Korea National Day: A celebration of heritage, harmony, and hallyu in Manila
MANILA, Philippines — Korea National Day in Manila this year came with a stylish twist, celebrated nearly a month “fashionably late” after the official date of October 3. But given that President Yoon Suk Yeol was in the Philippines for a State Visit last October 6-7, deferring the party for almost a month was like having your dessert after several glasses of wine.
The Wednesday bash at the Grand Hyatt Hotelbrought together diplomats, dignitaries, and friends from the Filipino and Korean communities, in their suits, Filipiniana, military uniforms, and of course hanbok, creating an evening where tradition, camaraderie, and a dash of K-pop humor mixed in the air like finesoju bomb.
The Korean Cultural Center brought a couple ofarmoires from which guests could choose and try on a variety of traditional Korean outfits. There were also curio display cabinets for a peek into some historical items only seen in period K-drama shows—right across the stalls for Innisfree and Laneige, which conjured images of the busy streets of Myeong-dong.
Gaecheonjeol (literally “The Day the Sky Opened”), marks the founding of Korea’s first kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BCE. For Koreans, this day is sacred, a time to honor a heritage of resilience and achievement. But beyond historical pride, this celebration has grown to symbolize Korea’s emerging role as a global cultural and economic force.
Once a nation focused on post-war recovery, Korea has leapt into the 21st century as a leader in technology, pop culture, and diplomacy. It’s now impossible to miss the global ripple effect of K-drama, K-pop, and tech trends from Seoul, which impact everything from your favorite series to the smartphone in your pocket.
The Korean Embassy’s celebration was packed with warm welcomes and memorable moments. Ambassador Lee Sang-hwakicked off the evening by balancing ceremonial gravitas with a dose of humor.
In a moment that had the room chuckling, he shared a recent conversation with his wife, who had used the term “APT.”Ever the diplomat,Ambassador Lee assumed it was about the comprehensive cooperation framework ASEANPlusThree, only to find out she was referring to the latest collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars. The laughter and nods of recognition around the room—especially when the DJ delivered a well-timed sample of the song with the punchline—spoke to the powerful pop culture bond that Koreans and Filipinos share.
Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, shared the stage with Ambassador Lee, along with the Most Rev. Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
Guests from the diplomatic corps and members of the media mingled, sharing stories (and marites, as when former President Rodrigo Duterte was sighted in the same building)over a sumptuous dinner that featured über tender galbi-gui,japchae, andhotteok (Korean sweet pancakes), paired with our very own kare-kare and barbecue.
In the background, Project YOSO struck up a delightful tune.The dynamic duo of Jo Yoin on the gayageum and Park Somin on the haegeumtook everyone on a musical journey that was as unexpected as it was enchanting. The gayageum, a multi-stringed zither-like instrument, and the haegeum, a two-stringed fiddle, bring traditional Korean sounds to life in the most unique way. YOSO spun classics with their twist: a Beatles medley that felt like a breezy stroll, a surprise mix of K-pop hits, and yes, even some carols that added a hint of holiday cheer.
The event wasn’t just a nostalgic nod to history, but a vibrant affirmation of an alliancethat has,over the past 75 years, weathered wartime, thrived in peacetime, and grown into a “Strategic Partnership,” a status recently elevated during President Yoon’s visit.
You’d have to be blind not to see how far Korea and the Philippines havecome as BFFs. It’s not just about the history, music, drama, food, cosmetics, or fashion. There’s a certain delight in the mutual recognition of these badges of culture, particularly palpable on that occasion.
There’s no longer a single lure for Filipinos to fly to Korea. With numerous things to do, see, and experience in Korea, it’s no wonder that around 1,500 visa applications are being filed in this peak seasonat the Korea Visa Application Center. For many Filipinos, Korea isn’t just an exotic place; it’s a lifestyle aspiration, a dream destination that’s fast becoming a reality.
As the evening continued with old and newfound camaraderie, guests enjoyed a raffle during dinner, adding a delightful element of excitement and surprise. With each winning name announced by Ryan Bang, the ever-amusing host for the event,cheers mixed with groans, laughter, and eager anticipation—a fitting finale to the celebration.
There is a Korean proverb, “After the rain, the ground hardens,” which means that challenges make us stronger, as when wartime allies become cultural buddies after facing their storms together. I’d like to update this with my own version: “After the rain, the traffic worsens.” Despite the rush-hour nightmare for many, the guests still arrived. Now, that’s a sign of true friendship!
