What Is the Significance of Korean Community in the Philippines to You?”

S WINNING ESSAY COMPILATION

UP KOREA RESEARCH CENTER 2017 KOREA ESSAY CONTEST

“What is the Significance of Korean Community in the Philippines to You?”

in partnership with

UP Department of Linguistics

and

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

This is a collection of winning essays from 2017 Korea Essay Contest organized by UP Korea Research Center in partnership with UP Department of Linguistics and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. The project was supported by the Academy of Korean Studies Grant (AKS-2015-INC-2230012).

The authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this compilation and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of organizer.

ISSN (Online) 2599-4727

Cover Design: Maxene Maog

Layout Assistant: Clarizzah Tualla

Contact

UP Korea Research Center (필리핀국립대학교 한국학연구소) Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Lower Ground floor, Magsaysay Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, 1123 Metro Manila, Philippines

T : +63 2 981 8500 loc 4266 E : [email protected] F : https://www.facebook.com/UPKRC/

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 04

A Reminder for Love (Grand Prize Winner) 06 Anika Castañeda

Understanding Diversity: An Essay on the Significance of the Korean 10 Community in the Philippines (1st Prize Winner) Cassandra Marie Mendoza

KIMCHI-ADOBO (2nd Prize Winner) 15 Menard Tabunar

The Korean Community in the Philippines: Bridging “Mabuhay!” 19 and “Annyeong Haseyo!” (2nd Prize Winner) Kristina Grace M. Hari-on

Connections and Reflections (3rd Prize Winner) 24 Rolfh Rendell Rodriguez

What is the significance of Korean community in the Philippines 29 to you? (Honorable Mention) Katrielle Pauline C. Abrenica

Notes about Contributors 33

3 Foreword

After we in the Korean Research Center (KRC) finally decided on the question, ‘What is the significance of the Korean community to you?’, I myself also pondered upon the question and thought that answers would come so easy. But as I tried to come up with my very own reply, I was surprised to see myself thinking of when I first encountered Koreans in the country. It was back during my college years that I met a few of them. They were learning English from my fellow university students. I was not keen on knowing them until I encountered the Korean drama Lovers in Paris (파리의 연인) which was dubbed into Filipino language, where Filipino or English names are given to the Korean characters, and that was shown on Philippine primetime television. I found myself running home on time just to watch the said drama. I could not wait how the drama would end. Will Vivian (Tae-yong Kang) end up with Carlo (Ki-joo Han)? How I wanted they would. I was hooked. Of course, I have my own reasons now as to the importance of the Korean community to me but I decided to keep them to myself. I wanted to know how similar and different my answers are to those who would respond to this question.

The six essays chosen do not just speak of the importance of the Korean community to themselves but interestingly, extend such importance to the Philippine society as well. What really surprised me is their realization that more than their familiarity with the so-called Hallyu (Korean Wave), it is their very own personal interactions with Koreans in the country as their friends, classmates, and acquaintances that made them appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of their very own Filipino culture. This resonates with my personal journey on persistently understanding and learning more about Korea. Just like the authors, Korean dramas stimulated my interest in knowing more about Korea. I took such interest more seriously. It was my personal interactions with the Korean community particularly in Ortigas that eventually made me decide to pursue my graduate studies on Korean studies in the country and in Korea itself. I truly wanted to know Korea deeper in all its aspects- economy, culture, politics, and society. My friendships with Korean mothers whose children I personally tutored provided me a window to imagine a rough picture of what Korea was all about then. I am so grateful for the opportunity I met and got to know them well.

With my accumulated knowledge about Korea now and my personal immersion in the country by living there for many years, I still cannot claim that I now understand everything about Korea. The irony is that the more I get to know the country and its society, the more I realize that there are still many things to learn about it. And every time I visit Seoul or any other place in Korea, I always feel that I am a stranger to a land I lived a quarter of my existence. Perhaps, that is the charm of Korea to me. It never ceases to amaze me. And more interestingly, it never fails to bring me back to my very own roots as a better Filipino citizen than I used to be.

I just hope that the authors’ more encounters with Korean people and their culture can further help them towards a better understanding of others, a deeper appreciation of their own Filipino heritage and culture and a zealous desire to better themselves and their own country. And for those who also personally interact with Koreans out there as your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, I also hope that the essays presented here can truly help you rediscover the beauty of your very own culture just like what our young authors experienced here. Manse to better improved Philippine-Korea relations!

Michelle Palumbarit, Ph.D. Research Fellow UP Korea Research Center

A Reminder for Love Anika Castañeda

If you were to ask me 10 years ago if I enjoy anything Korean, I would’ve looked at you with an arched brow and a grimace as I scoffed, “No way!” Being a young child back then, I was part of those who questioned the sudden increase of Koreans in the Philippines. They looked, acted and spoke differently. At that time, I wondered what they could possibly be doing in my country and not in theirs.

