The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines has successfully hosted two major cultural events in November, strengthening the bonds between Korea and the Philippines through artistic performances and culinary experiences. The events, which included the 34th Korea-Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival and a traditional Korean cooking workshop, drew over 1,000 participants and showcased the vibrant cultural connection between the two nations.
The 34th Korea-Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival took place on November 4, 2024, at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila. This landmark event was organized through a collaborative partnership between the United Korean Community Association, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, the Overseas Korean Agency, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The festival attracted approximately 1,000 attendees, including Korean expatriates, Filipino citizens, and cultural enthusiasts from both communities.
The festival featured an exciting array of competitive performances, including singing, dancing, and speech contests that highlighted the artistic talents of both cultures. Young Villains, a youth dance group from Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, emerged as the grand winner of the cultural competition, representing the next generation of cultural ambassadors. The evening was further elevated by special performances from renowned Korean artists Gil Byeongmin, a bass-baritone vocalist, Kim Hyunsoo, a tenor, and Lee Byeori, also a tenor, all of whom gained fame through the popular television show Phantom Singer. These accomplished performers captivated the audience with their renditions of both classical and contemporary musical pieces.
Adding to the cross-cultural celebration, Iskollas, a Filipino musical group comprised of graduates from the University of the Philippines College of Music and previous winners of the 2020 festival, delivered memorable performances. Their repertoire included a medley of beloved Filipino classics by VST & Company, as well as "Into the New World" by the Korean girl group Girls' Generation, perfectly embodying the spirit of cultural harmony and artistic exchange that defined the evening.
Following the festival's success, the Korean Cultural Center organized the "맛있게 드세요" (Enjoy Your Meal): Hansik Workshop, an interactive culinary program designed to introduce Filipino participants to the rich traditions of Korean cuisine, known as Hansik. This educational workshop drew inspiration from the popular Korean Netflix drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" and focused on demonstrating how traditional Korean ingredients could be incorporated into modern cooking techniques.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Lily Min, participants engaged in both educational exhibitions and hands-on cooking experiences. The workshop highlighted the cultural significance of Korea's Jang culture, which refers to traditional fermented sauces and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Participants learned to work with authentic Korean ingredients including Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), dried pollack, perilla oil, fresh spinach, and buckwheat noodles, creating innovative fusion dishes that bridged traditional Korean flavors with contemporary culinary techniques.
The cooking session resulted in the creation of unique dishes such as Spinach Pesto Doenjang Pasta and Dried Pollack Consommé, demonstrating how Korean culinary traditions can be adapted and appreciated in new contexts. The workshop emphasized the role of food as a cultural bridge, connecting tradition with creativity while fostering community engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
These November events represent the Korean Cultural Center's ongoing commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines. Through diverse programming that encompasses performing arts, competitive showcases, and culinary education, the center continues to create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange. Whether through the shared rhythms of music and dance or the communal joy of preparing and sharing meals, these initiatives demonstrate how cultural diplomacy can foster lasting friendships and mutual appreciation between nations.
