SEOUL, 9 June 2016 ? The Philippine Embassy in Seoul successfully staged a rare performance of Ballet Philippines, the country's flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance, as well as a diplomatic reception on 9 June 2016 at the Hoam Hall of Performing Arts in Seoul to celebrate the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.

The event, which was the first of two commemorative performances of Ballet Philippines in East Asia, along with Jakarta, was attended by more than 500 guests from the diplomatic, business, and government sectors, as well as Filipino community leaders in Korea.

The first part of the program featured speeches from Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez as well as from guests of honor, Minister Park Sung-choon of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to South Korea.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hernandez underscored the current progress of the Philippines, citing that "our country is enjoying not only freedom but also prosperity. With the economy growing at an average of 6.2 percent annually, one of the highest in Asia, and our 100 million population averaging 23.3 years old, the future of the Philippines has never been brighter."

He also highlighted the vibrant and close ties between the Philippines and Korea. "To this day, our two nations stand side-by-side not only as staunch defenders of freedom and democracy, but as steadfast partners in development and prosperity."

The speeches were followed by the performance of Ballet Philippines entitled "Master Pieces: Celebrating a Tapestry of Filipino Culture and Friendship," which has been showcased as an assortment of classical ballets, neo-classical works, and modern and contemporary dance pieces in artistic tours to the U.S., Canada, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, UAE and China.

The 90-minute performance, which received a standing ovation, afforded the Korean and foreign audience a chance to witness the talent and passion of Filipino performers for their craft, as well as an opportunity to experience and discover the wealth of diverse artistic expressions of Philippine arts.

Following the artistic program, a plaque of appreciation to Ballet Philippines was awarded to Ballet Philippines, represented by its President, Ms. Margie Moran-Floirendo, for its commitment to the promotion of Philippine arts and culture as well as for its support to the Embassy's celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

Filipino-born Korean Congresswoman Jasmine Lee, who completed her four-year term in the 19th National Assembly at the end of May, was similarly honored for her ardent efforts in safeguarding the welfare of migrant workers as well as for her staunch advocacy in promoting multiculturalism in Korea.

The evening ended with a raffle, with two winners taking home round trip tickets to the Philippines as well as hotel accommodation for two, and a dinner reception at the theater lobby.