Add 5 years, you’d have me at 15 struggling through high school and puberty. If you asked me if I enjoy anything Korean, I would’ve grasped your hands tightly with beaming eyes and perhaps even squealed a little as I said the words, “Yes! I love all things Korean!” It was the time I had discovered the Hallyu wave. At first I treaded lightly in the shallows. But I eventually dove in and swam.

In that span of half a decade, my perception of South Korea had drastically changed. In this era of globalization, with things like social media and the Internet, access to different cultures has become relatively easy. Discovering South Korean pop culture via the Internet was like finding a magical realm.

Everything was vibrant, colorful and fun. I enjoyed their crazy bop music and heart-wrenching television dramas. It was a bright escape from the dim reality of academics and social pressures of my adolescent life. But as I dove deeper into the ocean of South Korean culture, I began to forget mine. I had formed a bias. Kamusta turned into Annyeonghaseyo and Mahal Kita into Saranghaeyo. Pancit

Bihon became Japchae. Hands, spoons and forks became chopsticks. I listened to nothing but K-Pop and watched nothing but K-Dramas. I even begged my family to have Seoul as the destination for our vacation. I no longer questioned the growth of the Korean community in the country. I was glad they were here if it meant one step closer to the people I wanted to be and the culture I found more beautiful.

6 It became apparent to me that I wasn’t diving deeper but actually swimming aimlessly. This happened when I read an open letter by Kim Jae Youn, which I discovered through Facebook, regarding how Filipinos don’t love the Philippines. The open letter made me realize how Filipinos belittle their own country, their own culture. They work hard, but they work hard in order to get out of the country. They criticize everything about the country and focus on only the negatives. And I was definitely part of that they. I observed that, despite how long Koreans have lived in the Philippines, they never forgot where they came from. Their country and culture was always in their hearts. The

Korean community in the Philippines made me realize, if I could love and see beauty in a different culture, why couldn’t I do the same for mine? I decided to stop diving deeper and swim beyond instead.

As I started watching Korean variety shows like One Night Two Days and The Return of Superman, I saw how in tune Koreans were with the richness of their culture and how they even inculcate it in raising their children.

The Korean community stands as a reminder for Filipinos to never forget their roots. Many

Filipinos who settle out of the country refuse to look back and completely adopt a new culture. Despite exposure to something different, the Korean community manages to remain grounded to their motherland. It’s so easy to lose one’s own culture in another, especially in this era of globalization. I believe that the Korean community in the Philippines is an example that it is possible to assimilate into diversities while being able to harmonize with one’s origins. Growing up, I was exposed to ideas that everything is better outside the Philippines—that all the opportunities for a better life lay across the ocean. When I saw the love and pride Koreans had for their peninsula, I wanted to find that same spark with my archipelago. I juxtaposed what I saw in South Korea to what I am presented within the

Philippines and I saw certain patterns. Then I began to see the magnificence of the Filipino culture.

Entering college has also opened me to the deeply-rooted history and variety of literature and folklore the Philippines offers. I began to see how fun the pop culture is too, especially Filipino humor. I had

7 this new drive of learning more about the Philippines from all directions. I wanted to expose myself more to the beauty that had always been there, which I didn’t try hard enough to find before.

All cultures are equal and no culture is perfect. Each has its own limitations and capabilities.

You take what you can from one culture and integrate it into your own in a way that improves it. The beauty you see in one culture can be found in another. There’s no shame swimming in another ocean.

But always remember to swim back home. The Korean community reminds me how wonderful the

Philippines is. They inspire me to preserve the wealth of my culture and show it to other people as they do for theirs. I believe Filipinos still have a long way to go, but with lots of effort and love, I know we’ll get there. I know we can have Filipinos be delighted to swim oceans for the Philippines. Filipinos who work hard to go out of the country in order to return in better conditions to help it. Filipinos who know which points to criticize in order to make way for the real charm the culture has to offer. We’ll hear Kamusta along with Annyeonghaseyo, Ni Hao, and Hello. We’ll see Adobo along Samgyupsal,

Sushi, and Pastas. The more Filipinos bring out the beauty of the Philippines, the more the world will see it too.

Now you have me living on this big blue globe for 20 years in total. If you ask me if I enjoy anything Korean, I would say, “Yes. I very much do.” But I would also add, “I enjoy all cultures.

Especially my own”

Understanding Diversity: An Essay on the Significance of the Korean Community in the Philippines Cassandra Marie Mendoza

The Korean community has become more visible in the Philippine local environment.

