UP KOREA RESEARCH CENTER

2018 KOREA ESSAY CONTEST

"Exploring New Channels of Mutual Interests

between Korea and the Philippines"

in partnership with

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

Copyright © 2018 by the UP KRC and authors

All rights reserved, except that authorization is given herewith to academic

institutions and educators to reproduce articles herein for academic use as

long as appropriate credit is given both to the authors and to this publication.

The views expressed in each paper are those of the authors of the paper.

They do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the UP KRC, its

Editorial Committee, or of the University of the Philippines.

The essays were prepared for the research project of the Korea Research

Center at University of the Philippines (UP KRC) supported by the

Academy of Korean Studies Grant (AKS-2015-INC-2230012).

ISSN (Online) 2599-4277

UP Korea Research Center

Address: Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP-CIDS Lower Ground Floor,

Magsaysay Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman,

Quezon City, 1123, Metro Manila Philippines

Tel : +63 2 981 8500 loc 4266

Email : pkrc@up.edu.p

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Theme of the contest

Speech of Grand Prize Winner

Grand Prize Winner

Through Our Literature

Jesus C. Deytiquez

1st Prize Winner

Crisscrossed: An Exploration to Korea-Philippines

Architecture and Urban Plan Exchange Possibilities

Mark Anthony Cabigas

2nd Prize Winners

To the End of the Tightrope: Reinforcing Filipino-Korean

Relations through Foreign Aid

Jeanette Garcia

3rd Prize Winners

Harmony in Movements

Daniellea Denise Ajose

Honorary Mention

It’s more than Just the 3K’s.

Austine Lee

Notes about Contributors

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3

5

12

19

25

31

38

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"Exploring new channels of mutual interests

between Korea and the Philippines"

Since Korea and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1949, the two countries have been nurturing ties to build a closer relationship. Last decade, a significant milestone was reached when Korea became the top source of foreign tourists visiting the Philippines. The Filipino community in Korea has also been steadily expanding. The Korean popular culture also invaded the archipelago and Korean products are now easily available in the corners of the country's major shopping malls. In spite of these positive developments, there is often this general impression that the Philippines-Korea relations have somehow been limited to the domains of tourism and business and are primarily driven by the economic leverage that Korea currently enjoys. Along this line, we call for essays that explore some of the ways that could potentially enrich the Philippines-Korea relations, particularly in the areas/domains that gained little or no attention from both countries. More specifically, we call for essays that could put forward proposals on how to make the Philippines a more interesting enterprise for Koreans— not only in the domains mentioned above, and conversely, how to diversify the Filipinos’ interest in Korea apart from being a tourism or employment destination. In this year’s essay contest, we hope to eventually be able to find channels where genuine interests between Korea and the Philippines could be pursued, mutual understanding fostered, and the relationships between these countries and their people deepened.

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Speech of Grand Prize Winner

Since I started my essay with the words of George MacDonald from Phantastes, I shall like to tell what I learned from this experience through the words he used to end that novel: Yet I know that good is coming to me—that good is always coming; though few have at all times the simplicity and the courage to believe it.

Jesus C. Deytiquez

MA in Language and Literature

De La Salle University Manila

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5

Through Our Literature

Jesus C. Deytiquez

“I saw thee ne’er before;

I see thee never more; But love, and help, and pain,

beautiful one, Have made thee mine, till all

my years are done.”

—George MacDonald, Phantastes

What can be the new channels of mutual interests between Korea

and the Philippines? I believe I can provide one. But let me first

tell you my story that happened in our country’s Summer

Capital. Let me tell you how I met the lady from The Land of the

Morning Calm there.

As the only child of my busy parents, I spent almost all of my life

alone in a sleepy and rustic sitio in the middle of the vast expanse

of rice fields of Nueva Ecija. And in that place I met beauty first

through nature, and then through the books that I read or

literature. Up to this day, these two messengers of beauty never

fail to turn countless of lazy or rainy afternoons into ecstatic

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moments for me. I always think that beauty really winks at me

through them. And through the same beauty of nature in Baguio

City, and through a World Literature class of a university there, I

met one of the countless forms that beauty has; she has the eyes

as starry as the evening sky, the hair as black as the tender

mother night, the face as white and flawless as alabaster, and the

lips as red as a delicate mountain rose in the freshness of the

morning.

