PHL Embassy Celebrates 119th Phl Independence Day with Filipinos in the Republic of Korea
Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez (center) is joined by Madame Ana A. Hernandez (2nd from left), HRD Korea Vice President Kim Pyung-Hee (leftmost), PH-ROK Friendship Ambassador Ms. Sandara Park (2nd from right), and Seoul Metropolitan Government Vice Mayor Liu Gyoung-Gee (rightmost) (Photo Credit: FILIPOS)
19 June 2017 SEOUL — A daylong community event, called “Bayanihan sa Korea 2017,” was held at the Banpo Hangang Park on June 11 to celebrate the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 22nd Migrant Workers Day.
The annual event, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul with the support of Stimula Productions, Inc., and the Seoul City government, was attended by 2,000 Filipinos in South Korea.
The event started with a Catholic mass officiated by the Papal Nuncio to Korea Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, who is also from the Philippines. A short program followed, featuring congratulatory messages from this year’s guests of honor, Vice Mayor Liu, Gyoung-Gee of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Mr. Kim, Pyung-Hee of HRD Korea.
Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, paid tribute to the people who fought for the country’s freedom. He challenged the audience to continuously fight for our freedom against poverty, crimes, drugs, and corruption.
Ambassador Hernandez honored the thousands of Filipinos working in South Korea who, in pursuit for better lives for themselves and for their families back home, are faced with difficulties. He lauded their courage and passion, as well as the role they play in economic growth and prosperity of the Philippines.
Ms. Sandara Park, an A-list K-pop artist who started her career in the Philippines, also graced the event. She was introduced as the PH-ROK Friendship Ambassador to the members of the Filipino Community and was cited for her commitment in promoting the Philippines, and for being an effective instrument to bridge the two countries.
A parade of different Filipino Community organizations in Korea followed where 32 groups in Filipiniana and organization shirts joined. The Seoul Filipino Community was awarded Best in Parade while the Ansan Filipino Community bagged Best in Street Dance award.
The event also featured performances from local groups as well as live performances from Filipino celebrities, Mr. Michael Pangilinan and Ms. Liezel Garcia.
On-site services, such as labor counseling, medical services, and financial and remittance promotion were made available. Prizes including laptop computers, round trip tickets to Manila, and other prizes, were raffled off.
For more information, visit www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy-seoul.com or https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineEmbassySeoul/. END
Members of different Filipino Community organizations in South Korea gather in front of the stage after their parade for the symbolic releasing of doves led by Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez (Photo Credit: FILIPOS)