Daegu, 10 June 2025 — The Filipino community in South Korea came together in vibrant celebration of Philippine culture and unity during PISTANG PINOY SA KOREA 2025, held in conjunction with the 127th Philippine Independence Day and 30th National Migrant Workers Day on 08 June 2025 at Yeungjin University, Daegu Metropolitan City.

Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Migrant Workers’ Office Seoul, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Seoul, other attached agencies, and in partnership with the Daegu Filipino community organizations, the event drew at least a thousand participants from across Korea. The festival featured a ceremonial program, a community festival parade, cultural performances, and a gala fashion show showcasing Philippine traditional wear.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega said that “[t]his year’s Pistang Pinoy sa Korea was not only a celebration of the Filipino identity but also a reflection of the strong cooperation between the Philippines and Korea at the community level.” 

Plaques of Appreciation were then presented to Daegu Acting Mayor Hon. Kim Jeong-gi and Yeungjin University President Choi Jae-Young, Ph.D., in recognition of their steadfast support for people-to-people cooperation between the Philippines and Korea. Commemorative messages marking Migrant Workers’ Month were likewise delivered, including messages from Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan.

The cultural program opened with a colorful parade of Filipino community organizations, with participants in traditional costumes performing Philippine folk dances to “Kanta Pilipinas.” The parade’s flag carrier was Mr. Victor Espiritu, 1998 Asian Games bronze medalist in cycling and a multi-awarded international athlete. At least 55 community organizations participated in the parade, highlighting the unity, dynamism, and cultural richness of the Filipino community in Korea.

A gala fashion show followed, featuring 18 entries from various organizations and overseas Filipinos, each presenting a unique interpretation of traditional Filipiniana wear. Designs included an Igorot Tapis dress, eco-friendly Filipiniana crafted from bubble wrap, scrap paper, and buri sack, and abaniko-inspired pieces, among others, showcasing both creativity and cultural pride.

Live performances were also featured throughout the day, both on stage and via WISHBUS South Korea, with appearances by the N-Control Band, Elmer Layug, Jonnalyn Yabu, and Carol Gutierrez. Special numbers were likewise presented by Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, Agriculture Attaché Lev Nikko Macalintal, Jun Bulaos, and Jae Valencia.

PDOT-Seoul hosted a cultural booth at the event to promote Philippine tourism to both Filipino and foreign attendees.

The program culminated with the awarding of Best in Fashion Gala and Parade Performance winners, awarded by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and judges Jongno-gu, Daegu Councilor Hon. Kim Kyeol Yi, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Mendoza, Agriculture Attaché Macalintal and Tourism Director Dr. Erwin Balane, Jr. The Gwangju Jeonnam Philippine Community received the Best in Fashion Gala Award with a modern take on the cultural heritage of 11 indigenous tribes of Davao del Sur. The Gwangju Filipino Catholic Community took top honors in the Parade Performance category with their energetic Sinulog-inspired performance.

PISTANG PINOY SA KOREA 2025 once again demonstrated the vibrancy, resilience, and strong community spirit of Filipinos in Korea and reinforced the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END