30 March 2015 - In support of growing multiculturalism in the country, Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez crowned Korea’s first Ms. Multicultural on Sunday, March 22 at the Nonghyup Bank Convention Hall in Gangdong District, Seoul.

The 2015 Ms. Multicultural pageant was organized by the Filipino Korean Spouses Association (FKSA). 23 women who originally hailed from Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam were presented in the pageant under the overarching theme of “Friendship, Peace and Unity.”

In his inspirational speech, Ambassador Hernandez said, “We are not just celebrating beauty but we are also creating a sincerely open-minded and caring society by promoting a better understanding of diverse culture.” He congratulated FKSA for organizing the event and emphasized the pageant’s importance to Korea’s continuing quest for pluralism and social inclusiveness.

 “It is through these kinds of events that we come together to celebrate our differences, embrace our humanity, and endeavor to create a community that inspires intercultural respect and trust,” the Ambassador noted.

Ms. Bora Park from Thailand was crowned Ms. Multicultural 2015 and received a cash prize of KRW 1 million presented by Nonghyup Bank, the event’s principal sponsor. Ms. Daniella Danikka Fuenaflor from the Philippines was 1st Runner-up.

Along with FKSA, which was founded by Mrs. Fe Gimarino-Kim, the pageant was co-organized by the United Filipinos Worldwide for Community Development (UFWCD).  END