20 May 2023, Busan - The Philippine Embassy participated in the 18th Busan Global Gathering 2023 multicultural festival on 20 May 2023 in Busan, South Korea together with the United Fil-Korean Families (UFF), a Filipino Community organization based in Busan led by its President Maria Cherry Baek and Vice President Darreliza Ramos.

The UFF members came in full force donning traditional Filipino attire. Master Hongjae Baek and his partner, Ms. Nayeong Yeo, both children of multicultural families, won first place in the national costume competition. The designers of their winning Filipiniana attire are Mr. Vrian Jhet Federico, also from a multicultural family, and Ms. Linda Lee.

The "Flores de Mayo" themed UFF booth highlighted the rich and vibrant culture of the Philippines, showcased the Filipino talent and creativity and offered Filipino delicacies and tourism brochures to the multicultural crowd.

The Busan Global Gathering Festival 2023, with its theme "A Global City, Connecting the World" was participated in by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and other members of the diplomatic corps based in Seoul who graced the VIP Reception and Opening Ceremony of the festival hosted by the Busan Foundation for International Cooperation (BFIC), and held at the Busan Cinema Center. The Embassy's Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista likewise attended the activity.

Opening Remarks were delivered by the Secretary-General of the BFIC, Mr. Hwang Ki-sik, while Ms. Song Kyung-ju, of the Busan Metropolitan City delivered the Welcome Remarks. The Busan Metropolitan Council was represented by Mr. Choi Young-jin who delivered his congratulatory remarks.

The Korean Ministry of Justice-Busan Immigration Office, World Expo 2030 Busan, Women and Multicultural Family Support Center and Busan Foreign Residents Center Outreach Counseling and other government offices also offered their services to the visitors of the festival. On the part of the Filipino Community, second generation Filipino-Koreans and Filipino students based in Busan served as volunteers with the Youth Multicultural International Service Corps for the event. END