Filipinos in the entire Korean peninsula gather together on the celebration of 119th Philippine Independence Day simultaneous with the 22nd Migrant Worker’s Day on the 11th day of June 2017 and certainly, was another milestone.
Initiated by the Philippine Embassy, headed by His Excellency Raul S. Hernandez and all the embassy staff, in partnership with the Stimula Production and sponsors. The whole day commemoration was held at Banpo Hanggang Park, Seoul for the second time.
Concelebrated Mass by His Excellency Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla beckoned the start of the occasion in the morning.
Honorable guests Mr. Pyung-Hee Kim, the Vice President of HRD-Korea, Vice Mayor of Gyoung-Gee Liu, Vice Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government and Philippine-Republic of Korea Friendship Ambassador, Sandara Park graced the the celebration.
Filipino Communities joined the parade on their community uniforms, Filipiniana attire and street parade costumes. Each marched and danced with pride and joy as they represent their respective community and compete with the best presentation bagged by Ansan Filipino community and best in costume bagged by Seoul Catholic Community (Hyewa-dong). Both community took home 500,000 cash prize.
Games and raffle draws highlighted the affair in the afternoon with lots of prizes that includes kitchen items, gadgets, computers and airline tickets from the major sponsors.
Cultural and musical performances presented by Smart Angie and Yuli, (Korea based performers) and artists from the Philippines, Leizel Garcia and Michael Pangilinan. Audience got so excited when Sandara Park, Kpop artist, and Ambassador Raul Hernandez took the center stage and danced with the presenting Filipino community.
In addition, happening at the same time are the onsite labor counseling, medical services, some government services (PAG_IBIG, PhilHealth) and other promotional services were conducted to the Filipino community.
Ms. Mare Yao from Stimula Productions and Professor Jovy Peregrino were the masters of ceremony.
*Photos from Filipino Photographers In South Korea (FILIPOS) John Mark Costales; Jedy Gravador; Federic Aujero; Aries Ventura; Celo Camarines Guinto and Jack Rusl*