Manifestations of the community were the increasing population of the Koreans, as well as the established Korean organizations and offices in the country. The popularization of the Neo-Korean

Wave (New Korean Wave) due to technological advancements highlighted the eccentric, psychedelic, and dreamy nature of the Korean popular culture. The heightened Korean Wave paved the way for the

Korean commodities to enter the Filipino local Market. Such commodities are not limited to their branded beauty products, traditional delicacies, and fashion brands. These commodities include preferences in style, standard of beauty, and attitude. The major commodities which penetrated the

Filipino local market are not purely economic; rather, cultural and ideological.

I believe that the Neo-Korean Wave is the primary agent which catalyzed the influence of the already existing Korean community in our country. This is because even if the Koreans were already visible in the Philippines, before the Korean Wave in 1990’s (Korean Culture and Information Service

2011, 11); it was only in the early 21st century when their influence has been widespread. This essay opts to promote a better understanding of the Korean community by enumerating and explaining its significance in the Philippines. I believe that promoting such understanding about the Korean community would be beneficial for strengthening the Filipino-Korean friendship in various social domains; and for the appreciation of the Korean community and their commodities not just because of social trends, but because of their elaborate culture. In order to achieve the goal of this essay, I opt to

10 incorporate the significance of the Korean community on a more personal level for I believe that it would represent a more detailed perspective of a larger fellowship—the Filipino youth.

As early as 1990s, number of Koreans has been going to the Philippines. Their primary reason for staying in the country is to study the English language. Many Koreans are becoming friends with the Filipinos. Although some Koreans return to their homeland after studying in the Philippines, the

Filipino-Korean friendship managed to maintain itself throughout the years. The friendship resulted in various activities that would stimulate the appreciation of the Filipinos and Koreans in each other’s culture.

It was in 1990s when the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines (UKCA) started their annual Filipino-Korean Festival. The nationwide festival opted to explore the talents not only of the Koreans living in the Philippines, but also of the Filipinos who are enthusiastic about the

Korean culture. The UKCA is an organization which supervises all the activities of the Korean community here in the Philippines for the welfare and maintenance of the ties of its members. It is currently comprised of “17 functional associations and 20 regional communities throughout the country”

(United Korean Community Association in the Philippines 2017). One of its functional associations is the UKCA in Northern Luzon.

The UKCA in Northern Luzon is well-known in Baguio City because of the month-long activities during October and/or November as part of the Korean Festival. Such activities include the

Annual Baguio Dream High Season Competition. The talent competition is open for anyone who is willing to share their talents and appreciation to Korean culture. As a Korean Culture enthusiast, I became aware of these activities because it allowed me and my social circle to express our talent and affection for the Korean popular music at the same time. In 2015, we joined the competition, performed a dance cover of a popular Korean group, and became a finalist. In the process of competing, we became friends not only with the Korean and Filipino participants, but also to the

11 organizers and staff. The inter-cultural group dynamics that has been created among the participants, organizers, and staff had quite an impact to me.

Firstly, the activities proposed by the Koreans in our local community allowed me to be aware of the existence of each other’s nationalities. The awareness of their existence is significant for it makes the participants to exhibit a sense of sensitivity and improve each other’s communication skills.

This is parallel to Ronald Wardhaugh’s “Social Basis of Talk” where his study states that the primary goal of a conversation is for it to succeed. Meanwhile, Wardhaugh (1993, 58-64) added that successful conversation requires each participant to be conscious of each other’s needs, particularly the need not to be offended. In my case, when talking with the other contestants, I tried to ensure that each of the participants of the conversation is not misunderstood or left out; so that they will leave the conversation satisfied. In the process of ensuring a successful conversation, I learned to become sensitive enough to their nuances and interests.

Secondly, I believe that the significance of the Korean Community here in the Philippines is that it raises the curiosity of the Filipinos, especially the Filipino students and cultural enthusiasts like me, to know more about them. In the process of knowing more about the Korean community and culture, I realized that I am expanding my academic horizons where I do not limit myself into studying something I am familiar with (the Filipino culture). For example, I have written at least three papers, including my undergraduate thesis, about the Korean culture in response for my eagerness to understand them. Meanwhile, there are also other researches from different fields of the academe which focus on the different aspects of the Korean community. Such researches lead to more profound understanding of the community for they not only include exploring and analyzing the community’s cultural and ideological system, but also their linguistic system.

Lastly, the exposure to such activities allowed the (re)discovery and understanding not only of the Korean culture, but also of the Filipino culture. It made me become more familiarized with my

12 culture by comparing it to the other. It allowed me not only to be exposed to the Filipino-Korean linguistic diversity, but to be more exposed and accepting in terms of both culture’s diversity. This is as a result of observing and analyzing differences and similarities of the two cultures. In turn, such differences and similarities made me realize how important dynamism and variations are in contrast with cultural and linguistic homogeneity. The diversity helped me improve the horizons of my understanding and open-mindedness. I learned how to exercise cultural relativism and tried to avoid ethnocentrism. For example, the fact that the Korean participants and I have different languages and culture, the interaction between us paved the way for the exchange and appreciation of each other’s cultural knowledge, beliefs, values, and ideologies.