I was blessed with the privilege of being her seatmate in that

night class, and the one to answer almost all of her questions

concerning some things she didn’t quite understand (most of

them were about country-specific ideas). She was one of the top

students of that university, but she was humble enough to be the

one to approach me, and ask for my help if she needed it. Truly,

only the childlike can desire for the truth, goodness, and beauty,

and consequently, be the one to obtain it. Through the cold and

dark lamp-lit sidewalks, and under the rainy night sky of that

mountain city, we walked together for two times. The two of us

also sang a song in front of the class one night; the song was

about longing amidst the passage of cold summer nights, and is

by the well-known Filipino rapper who died many years ago.1

With her physical loveliness and the beauty of her childlike

personality, it was no peculiarity that I was attracted to her. But I

never really courted her or confessed to her what I harbor for her;

1 Cold Summer Nights by Francis M.

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I was too shy and was courting another girl from my hometown

back then.

After that single semester of being with her, because of several

reasons I will not bother you my dear reader with, I transferred to

a college in Manila. I can still remember the last time I saw her.

The memory of our time together still haunts that mountain city. I

never saw her again after that. I believe she returned to Seoul

after she graduated.

But now, after about four years, I am writing countless of stories

and poems inspired by her. I am submitting them to different

contests and publications local and abroad, in order for me to

earn and save enough money to see her once again, and maybe,

even be able to give some of my published works to her, if we

meet again, as a way for me to let her know what I long to tell her

all this time: that I love her. If to love is to will for the good of the

beloved, then I truly love her. It was the beauty of nature and

literature that enabled me to meet that angel of beauty; I believe

the same beauty shall give me wings to follow her one day.

I also believe that besides the blessing of the beauty of nature of

Korea and Philippines, the beauty in the literatures of both

countries can also be a way for the two to meet halfway. Sadly,

excluding the prevalence of K-dramas and the intense interest of

Filipinos for them, I perceive that there is almost no sharing of

literatures between Korea and Philippines. Personally, I always

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visit bookstores, but I cannot find any Korean books in them

except the ones for translation purposes, which, of course, is very

in demand, probably because of the booming Korean pop

culture or job opportunities. To get the view of an academic from

Korea, I emailed Professor Myeong Jeong of the Korean

Language and Literature department of Yonsei University

concerning this issue, and he answered that, “Korean

Researchers and Writers scarcely know the Philip[pine]

literature,” and then added, to my surprise, that, “Only few

[Korean] researchers heard the name Jose Rizal through the

famous book, ‘The Imagined Community’ of Benedict

Anderson”! Imagine that!

Literature helps us to learn and appreciate the culture and history

of another country. As a lover also of foreign literatures—

especially novels from the United Kingdom—I can attest how I

learned many things about different countries through my

reading of the literatures from them; accordingly, take also for an

example my own bewilderment when I saw through a K-drama

that the concept of goblin of Korea is very different from the

concept of goblin of the western countries—such bewilderment,

I believe, can be avoided if the Korean folklore is more accessible

to us through literature. On the other hand, I wonder if Koreans

know our folklore? I guess the words of Professor Jeong earlier

already answered that question.

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America, Japan, and Philippines are not only connected by

economics, politics, or history, but also through their mutual love

for comics, especially nowadays when Globalization is strong;

meanwhile, Korean comics or “Manhwas” are almost unheard

or unread in the Philippines compared to the Japanese comics or

“Mangas” and American comics by DC and Marvel. According

to John Zamar, an organizer of Komikon which is a convention in

the Philippines for comic book enthusiasts, there are no

manhwas being showcased or sold in the said convention.

Nevertheless, through my reading of “Nineteen, Twenty-one”

by John and Jenna, which is the only manhwa that I am familiar

with, I learned some Korean honorifics and even saw how very

important education is for Koreans.

