EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

news

PHILIPPINES PRESENTS FIRST STANDALONE PH PAVILION AT THE 2024 GWANGJU BIENNALE


(PHOTOS-Top Left: Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega welcomes Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the PH Pavilion with Artist-Curator Ms. Avie Felix, and artist Mr. Veejay Villafranca, screeshot from Arirang TV. Top Right: "Locations of Freedom" Philippine banner. Below: Ribbon-cutting at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 ASEAN Pavilion attended by Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Officials from Korean Cultural Centers and Government Offices.)

7 September 2024, Gwangju - The 2024 Gwangju Biennale theme of "Pansori - A Soundscape for the 21st Century" explored the interplay of space, images, and sound which inform social, political, ecological, gender, and power dynamics. Under the Artistic Direction of Nicolas Bourriaud, the latest edition is the largest in the history of the biennale with 31 country pavilions and a main pavilion featuring artists using different artistic media.

The Philippine Pavilion entitled "Locations of Freedom" features the works of renowned Filipino artists Adjani Arumpac, Sari Dalena, Toym Leon Imao, Dennis "Sio" Montreal, Paul Eric Roca, Veejay Villafranca with Karl Castro as designer. Avie Felix, one of the participating artists, likewise served as the pavilion curator.

The Philippine Pavilion is supported by the vMeme Contemporary Art Gallery, Fundacion Sanso, Imao Studios, the University of the Philippines Film Institute, the Philippine Embassy in Korea, and the Gwangju Biennale Foundation.

The Philippine pavilion was among those viewed by Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol a day before the opening of the Biennale on 5 September 2024. The other country pavilions visited by the ROK President included Vietnam and Singapore.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Artist-Curator Avie Felix, and Artist Veejay Villafranca were present to help guide President Yoon through the country pavilion at the Asia Culture Center of Gwangju.

President Yoon was particularly struck by the photo art of Mr. Villafranca, the works of Felix, and the sculptural pieces by Toym Leon Imao which he said were a "moving homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the attainment of freedom" which strikes a familiar chord in Korean history. The Gwangju Biennale will run from 6 September 2024 to 01 December 2024 at the National Asia Culture Center, Gwangju.

The Philippine Pavilion is part of the ASEAN cluster of pavilions on display at the sprawling National Asia Culture Center a mixed exhibition, art, and library, and multi-use space in Gwangju under the management of the ROK Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega and Philippine Embassy Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista and all the participating artists likewise took part in the opening ceremony for the ASEAN-Korea Centre Pavilion and the individual country pavilions of six ASEAN member countries. END

Other News


August 13, 2026
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE LEE DONGGY

Seoul, 13 August 2026 — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Ambassador-designate Lee Donggy, who departs for the Philippines today to assume his post as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. Ambassador-designate Lee is no stranger to Philippine–ROK relations. As Director-General for ASEAN and Southeast Asian Affairs of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he played an instrumental role in advancing many of the milestones that have strengthened the Philippines–Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership, working closely with Philippine counterparts to deepen cooperation across key areas of mutual interest. His assumption of office comes at an important juncture in bilateral relations, as the Philippines and the ROK continue to build on the momentum of our Strategic Partnership and pursue new areas of cooperation that deliver tangible benefits to both countries. The Philippine Embassy wishes Ambassador-designate Lee a safe journey and a productive and successful tour of duty in the Philippines. END

Read More
August 13, 2026
AMBASSADOR FERNANDEZ CONGRATULATES AMBASSADOR LANDRY MBOUMBA, NON-RESIDENT AMBASSADOR OF THE GABONESE REPUBLIC TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Seoul, 11 August 2026 - Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez conveyed felicitations to His Excellency Ambassador Landry Mboumba, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the Republic of the Philippines, on the occasion of his presentation of credentials to His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on 04 August 2026 at the Malacañan Palace.

Read More
August 12, 2026
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES STUDENT DELEGATION FROM THE 2026 ANYANG – GWACHEON WORLD MAKERS SHARED SCHOOL PROGRAM

06 August 2026, Seoul – In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Seoul received a delegation from the 2026 Anyang–Gwacheon World Makers Shared School program for an educational and cultural visit. 

Read More