Korean cultural celebrations at SM Supermalls

MANILA, Philippines - Mallgoers recently had a rare glimpse of Korean culture through music, dance and movies in two recent events at the SM Supermalls. These included the 2015 Pinoy K-Pop Star competition at the Centerstage cinema at the SM Mall of Asia; and the Korean Film Festival, which unreeled in cinemas at the SM City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM Lanang Premier and SM Megamall.

A joint project of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and SM, these events inspired a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural diversity, and also gave chance to talented Filipinos with interest in Korean culture to perform on stage.

The Korean Film Festival in Manila showcased seven blockbuster and critically-acclaimed films gave film lovers a glimpse of Korean history and culture, as well as the connection and understanding of one another.

The thriving film industry of Korea represents its country’s open-mindedness, nationalism, and creativity in storytelling, acting, and technological prowess. Filipinos were delighted by the Korean culture shown in films. The films Miss Granny, The Thieves, Duresori: The Voice of East, Cold Eyes, Hope, The Front Line, and Marriage Blue were well-received by the viewers.

The K-Pop Sing and Dance Competition, on the other hand, was open to talented Filipinos with interest in Korean culture.

The first part of the festival was the KBS World K-Pop Festival, a sing-and-dance competition of Korean songs for solo, duo or group artists. Ten contestants performed with Hergie Manlucot as the grand prize winner, followed by Val John Librea as second placer and Jean Kiley Manguera as third. Manlucot and Librea will represent the Philippines in the Online Regional Finals for the 2015 K-Pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea.?

The second part was the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival, a dance competition for K-Pop cover groups across the country. Ten groups showed off their K-Pop moves with Se-Eon emerging as grand champion. They won a free trip to Changwon, South Korea where they will represent the Philippines and compete with other dance teams from around the world. Sheeny placed second, while AMIGO was third.