A country’s literature is a good mirror of its present, past, or

even possible future; it follows that literature is also a good way

of sparking an even more blazing mutual interests or relationship

between two distinct countries, for it enables them to

contemplate their differences, and most especially, their

sameness; Professor Jeong also said to me in our

correspondence that the identical experiences of Korea and

Philippines in the past, may help the potential binding power of

literature between the two countries.

So, the translations of works of literature from and for both

countries, and the promotion for such sharing by both sides, I

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believe, will bring much good to strengthen and deepen the

relationship between Korea and Philippines. I believe that

potential, good, and new channels for mutual interests between

Korea and Philippines can be found in literature and its numerous

forms. The beauty of literature can bring two countries separated

by land and seas together, like how it enabled me to meet her in

that night class, and perhaps, see her and be with her again,

someday, somehow, somewhere.

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References Jeong, Myeong K. “Re: Prof. Jeong: Correspondence for an Essay/Paper

about Phil-Korean Lit. Relationship.” Received by Jesus Deytiquez, 23 Apr. 2018.

John and Jenna. Nineteen, Twenty-one, Easy Going Scans, Online Manga Viewer. Easy Going Scans, Online Manga Viewer, read.egscans.com/ 19-21. Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.

“Komikon.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 7 Apr. 2018. Web. <en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Komikon>. Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.

MacDonald, George. Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women. Mike Lough and David Widger, Project Gutenberg, 8 Jul. 2008. Project Gutenberg, 8 Jul. 2008. <www.guternberg.org/3/2/325>. Accessed 23 Apr. 2018.

Zamar, John. U. Personal interview. 23 Apr. 2018.

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CRISSCROSSED:

An Exploration to Korea-Philippines Architecture

and Urban Plan Exchange Possibilities

Mark Anthony Cabigas

Decades after the tragic history in Korean Peninsula in 1950,

Korea-Philippines Relations continue to endure in progress. The

two countries' bilateral connection by now is not only limited to

military assistance and appropriations but has incredibly

extended in the domains of economy, employment, migration

and residency, education and language exchange, tourism,

immigration policy and as far as technology and fashion trends,

pop culture, cuisine and cosmetics. Hence, with all of the

aforementioned areas of interests and diplomacy where the two

countries have successfully developed mutualism, the Korean

and Filipino communities now come to the question: Where else

could this relation go? How far could the enduring connection

between the Land of the Morning Calm and the Pearl of the

Orient Seas able to get?

Researching about the common societal issues and problems

which both South Korea and the Philippines are facing today,

there are indeed intertwining cases – in environment, labor and

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mental health, which can be looked as a mutual advocacy.

However, dealing with those problems demand internal

considerations with culture and laws to solve hence making it

slightly complicated. Thus, if probing problems in environment,

labor and mental health quite complicated in opening doors for

mutualism between Korea and the Philippines, then look out to

the domain which both countries can relate still and, at the same

time, possible for implementation through deliberate planning

and consultations – Urban Planning and Architecture

South Korea is actually lacking of extensive plains; its lowlands

are the product of mountain erosion. Approximately 30 percent

only of South Korea consists of lowlands, with the rest consisting

of uplands and mountains. Hence, it is indeed plausible how

Korea has able to establish a metropolitan civilization like in large

cities of Seoul, Incheon, Ulsan, Suwon, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejon

and Busan. Another excellent urban strategy Korea has

developed is its valuing the maintenance, preservation and

conservation of their green corners and of their heritage.

Actually, Korea's capital and urban center – Seoul, despite its 25

million residents, is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine,

Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

This kind of urban planning is exactly what the Philippines is

needing especially today when environmental and heritage

advocacies are making noise due to continuous devaluation

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thereto. If Philippines could team up with Korea's way of urban

planning, Philippines could develop a sustainable urban plan that

are both ecocentric and anthropocentric; also conducive in

preserving country's heritage.