The impacts of the Korean community in the Philippine local market are noticeable. Such impacts were brought about by their presence in our vicinity as well as the activities they organized which were heightened by the Neo-Korean Wave. The existence and the activities held by the Korean community in our country, specifically here in Baguio City, has contributed a lot in terms of raising awareness and sensitivity, as well as improving one’s communication skills. But more than that, it also contributed in enticing us to explore, expand, and exchange cultural knowledge and nuances. The community’s existence is a reciprocal undertaking which is significant in a way that both the Filipinos and the Koreans learn not only to interact with different people, but also to explore, exhibit, and expand each other’s understanding beyond differences.

Reference List:

Korean Culture and Information Service. 2011. The Korean Wave: A New Pop Culture Phenomenon. Republic of Korea: Korean Culture and Information Service. United Korean Community Association in the Philippines 2017. ÇÊ¸®ÇÉÇÑÀÎÃÑ¿¬ÇÕÈ¸ Á¤°ü. Accessed May 18, 2017. http://www.korea.com.ph/. Wardhaugh, Ronald. 1993. “Social Basis of Talk.” In Dimensions of Language by B.H. Davis, 58-64. London: Macmillan Pub. Co.

KIMCHI-ADOBO Menard Tabunar

Communities that share cultures and ideals can create a new dimension that will promote an atmosphere of understanding and respect. To be socially relevant in today’s world, one must take part and be a part of that community. The present is giving us a taste of the aftermaths that happened due to the changes that took place in the past. We’ve become more accepting and considerate on the differences that are evident in our environment. We already passed the era of objective discrimination and because of that we are now here, sharing culture and celebrating it.

The Philippines and Korean relation is a best example of that community. Both have a sullen past because of the disputes and warring due to different views yet still continued to fight, stand and rise up again. Time tested is the strong bond between the Philippines and Korea! Both countries worked hand- in-hand to support each other in times of hardship and that still continue to get stronger right up to this moment.

Korea has been a very good example of a country that exudes great developments in terms of education, economics and tourism. Its bilateral ties with many countries gave it a platform to build linkages and expose what it can offer to the world. While on the other hand, Philippines- dubbed as the most hospitable and accepting country is an archipelago that oozes with beautiful sceneries and natural wonders. But the thing that really sets the Philippines different from others is its people. Combining

Korea as a progressive nation and the welcoming heart of the Philippines creates a dynamic yet fun match.

The partnership between Koreans and the Filipinos sparked the interests of the citizens of both

15 countries and I, a typical college student from the suburbs was influenced by that spark. Back when I was in high school, I was not open to learning new culture and would rather confine myself in the belief that the only thing that I must learn is my own culture and tradition but that view was completely changed by an unanticipated opportunity.

College started, everything is new- new faces, new place and new experiences. The mindset that

I had during those days is to finish my studies and never entertain other extra-curricular activities. For some reasons it just popped out in my thoughts that I should have an outlet to experience fun and add some useful information to my learning. Coincidentally, one of my seniors approached me and offered me to join and be a part of the Korean Language Program Course that is being offered by the

University Language Center. Having the thought in my mind plus the offered opportunity gave me an answer: Why don’t I give it a try?”

Having the excitement inside me, I eventually understand the reason of the dish. We must be opening ourselves to new things and never have holdbacks when you do it although there are risks. It may seem scary in the future but as the field starts to bloom, it can be fulfilling. As the class went on, a lot of interesting facts about them started to amaze me. It seems like time is very short for us to exchange the uniqueness among us. If the Koreans shared many things about their culture, we Filipinos, we also did the same and never failed to entertain them and make them have a good time. It is more of a give-and-take situation. Every meeting has different stories and different moods so if you really want to continue, you always need your “game face on” shape be ready.

I met different groups of Koreans that have their own reasons for being here in the Philippines.

One thing that you could observe that they have in common is their goal of studying academic English with the help of Filipino Language teachers. The setting that we have here in the Philippine when it comes to instruction in teaching English is conducive to foreigners especially for the Koreans. It may sound cliché but the price of the Philippine English education curriculum is obviously one of the

16 cheapest and that adds to the positive outlooks in choosing where to study.

As I interact with them, at some point they revealed another reason why they chose to go to the

Philippines. One of my Korean teachers laid the idea of heading to the Philippines because they want to take a break from the hectic and stressful atmosphere in the Korean education system. They also see the

Philippines as the best destination to relax and enjoy what life has to offer. With that said, I think it is just right for us Filipinos to give them a quality and memorable time. Let us apply the theme concept of the Department of Tourism: “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and put conviction to our hospitality.

Meeting them changed me as a person. They let me realized the importance of manners and discipline. That experience gave me a platform to express myself too. Although we may have a lot of differences still because we are bounded by respect and professionalism, we never see it as a problem.

