Ex-South Korean president to promote Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Former South Korean president Kim Young-sam and his wife, Son Myeong-sun, have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary honeymoon last Friday during their goodwill visit in Cebu.

“Sixty years ago, I met my wife and we got married. We could not get on our honeymoon, so this is our first honeymoon to the Philippines,” said Kim as he was applauded in his speech in a reception dinner hosted by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last Friday evening at the Capitol.

They arrived in Cebu late Wednesday evening upon the invitation of the Cebu Kopino Children Foundation, Inc.

Kim is grateful for the hospitality of the people and he could not forget the Filipinos for the help given during his hard five years as president in South Korea.

During the Korean war, Filipino soldiers were sent to South Korea.

Kim assured that when he goes home, he will report to his people that Cebu is a beautiful place to pick for honeymoon.

Garcia, in her speech, reported that Koreans top in the list of arrivals in Cebu and continues to increase year after year.

“For what greater honor can Cebu hope to have than for former Korean president with his lady to decide to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary right here in Cebu,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Cebu is most proud and especially privileged that his Excellency has decided to celebrate that special attraction that attracted many Korean honeymooners to Cebu.

Cebu has forged a partnership with Gangwon in South Korea in the field of tourism, business and education.

In her welcome message, Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, who chairs the PB committee on tourism and international relations, said nothing can contain the happiness the goodwill visit of the former state leader has brought.

Magpale, who also chairs the PB committee on the welfare of children, thank Kim for recognizing Korean-Filipino children as Korea’s own children.

Kim and his delegation attended a celebration of the Cebu Kopino Children Foundation, Inc. and extended support to children born to Korean and Filipino parents last Thursday.

The Cebu Kopino Children Foundation was formed in February 2009.

“Kopino” is a coined term for Korean and Filipino. This term, which is used mostly in the Philippines, refers to children born to Filipino mothers and Korean fathers. (FREEMAN)