For instance, year after the devastating Siege of Marawi in May

2017, the city is still on its long way of renovation process and

still needing intense rehabilitation efforts – encompassing

sustainable urban design and landscape architecture. Thus, if

South Korea and the Philippines could formally establish mutual

collaboration in urban planning, where Korea is undoubtedly

plausible, the rehabilitation process of the City of Marawi will be

fast enough– yet still considering sustainability, livability, ecology

and culture, and the locals can occupy the city and restore their

lives already. Establishing such mutual cooperation and

knowledge exchange in urban planning will be also be helpful in

dealing with the pending aftermaths of natural hazards like

typhoons and earthquakes, and insurrectional wars in the future.

Moreover, since South Korea's urban planning is also known for

its valuing of heritage structures and landscape parks,

conservationists who promote the restoration of cultural

structures in the city have nothing to worry anymore because it's

assured that despite urbanism, the rich culture and Muslim

heritage of the Maranao people in the only Islamic city of the

Philippines will be resurrected, preserved and maintained.

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Furthermore, the use and spread of Korean urban style–

characterized by high-tech architectures, in the Philippines,

especially in provinces with boosting economy and tourism will

be helpful in decentralizing the urban spirit and attention to the

rest of the archipelago, out from Metro Manila. This might also

lead to the decongestion of Metro Manila since people have no

longer to migrate into because urbanism has spread across the

country. With the rapid increase of population in the country's

urban areas especially in Metro Manila and the uncontrollable

urban sprawl in the countryside, an urban plan that is similar to

Korea is helpful.

Indeed, urban planning and architecture are great things to talk,

deliberate and look forward as a mutual goal especially that the

Philippine Government has recently launched its 'Build, Build,

Build' Program which aims to bring another golden age of

infrastructure project to uplift economy, create jobs and benefit

the public. It is important that amidst development, good and

healthy urbanity is maintained.

It might sound quite ambitious, but with the growing and

tightening link between Korea and the Philippines, things can go

possible. Additionally, with country's growing number of prudent

architects like Architect Paulo Alcazaren, former president of the

Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, who believes in

creating projects that save heritage structures, create more open

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green space necessary for disaster risk reduction management,

provide housing for both ends of the spectrum, integrate an

urban but shaded and green pedestrian core that will allow

walkable and bikeable access, link districts, allow reasonable

profit for developers, and bring back good urbanity and pride of

place, where everyone is welcome and development is

sustainable, this contemplating project will surely be pursued

with mutual help.

On the other hand, if efficient urban plan and practical housing

design and architecture are what South Korea can offer to the

Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient can offer something incredible

too.

South Korea is home of many tantalizing modern architectural

construction. Actually, Seoul was thereby named the 2010 World

Design Capital. While, Philippines is hailed for its magnificent and

well-preserved colonial architectures that create European

ambiance in the Far East; ambiance that Koreans deeply want to

experience. Asking most of the South Koreans in Korea of where

is their dream destination abroad, you would gather answers of

places in European countries like Venice and Rome in Italy,

Santorini and Athens in Greece, Paris in France and others in the

Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean region extending as far

as in Russia. One of many reasons why Europe is a dream

destination to most of South Koreans is the magnificence and

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grandeur of Europe's architecture characterized with Gothic,

Neoclassical, Baroque and Artdeco architectural styles–

architectural styles which the Philippines is undeniably rich at. As

a matter of fact, the Manila's colonial district of Intramuros–

where colonial culture and architecture are vibrantly alive, is one

of the main destinations and itinerary of many Korean tourists

who want to experience Europe in Asia. Thus, if Philippines could

share its ideas and prowess in Western Architecture, Korean

architecture will surely expand to the way the public will greatly

appreciate it. Thereby, Koreans will no longer have to expensively

travel to Europe to experience the Western and Mediterranean

heritage. Instead of going to Europe, why not make Europe come

to the local.

Indeed, art is the best equalizer. No matter how extensive the

gap between the economy and technologies of South Korea

from the Philippine's developing economy, it has not hindered

the two countries from establishing a sustainable and continuing

relationship. Organized urban planning will not only benefit the

K-Pop and K-drama fans and the cosmetic enthusiasts but the

general public too. Bringing European design to Korea will not

only entice the local tourists but will become potential

destinations for foreign tourists as well. By having that kind of

bilateral exchange of knowledge, prowess and skills, the aim of

creating mutualism between Korea and the Philippines will be

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met – sharing visions of upholding the quality of living and

interests of both countries involved.

