PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL HOSTS 2024 ASEAN FAMILY DAY

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and concurrent Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed over 250 family members of the ASEAN diplomatic missions in the Republic of Korea during the family day. "We are celebrating the long-standing ties and friendship of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea during an auspicious year, as we move to advance our cooperation to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the 35th year of ASEAN-Republic of Korea relations," Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said. "Today, it's all about ASEAN solidarity and camaraderie, as we gather to enjoy delicious ASEAN cuisine and play beloved games in the region so I invite everyone to relax, have fun, and feel the warmth of the ASEAN spirit with family and friends!" she added.

ASEAN Missions in the Republic of Korea partnered together to co-host games that brought out the fiery and competitive spirit among guests. The games included Bos Angkunh (Cambodia and Brunei), Musical Chairs (Malaysia and Thailand), Tug-of-War (Lao PDR and Vietnam), Captain's Ball (Indonesia and Singapore), and Touch Ball (Myanmar). The Philippines, as host, organized a special putting game for the ASEAN Heads of Mission in Seoul and other heads of ASEAN organizations in Korea. Children age twelve and below were also introduced to the Filipino party game "Pabitin", a Filipino pinata, made of bamboo with hanging goodies. The objective of the game is for the kids to grab as many treats and toys as possible while it was being lowered and snatched up.

Participants of the ASEAN Family Day were also able to sample an array of regional food as each ASEAN country brought traditional food, drinks, and snacks to share with everyone. The event even attracted the interest of park visitors who were also treated with ASEAN hospitality as they sampled regional ASEAN cuisine.

Aside from the traditional Filipino food of pancit bihon (stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables), chicken inasal (chicken barbecue marinated Filipino-style), and traditional Filipino snacks sapin-sapin (layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert) and biko (Filipino snack made of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk), the Philippines also sponsored a coffee truck for the ASEAN Family Day in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Republic of Korea relations.

To add to the festivities, the ASEAN Korea Centre led by AKC Secretary Kim Jae Shin, raffled off prizes and gift bags to thirteen (13) lucky winners at the end of the family day.

The annual ASEAN Family Day aims to raise ASEAN awareness in the Republic of Korea, promote ASEAN culture, as well as strengthen friendship and enhance relations among the ASEAN community members in the Republic of Korea. END