Others may have judged me because I’m getting close to them but whenever I reminisce the good times, it never pulled me down. If I’m going to be given a chance to repeat it again, definitely without any doubt I will still choose to study and be with them. From “annyeong haseyo” to “mabuhay”, the colors that these words convey can change the view of many people. The desire to see other people accept other cultures too leads me to the idea of using myself as an instrument for change. The completeness of acceptance should start on both sides. As I said from the start, we must never close our doors in exploring new things around us. Let that curiosity drives us to new fields. Ethnocentrism must never block the way to our desire. Fair view among things must take action. The change that the Korean community can impart justifies its significance in today’s time. Just like Adobo and Kimchi that represents the two countries, we as citizens should also proudly represent our countries respectively. I tried both dishes and surprisingly it works well together. They both complement each other. One dish can stand alone but incorporating both dish together would be a perfect match just like Korea and the

Philippines.

The Korean Community in the Philippines: Bridging “Mabuhay!” and “Annyeong Haseyo!” Kristina Grace M. Hari-on

Long before the coming of the “Hallyu” Wave (the popularity of Korean entertainment and pop culture across Asia and other parts of the world) that brought the K-drama and K-pop craze in the 21st century Philippines, woven in the rich fibers of our history is the foundation of Filipino-Korean solidarity. Driven by intermarriages and decades later by economics, the beginnings of Korean settlement and migration in the Philippines have grown into a one big community that stretched far and wide in the islands of the country- from up North in the summer capital of the Philippines, all the way down to the south of Mindanao where they have established churches, hotels and restaurants, and manufacturing facilities (Choi, 2010 & Asian Journal USA, 2007). It is not, however, until the spread of Korean pop culture that the Korean community had great influence on Philippine society. Korean dramas have captured the hearts of Philippine primetime television viewers. Korean products and fashion have become the new trend. Korean skincare has become a standard of beauty and k-pop has created a fandom that rocked even the world. The significance of the Korean community for me, however, goes far beyond the ripples of the ‘Hallyu Wave’-of entertainment, fashion, beauty and skincare. It has influenced not only our lifestyle but the Philippine economy as a whole and has created an enduring relationship between two nations-the Philippines and Korea, to find a common ground where they could stand as one.

The Philippines, known to the world for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and inviting warm weather is also a favorite vacation destination for Koreans. Statistics show that South Koreans remain the top visitors in the country with over a million tourist arrivals a year, accounting to almost

19 Php 5.83 billion in market spending as of February 2017 (Department of Tourism, 2017). These numbers in simple language mean a boost in the country’s tourism industry, in investments and additional job opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. Moreover, Koreans in the country do not come purely for business reasons or vacation trips. Many of them do volunteer and ministry work in our local communities. In the university where I study, there is a university-affiliated Korean ministry that inspires the Filipino and Korean youth alike to be the best Christians they can be while nurturing the values of camaraderie and solidarity among its members through bible studies and interschool fellowship activities. Some of its members based in Korea go on mission trips to the Philippines- creating a venue where people of different cultural upbringing come together, laugh together and pray together in one purpose. Certain Korean NGOs based in the country also extend support and assistance to the Kopinos or children of absentee Korean fathers and Filipino mothers born and raised in the

Philippines (Choi, 2010).

In terms of education and cultural understanding, the Korean community in the Philippines facilitates the exchange of multicultural ideas through exchange programs for students and cultural exchange festivals. It exposes us to the beauty and all the facets of Korean culture-food, art, entertainment, language and literature. The United Korean Community Association in the Philippines for instance fosters the exchange of culture through events that highlight the Filipino and Korean way of life. Events like these made it possible for me and I believe Filipinos in general to see the ‘land of the morning calm’ in a whole new perspective and view it in the lens, not of a tourist but of a Korean at heart-allowing ourselves to experience the Korean lifestyle without having to travel all the way to the heart of Seoul. Such cultural diffusion makes us understand that there is more to Korea than Lee Min

Ho (and all other handsome oppas for that matter), Gangnam Style or kimchi and that there is more to

Koreans than their fascination for plastic surgeries and a billion-dollar beauty industry. They are a blend of tradition and innovation, classic and contemporary, art and science- with history, heritage and

20 legacy preserved in the realms of a highly industrialized country. Ultimately, more than the picturesque landscapes and breathtaking architecture, Korea is home to creative minds and diverse people.

Beyond the entertainment value of Korean drama and Kpop, the ‘Hallyu Wave’ has created a medium where people coming from different cultural backgrounds can share common interests and experiences.