References: Alcazaren, P. (2016). Urban Design Esquisse: Proposed Redevelopment of

the Rizal Memorial/Harrison Park District. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/paulo.alcazaren/posts/10155513205614488.

Yecyec, J. (2018). Gov't to build P400-million military camp in Marawi. Retrieved from: http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/18/govt-to-build-p400-million-military-camp-in-marawi

Roy, D. Economic and Social Issues in South Korea. Retrieved from: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/research/visiting-fellow-programs/posco-visiting-fellowship-program/economic-and-social-aspects-of-korea-related-issues

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To the End of the Tightrope:

Reinforcing Filipino-Korean Relations through Foreign Aid

Jeanette Garcia

It has not been so long as a hundred years ago when the

international community found itself in disarray – states

constantly at war with one another, knives on each other’s

throats and missiles aimed and ready to fire – just so each major

power could get an abundant share of the fame, political

influence and economic advantage while leaving the peripheral

states ransacked and as if beyond repair. The dark days of the

consequent wars have remained in our history books, in various

internet platforms, but more so engraved in the identities that

each country assumed to uphold come the post-Cold War era.

After all the mayhem, state leaders, along with international

organizations, have done their fair share of the effort to assure

that conflict between nations are kept to a minimum and that

good state relations are maintained as a step towards global

development – where power is not merely concentrated behind

flags that could be counted with the fingers of a single hand, but

rather wielded and distributed across numerous nations, allowing

for interdependence and diplomacy.

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Under the same vision, several mechanisms, such as that of

foreign aid, have been re-set in motion. Although lacking its

deserved interest, both in the academe and in practice, foreign

aid has played a vital role in stabilizing countless state

relationships over the years. Foreign aid was initially presented as

an avenue for developed countries to extend assistance to other

countries which are not faring as well as they do by means of

monetary assistance. It was launched under the altruistic banner

of fostering global interdependence, development and

camaraderie. “International programs to alleviate poverty

include bilateral aid from richer to poorer countries, multilateral

aid from international organizations, grants at below market

rates, technical assistance and debt forgiveness programs, just to

name a few.” (Alesina and Weder 2002)

The sudden boost and excitement in the idea of foreign aid,

fueled by the context of growing globalization, has driven the

developed countries to assume responsibility and take part in the

enterprise, one of which is Korea. Beyond a mere participation,

Korea’s stake in the current aid politics lays a groundwork for

further inspiration when it officially became the first recipient

turned donor country upon expressing intent to join the OECD-

DAC countries in 2010.

As a former recipient country and now as a significant provider of

ODA in its own right, Korea leads by example, bringing its direct

knowledge and expertise to bear on how aid can drive economic

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and human development. As a result, Korea’s role in

development co-operation is highly valued, allowing it to play a

key bridging role on the global stage, particularly on issues of

development effectiveness and inclusive growth.

-OECD Development Co-operation Peer Reviews, KOREA

2018

Korean aid occupies the limelight as it claims to know how it felt

like to become a recipient and a country in need of assistance,

thus upon graduating from the recipient status vowed to

contribute and help many other countries graduate from being a

recipient as well. Kim and Lee (2009), in their study on South-

South Development Cooperation focused on development

cooperation and official development assistance – presenting

ODA as the ideal and usual tool for developed nations to assist

the developing ones. Aside from the aim of Kim and Lee (2009) to

reconcile whether development cooperation from the non-

OECD/DAC countries represent a new South-South cooperation,

in high contrast with the traditional North-South scheme, their

study also aims to present an overall comparison of the ODA

activities of emerging donors such as Korea with those of

traditional donors’. Beyond the fears and heavy criticisms on

the emerging donors’ overall role, which were pointed out by

the authors, their study still holds a positive outlook on the

activities of these new donor countries and encourage that

increased empirical based research be conducted to provide a

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more concrete assessment of the contributions and efforts made

by emerging donors. Countries like Korea were even described as

often surpassing those of the traditional donors’ efforts and

contributions in terms of meeting the OECD/DAC guidelines in

providing more aid for least developed countries (LDCs) and in

regions of extreme poverty. (Lee, 2012) This goes to show that

some donors, regardless of being traditional or emerging, are

still providing aid out of the desire to extend a helping hand

towards the poorest countries instead looking out for their more

private interests as highlighted by the present chunk of literature

available on aid politics.

