The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines inaugurated its new home on March 23 at 59 Bayani Rd., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul, Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and KCC Director Im YoungA led the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Other guests who attended the ceremony were Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano; Arsenio Lizaso, chairman of the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA); Jocelyn Andaya, Department of Education’s Director IV for the Bureau of Curriculum Development Office; Frank David Fabros, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Special Projects and External Affairs Unit manager; and Brig. Gen. Miguel Villamor, president of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea Veteran Association.
KCC in the Philippines was established in 2011 and it celebrated its 10th year in the country last year. KCC continues to create activities, events and projects in relation to its goal of expanding the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture and the promotion of an active cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines.
For the past 10 years, KCC has actively expanded the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture in the Philippines through Pinoy K-pop Star, Korean Film Festival, Global Taste Korea and Korean Culture Caravan.
In the next 10 years, KCC plans to expand this goal with a cultural collaboration between Korea and the Philippines, and promote Philippine culture to Korea.
“If the past 10 years of Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines focused on introducing Korean culture to Filipinos, of course we’ll keep doing that, then, for the next 10 years, we’ll also try to introduce the Filipino culture to Koreans so we can grow together through the cultural exchange of our countries,” said KCC head Im.
She added, “This year, with the reopening of the cultural center, we are preparing several important projects under the theme of ‘Phil-Koraboration.’ Murals involving Filipino artists, a ‘media art’ showcase made by artists from both countries, will be opened to the public. There will be a ‘Korean Culture Caravan’ visiting our future generation with ‘Cultural Street Festival’ where people can experience culture of both countries. A film industry expert workshop is also waiting to answer your questions.”
As a start of the culture collaboration, KCC currently showcases the “Punghwa: Light of ASEAN,” a kinetic media art installation created by interactive media art studio SILO Lab which features lights and sounds that perfectly reflects the shared fondness of Korea and the Philippines to light culture, a practice of wishing into the shining light in the dark sky. It symbolizes hope, confidence and bravery for a new normal.
Starting March 25, KCC will open its doors to the public. No reservation is needed but KCC follows the Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines. Guests will be required to present their vaccination cards before entering the building and submit to a mandatory temperature check.
KCC will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday to Friday. It will also be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until May 31.