The Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1949. The ties between our countries were cemented when the Philippines worked alongside the South Korean government in fighting for democracy and freedom in the Korean Peninsula. During the Korean War, the Philippines sent over 7,000 young soldiers to fight in defense of democracy.

Six decades after the forging of diplomatic ties, the relations between our nations and peoples have expanded and deepened. Several activities were held since last year to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The celebration culminates in the last two weeks of this month with the holding of the Korean Cultural Festival.

The Korean Cultural Festival showcases the best of Korea’s past and the dynamism of the present. The festival includes a showcase of traditional cultural performances and the full array of Korean culinary treasures in a Taste Korea Food Festival. The National Dance Company of Korea will perform traditional dances. Other traditional Korean performances will be featured in the Shamulnori by Noreum Mochi at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Food Festival that will run for a week from today, featuring the culinary treasures of Korea, which many Filipinos have come to enjoy.

The Korean Cultural Festival will also be highlighted by the presentation of well-known artists of the now globally known as K-pop for – Korean pop. The popularity of K-pop is said to be part of the surge in popularity of South Korean culture in Asia, as evidenced in the Philippines by Korean Telenovelas with their huge following.

The anniversary celebration will end with the holding of a Philippines-Korea Friendship Parade on Nov. 27, 2009 featuring a dozen floats and thousands of marchers. The parade will begin at the historic landmark Manila Hotel and end at the Cultural Center Complex.

With 60 years of strong and warm diplomatic and people-to-people relations behind us, the next 60 years are expected to bring Philippine-Korean relations to a closer, and deeper level.