On a personal note, my fascination with and exposure to the Korean culture through

“koreanovelas” and Korean festivals initiated by the Korean community has led me to break certain stereotypes of Korea and Koreans. I’d like to believe it has led Koreans to break their stereotypes of the

Philippines and the Filipinos, too-that we are as diverse as our 7,107 islands, that we are more than just a source cheap education and cheap labor, that more than the ‘Filipino time’, Filipinos put a great deal of heart and passion in everything they do. The presence of the Korean community as I see it facilitates a two-way learning process where Filipinos learn the Korean ways and Koreans learn our ways.

Filipinos can learn from Koreans the way they value time, respect, seniority and discipline and from the

Filipinos, the value for optimism, joy and humor.

As we embrace the Korean lifestyle through the process of enculturation, we are able to find unity amidst our diversity, to look beyond our differences and see that we share so many things in common. We both hold the same value for family and friendships, for faith and religiosity. We find that we are one rather than different and we make part of one Asian community-one in spirit, one in heart.

We find that in the realm of language barriers, the heart speaks the same language that is neither

“Mabuhay!” nor “Annyeonhaseyo!” This to me is the significance of the Korean community in the

Philippines. It bridges the 1,754-mile gap from Korea to the Philippines and it has laid the pillars of strong and enduring cultural ties between two nations that made it possible for “they” to become “us”.

Bibliography

21 Asian Journal USA. ( 2007). For Koreans, the Philippines is the new Florida. Retrieved from http://asianjournalusa.com/koreans-invade-the-philippines-p3017-114.htm on May 19,2017

Choi, S. (2010). Korean-Filipinos, Filipino-Koreans. Retrieved from http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/2012/04/22/christmas-the-filipino-way/ on May 17, 2017

Department of Tourism. (2017). Industry Performance For Travel And Tourism| February 2017. Retrieved from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/pages/industryperformance.aspx on May 19, 2017.

Connections and Reflections Rolfh Rendell Rodriguez

The presence of the Koreans in the Philippines has become a typical scene for us Filipinos. In an instant, they are almost everywhere – malls, universities, tourist destinations, and you can even bump shoulders with them inside a jeepney. This is not just an effect of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave.

This goes beyond that. This shows that we may even be separated by language we speak; however, we can be connected by language of trust. And that is far more important.

The effect of Hallyu makes our Korean friends to feel at home away from home here in the

Philippines. It becomes the bridge to connect us even much closer. The sense of familiarity they experience as they stay here in the country for education, for business, or for good makes it easy for them to adjust, and stay, or live here comfortably. Moreover, the Filipinos’ friendly nature and hospitality can, of course, always break barriers real quick. Their numbers continues to increase rapidly in the past years. Hence, Korean stores and restaurants become very much more evident in different areas in the metro, and in the provinces attracting not just Korean nationals, but Filipinos as well.

It takes a review of history though when and how Koreans arrived here in the Philippine archipelago. But according to Korean historical records, Jang Bo-go, a Korean maritime merchant visited our country in the 8th century, and in 1837 few Korean Catholics took refuge in the country.

However, full accounts of Korean settlement here only began after World War II. Some migrated here after Korean War (1950 -1953) took place. [1] And decades later, large-scale migration happened, mainly due to the causes and effects in economics, particularly when our country was just behind Japan in Asia.

24 This time, I believe that Koreans are present here more than because of diplomatic and economic ties. It has gone beyond to an interpersonal relationship that may pave way to a deeper intercultural understanding and appreciation. Our relationship must have been challenged by the unfortunate killing of one of their citizens just recently, but I still believe that we can work things out together, and better than before. We, Filipinos, are always welcoming. We do not discriminate who we are going to accept and embrace as our own. And this gives us the responsibility of taking care and protecting them as they stay here for a moment or live here for good. And for some of us, who gained friends from the Land of the Morning Calm here in our own soil, the connection will always be present, and the friendship will only get stronger.

It might be intriguing for us why do these people from a very progressive nation choose to stay, and live in a third world country. But instead of questioning why they prefer a country with very much obvious poverty, extremely bad traffic condition, a climate that is completely different from what they have up there, we become very grateful that they choose us over others for some reasons. With this, we get to experience a bit of the Far East in the tropics. This may be considered a typical scene these days, but still, powerful enough to draw the locals’ attention. Their presence here may intimidate us in some aspects, but the Koreans in the country may lead us to several realizations.

First, Koreans really value learning. It is a no joke to live as a stranger in a strangeland just to pursue learning. Education has been the prime reason why most of the Koreans are here, particularly to learn English language. While some of them enrolled for intensive English proficiency courses offered in some universities, others pursue degree courses as well. This, of course, can be attributed to the proficiency of Filipino teachers in the use of English language as medium of instruction, and also, the significant cost of living. Those who have finished their programs here encourage their colleagues to do the same when they return to their country. Other universities, somehow, exchange students as part of their program or agreement.

