Traditional, modern performances at the 7th Cebu City Korea Day

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines and Korea has had a special relationship, one that can only be called “blood-tied” as seen in the ways that both countries support each other.

When the Korean War broke out in the 1950s, 7,420 Filipino veterans fled to Korea to defend the democracy in the Korean peninsula, while Koreans insurmountably contribute to Cebu’s economy and tourism.

To further strengthen this friendship, and the continued support and mutual exchange in all sorts of fields from culture, infrastructure, finance, to defense industry, education, among others, between the nations, the Cebu Korean Association alongside the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu, the Cebu Provincial Government and SM City Cebu—a four-day Korean festival was mounted running from September 28 until October 1.

On its main event, the Korean Festival held the Korean Day Gala Night on September 30 at the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium.

This is the seventh edition of Korea Day in Cebu, where both Filipinos who are interested in Korean culture and immigrant Koreans who miss home gather and celebrate with one other.

The Mandaue City Science High School Dance Company opened the evening, clad in all sorts of traditional Filipino clothing as they exhibited traditional Filipino dances.

In turn, the Bujihwa Team of Seoul performed the fascinating traditional Korean dance, somgomu, while Busan’s Namsan Samulnori Team showed talent and skill as they performed the samulnori.

Sofia Capili offered a violin performance of the “Arirang,” a well-loved Korean folk song which is often considered the “unofficial national anthem” of Korea, accompanied by Cebu Korea Day production manager Kim Sang Hyun with the guitar. The Cebu Taekwondo Association also showcased a powerful demonstration of Korea’s national sport, which is taekwondo.

Cebuana beauties, alongside Andy Kim, also graced the evening for a Hanbok-Terno fashion show. The ladies elegantly paraded on stage wearing the Korean traditional clothing Hanbok and the Philippine Terno, with Andy Kim sporting a barong.

The gala night was also given a modern vibe, with Cebu KPOP Star 2017 grand champion, MERGE, performing their winning routine of “Whatta Man” by I.O.I, while Kpop idol group from South Korea, Double8, came out to perform and hold a fan meet later in the evening.

“Last year, about 1,470,000 Koreans visited the Philippines. Among them, 842,000 stopped at Central Visayas. It made up 42 percent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in this area,” said Consul General of the Republic of Korea Oh Sung Yong, as he also recalled the unforgettable sacrifice of Filipino veterans.

“On the other hand, 566,000 Filipinos visited Korea. I believe that the annual Korea Day event has played a significant role in maintaining these dynamic exchanges between our two countries.”

The consul general also took the opportunity to shed light on North Korea’s recent nuclear tests and missile launches, encouraging everyone to work together in curtailing North Korea’s nuclear ambition against the international community’s hope for peace.

On October 3, the Korean community also celebrated the Korean Foundation Day. Gaecheonjeol is a public holiday observed by South Koreans celebrating the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC when Hwanung descended from heaven to dwell with mankind. This date, also known as Tangun, has traditionally been regarded as the date for the founding of the Korean nation, society, and way of life.

During a reception at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, exhibits on traditional Korean artefacts and clothing, and performances from the Bujihwa Team, Namsan Samulnori Team, Cebu Taekwondo Association, MERGE, and another cover group EQUINOX regaled the guests throughout the celebration.

Events this year like the Korean Film Festival, themed “The Boldness of Youth,” showed movies that embodied the spirit and tenacity of the youth when faced with adversity; a Korean Bazaar by the Incheon Gaehang, a team dedicated to the creation of job opportunities for the disabled also opened, as well as the Korean Culture Exhibit by the Korean Women’s Association of Cebu featuring experience, exhibition, free food tasting, and selling areas; the Korean Food Festival; and the Cebu KPOP Star talent search were all lined up for the Korean Festival celebration in Cebu. If anything, these were all actively and warmly received by Cebuanos.

“We aim to introduce Korea and the Korean culture to the Filipinos and in return, the Koreans will also be able to have a deeper understanding of Filipino culture. We hope that through this cultural exchange, both nations will gain mutual respect and a more meaningful appreciation of each other,” Cebu Korean Association President Cho Bung Hwan said, as he reiterated his desire that Koreans in the Philippines feel solace while rendering the feeling of “heung” which translates to “pure joy” towards Filipinos through the annual festival. (FREEMAN)