In a speech made by Mr. Oh Joon, 2010 Korean Deputy Prime

Minister of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized how Korea half a

century ago was one of the poorest nations in the world,

endeavoring to emerge from the ashes of the Korean War to

rebuild itself. This too was referenced by Mr. Sangbak Lee,

Deputy Country Director for Korea International Cooperation

Agency (KOICA) Philippines, one of Korea’s major aid agencies,

in the recent 5th Philippine-Korean Studies Symposium as he

discussed on Korean-Philippine development projects and

programs; and during his introduction touched on the topic of

Korean aid. Additionally, Mr. Sangbak even recalled to the 1950s

during the Korean War when food aid from the Philippines was

being sent to Korea, this was on top of some 7,500 troops that

Philippines sent over a five-year period in support of collective

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security forwarded by the UN and the late president of the UN

General Assembly in 1950, Filipino General Carlos Romulo. Such

long history of bilateral relations between the two countries that

started way back in the late-1940s is not only enshrined in

memory but even in the Philippine currency (the 500 peso bill),

the PEFTOK Memorial in Manila, the Marikorea Monument in

Marikina City and the annual commemoration of the Philippine

Embassy held at the Philippine Monument in Goyang City and in

Yeoncheon County every September for all the Filipino lives lost

in the Korean War. These stories or wars and common struggle

that Korea and the Philippines share to the present day have

been reinforced and in the speeches of such important

personalities, they would often express their gratitude saying that

Korea will never forget how Philippines was there in the past to

support them when they needed help. Presently, efforts like that

of foreign aid are being disbursed and together, Korea and the

Philippines looks forward to the day that Philippines makes its

own breakthrough from the rubble.

Inspired with the initiatives led by Korea in reaching out to poor

and developing nations, this essay aims to posit its support and

advocacy of strengthening bilateral relations through foreign aid.

As Korea sets itself apart from traditional donors who are

currently holding back on their contributions in the middle of

economic crises, Korea signals forward and always forward to

giving aid to those in need and outperforming its own records

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every year. In light of this, developing countries, such as the

Philippines, dares to hope – not in the sense that there will always

be a reliable country like Korea to have our backs or to support

us monetarily, but rather a hope that somewhere in the future,

countries like ours, will as well transition from a developing

country to a country overflowing and providing development

assistance like its Asian neighbors, and in that dream graduation

from being a recipient country, Philippines will surely look to

Korea and as a form of gratitude, do the same for the next

countries.

REFERENCES Alesina, Alberto, and Weder, Beatrice. 2002. “Do corrupt governments

receive less foreign aid?” American Economic Review. 92(4): 1126-1137.

Kim. M, and Oh, J. 2012. “Determinants of Foreign Aid: The Case of South Korea”. Journal of East Asian Studies. 12: 251-273

Kim, E. M. and Lee, J.E. 2009. “South-South Development Cooperation: Humanitarian and Global or Merely National?” International Development and Cooperation Review 1: 67-108.

Korea 2018. 2018. “Extract from: OECD Development Cooperation Peer Reviews.” The DAC’s main findings and recommendations: 16-22

Lee, Kye Woo. 2012. “Aid by Korea: Progress and Challenges.” Korea’s Role in Economic Development: 45-57

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Harmony in Movements

Daniella Denise Ajose

Back in elementary, I can remember being too enthusiastic when

August arrives, because it is during this month when our school

holds its annual celebration of Buwan ng Wika. Aside from

spending less hours on class and more time on rehearsals and

preparation, what I loved about this event is I get to perform

onstage. For some reason, I loved wearing Baro’t Saya while

sporting a sleek bun, and dancing to the tune of folk songs such

as Mamang Sorbitero and Leron-Leron Sinta.