25 Second, their presence here serves as a window to what their country has to offer. Besides the

Kdramas and KPop that the Filipinos undeniably enjoy, interaction with Korean people serves as the best cultural exchange. Language is no longer a barrier. Some Filipinos have learned to speak Hangul primarily because of the effect of Hallyu, watching different Korean shows and listening to Korean music. And Koreans, in return, even learn how to speak in our language, and surprisingly even in our dialects, and that is more that what they are intended to learn here. Not that they are forced to, but also they grow this interest in knowing and understanding our culture better. With them, we can actually have a closer view of who they really are, what they believe and value, and how these differences challenge and strengthen our relationship with them.

Koreans remind us that despite the differences we have in beliefs and in culture, we can enjoy these diversities to encounter other experiences, and know more about the world. Now, we can consider them as a subcultural group here in the Philippines. Although they get themselves involved in various activities here, their roots remain intact. There may be certain changes in lifestyle, but their values with their philosophies and cultural origins remain unchanged. For instance, they enjoy the Christmas season here. They say they only spend two days of Christmas back in Korea. But here, they experience the longest celebration of this event in the world. And they attend Simbang Gabi, and hear a homily despite having no religion. They are open to try our food, ride a tricycle, and experience every bit of being a Filipino. We, in return, enjoy also having a glimpse and taste of what their culture can offer to us here in our own shores. The Korean cultural diffusion allows us to experience Korean lifestyle, directly or indirectly.

Lastly, they are also like us. They like simple things. They enjoy watching fireworks. They enjoy the warmth here, both of climate and of people. They enjoy traveling in our islands. They are friendly, and kind, and warm, and naturally sweet. They may be different with the way they look, and the way they speak, but the truth is, they are no different from us. They become a mirror to our own

26 selves. We examine ourselves better in a way that we cannot do on our own, but by, somehow, immersing ourselves to the way they live, enjoying their company, and getting to know them more and more.

Koreans in our community only prove to show that in this hyper connected world, we are exposed to more culture than ever before. And the diversities may even be very evident by the ways of life we have, but that does not mean we cannot live in harmony, or in peace. Our relationship may be tested by numerous challenges, but I believe they are here to stay in a place they can call home.

References

[1] http://www.friendlyborders.org/news/korean-filipinos-filipino-koreans/ [2] http://www.fnf.org.ph/liberalopinion/korean-wave-in-the-philippines.htm

“What is the significance of Korean community in the Philippines to you?” Katrielle Pauline C. Abrenica

Years ago, when boy groups and girl groups such as Big Bang and 2NE1 were gaining popularity in the Philippines, I never really paid much attention to them, although I was very much aware of how South Korea was slowly permeating our country, using their colorful culture and sparkling entertainment industry as their weapon of attack. It was impossible not to be updated with the current happenings regarding Korea, I witnessed a lot of my friends and classmates falling prey to the

Korean entertainment industry, and if they had tried just a little bit harder to sell the idea of K-Pop to me, perhaps I would have fallen as well. I didn’t though, because I had always thought that the emergence of Korean culture and fanaticism in the Philippines was just going to be a fad that would soon lose popularity. However, years later, I would find myself completely proven wrong as I write this essay (although I still haven’t gotten the time to immerse myself in the K-Dramas that my friends have been recommending me to watch). I now believe that whether or not you are a fan of Korean culture, a detractor of Korean culture, or simply indifferent to it, you can’t deny the presence and influence of

Korea in Philippine society today.

It’s interesting to note that Korean and Philippine relations are much, much older than the

Korean Wave that we are experiencing today. The oldest recorded exchange between Korea and the

Philippines happened in the 8th century, during the Shilla Dynasty, due to trade. Ever since, there have been a lot of historic events that connected the two countries, most notably during the Second World

War and the Korean War, where both countries’ military were involved with each other. We would then see the emergence of embassies, intermarriages, migration, and other international relation efforts

29 from both countries. This leads me to answering the question, “What is the significance of Korean community in the Philippines to you?” I could answer this question economically, since I am an

Economics major, and talk about just how much Korea has spurred consumerism in the Philippines. I could answer this question by talking about Hallyu, since K-Drama and K-Pop is something that I am exposed to almost every day and I can see just how much we Filipinos enjoy this part of Korean culture.

However, I have decided to make my answer personal, because I think I have had enough firsthand experience with Korean culture to do so. To me, the significance of the Korean community in the Philippines has always simply been their presence, that has made itself felt to me in more ways than one. Through the Korean migrants that I see and sometimes get to interact with, and not just the famous ones such as Dara or Ryan Bang. One of the closest friends I’ve made in college is full Korean, and he is just one out of almost a hundred thousand Korean migrants here in the Philippines. Through the

Korean convenience stores I have passed by and the Korean food that I have tried, some of which were too spicy for me, but Korean barbecue will always be something that brings my family together during the weekends. Through the Korean entertainment industry that has permeated our society, and while K-

Pop and K-Drama is the main suspect for most Filipinos, my most intimate experience with Korean media was through a Korean film called The Way Home, which is still the first and only film to ever make me cry tears to date. I could go on listing more encounters with the Korean community, and I am glad that I am able to do so because it just goes to show that the significance of the Korean community in the Philippines can be traced from national and international scale affairs to microscopic, personal experiences such as the ones I have had. All of these things show me just how much we have openly assimilated their culture into ours. I have never even set foot in the country of Korea, and yet I am still exposed to their culture as if I were actually in Korea.

