe, Philippine Airlines, Western Union, Seoul Global Center, HRD Korea and Danuri Call Center. There are a lot more but I just couldn’t recall them at this moment.
If you wanna see more photos of the event last Saturday ~ you can check the “Bayanihan sa Korea 2016” album by Pinoy Clickers in South Korea.