SEOUL, 23 March 2015 – In support of growing multiculturalism in the country, Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez crowned Korea’s first Ms. Multicultural on Sunday, 22 March 2015 at the Nonghyup Bank Convention Hall in Seoul’s eastern Gangdong-gu.

Under the overarching theme of “Friendship, Peace and Unity,” the 2015 Ms Multicultural pageant, organized by the Filipino Korean Spouses Association (FKSA), gathered 23 women from the Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam married to Korean men to celebrate beauty in cultural diversity. “This afternoon, we are not just celebrating beauty but we are also creating a sincerely open-minded and caring society by promoting a better understanding of diverse culture,” said Ambassador Hernandez, congratulating FKSA and stressing the event’s importance to Korea’s continuing quest for pluralism and social inclusiveness. “It is through these kinds of events that we come together to celebrate our differences, embrace our humanity, and endeavor to create a community that inspires intercultural respect and trust.” he added. Ms. Bora Park of Thailand was chosen as the pageant winner, besting a field of five finalists, and winning the 1 million KRW cash prize presented by Nonghyup Bank as principal event sponsor. Ms. Daniella Danikka Fuenaflor of the Philippines was selected the 1st Runner Up. Along with FKSA, which was founded by Mrs Fe Gimarino-Kim, the pageant was organized together with United Filipinos Worldwide for Community Development. –END–