I have always wondered why Koreans would be interested in migrating to the Philippines, since the usual pattern of migration I see is migration from less developed countries to more developed

30 countries. However, I learned in my Korean studies class that Koreans go here for a number of reasons, such as the fact that learning English is much cheaper here, or that they simply want to visit our world- famous tourist spots, among other things. Because of these reasons, we have witnessed the influx of

Koreans in our country, and I would like to think that we have a mutually beneficial relationship with them. As they flock to the Philippines to attain education, we also learn from them as they reside in our country, and we even do the same and send Filipinos to Korea in order for them to study and live there.

While I have mostly discussed positive significances of the Korean community to the

Philippines, it is important to consider that not all significances have to be positive and there are definitely some negative aspects to our relationship with Korea. As such, it is important as well to look at the bigger picture and not reduce Korea and Philippine relations to mere bias and personal opinion.

Not all relations are perfect and there have definitely been stereotypes that have surfaced on both sides of the relationship between Korea and the Philippines. This is mainly due to intermarriages between

Koreans and Filipinos, where we can now observe multiculturalism or ‘damunhwa’ in Korean, which I think neither country has been particularly welcome or open to. On the side of Koreans, they place great emphasis on the homogeneity of their people, and as such, they discriminate against people of mixed blood. The term “Kopino” children have been given to children who are mixed Korean and

Filipino, and are seen as inferior by the Korean society. On the side of Filipinos, on the other hand, they have become wary of Korean men for impregnating Filipino women and leaving them and the child, making it difficult for the mother and the child to live conveniently. These stereotypes are definitely a hurdle that Korea and the Philippines must overcome if they want to continue building up their relationship with each other.

Overall, I think that Korea is significant to the Philippines, not just on the international scale, but also on the personal scale. Korea is a country that has managed to make its culture felt by almost every citizen in the Philippines. However, it is important not to look only at the positive effect, but also

31 recognize that there are some gray areas to the Korea and Philippine relationship. I am optimistic that we can overcome these threats to our relationship, and as each of one of us are able to reap the benefits from either country, we must also work towards improving the way we see each other in order and recognize our significance to each other.

NOTES ABOUT CONTRIBUTORS

Anika Marianne Castañeda is currently studying to earn a degree in Creative Writing in the University of the Philippines Diliman. She enjoys watching Korean variety shows, her favorite being One Night Two Days. She enjoys listening to Korean Indie music as well. Anika also has a keen interest in the graphic arts. She aspires to help the Philippine graphic arts scene flourish along with other Philippine literature. In the future, she hopes to travel across the globe and immerse herself into different cultures and eventually articulate her experiences into writing.

Cassandra Marie Mendoza graduated Cum Laude in Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of the Philippines-Baguio on June 2017. She majored in Speech Communication and minored in Broadcast Communication during her undergraduate years where she started her interest about the Korean Culture, following several researches and activities related to the Korean language and Korean Pop Fandom. She is one of the founding members and the performance manager of a university-based organization, Korean Culture Enthusiast Empowered People of the University of the Philippines ( a.k.a. KEEP UP), which seeks to increase the awareness and knowledge of the People about Korean culture, music, and media by initiating activities and performing in various events inside and outside the university.

Menard Tabunar is a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Biological Science from Bulacan State University. Aside from biology, he is also an avid fan of korean culture and is fascinated by their music and tradition. He became an organizational president in their university. He is currently working in St. Martin de Porres Catholic School of Guiguinto as an elementary teacher.

Kristina Grace Hari-On is a graduate of BS in Management from the University of the Philippines Visayas. A self-confessed die-hard K-drama and K-pop fan, her fascination for the Korean culture has led her to write her essay entitled: The Korean Community in the Philippines: Bridging “Mabuhay!” and “Annyeonghaseyo!”, as she looks in retrospect and far beyond the ripples of the “Hallyu Wave” that brought Korean entertainment into the spotlight.

Rolfh Rendell Rodriguez is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from Batangas State University Batch 2017. As a college student, he became part of different student organizations. He is a former President of Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – Batangas Student Chapter (IECEP – BSC), and Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (JIECEP), and a former Treasurer of College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts – Student Council (CEAFA-SC). He also served as a student representative in the Industrial Advisory Committee of the university’s Electronics Engineering Department. He is also a member of the Communications Ministry in Victory Batangas.

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