Buwan ng Wika had always been a happy memory to me. It was a

day filled with colorful performances, mostly celebrating the

Filipino culture. Every year is definitely something to remember.

Nonetheless, there was this one particular instance I would never

forget. While watching my fellow schoolmates showcase their

talent, one performer captured my attention. Like everybody else,

she wore a Filipino costume, but I can say that her physical

appearance is quite different from us. Her skin is too pale, and

her eyes are so small that when she smiles, I can barely see them.

I was unsure of her nationality, but I was certain that she has a

foreign blood. Despite her difference, she performed gracefully

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without hesitations. Her happiness that day was incomparable.

That was when I wondered: how can she enjoy something so

foreign to her? How can she be so passionate at something she

is not completely familiar with?

Growing up, I never really imagined being so immersed in

another culture until Hallyu entered my life. The tables have

turned when I became hooked with Korean dramas and Korean

pop music. Hallyu was actually my inspiration why I took up a

Korean class as an elective this semester. At first, it was merely

Hallyu that I want to further understand, but along the process, I

also became interested with other aspects of the Korean culture.

The course enlightened me not solely on the positive side of

Korea, but also on its long history and contemporary issues.

Indeed, every session has given me a glimpse of the Korean

culture. Nevertheless, I would consider our Korean Sword Dance

performance as one of the best experiences.

At first, I found the dance complicated. Unlike K-Pop, the music

used in Sword Dance has no lyrics; hence, one must really pay

attention to its beat and rhythm. Aside from that, our teacher is a

professional performer in South Korea, which made the whole

experience more challenging. Despite the language barrier, she

was able to successfully teach us such a difficult dance. A couple

sessions more, I became more passionate in performing the

Sword Dance. Oddly enough, I felt like I had been dancing it for a

27

long time. The dance was unfamiliar, yet it felt close to my heart.

Now I could understand how my foreign schoolmate was able to

love something strange to her culture.

While I was reminiscing my Korean culture experiences, it

dawned upon me that we can better understand a culture

through its traditional dance. Both Philippines and Korea have

rich cultural heritage, and it is mostly expressed through art and

performance, particularly through dance. For the past years,

both the Philippine and Korean government made efforts to

strengthen the ties of both countries. Aside from the promotion

of tourism and business, traditional dance has been one of the

effective channels of mutual interests between Koreans and

Filipinos.

As the saying goes, “dance is a universal language, and we all

have the ability to speak it.” It does not require certain level of

language competence and fluency, because in dancing, you

communicate with your movements and emotions. Furthermore,

dancing is not merely a form of entertainment; rather it serves as

a vehicle through which we can unveil the complexities of

another culture.

Though dancing has many forms and genres, I believe that we

can acquire a deeper understanding of one culture through its

traditional dance. Traditional dance plays a significant role in

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preserving a culture and passing it on to the next generations.

Through learning such dance, we would gain knowledge not only

on the performance per se, but also on its music, costumes,

historical background, et cetera.

For an instance, Cariñosa, a traditional Filipino dance of Hispanic

origin, illustrates the traditional courtship in the Philippines. It

especially highlights Maria Clara who is said to be the Filipino

women’s epitome of nobleness. On the other hand, Koreans are

famous for their Ganggangsullae. This dance is actually a ritual

performed to bring about bountiful harvest. What is more

interesting about this dance is that it is exclusively performed by

women. In the male-dominated, traditional Korean society,

young women were not allowed to sing loudly or go out at night

unless they are doing the Ganggangsullae.

Th examples I have mentioned are only a portion of each

countries’ plethora of beautiful traditional dance. As you can

see, each dance embodies a significant part of each country’s

culture. These dances reflect respective culture’s history,

customs and ways of living.

In this time and age when globalization is very much prevalent, it

is important that we practice cultural relativism. Cultural

relativism is “the idea that one must suspend judgment of other

people’s practices in order to understand them in their own

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cultural terms” (Haviland, 2011). Among the many ways, cultural

relativism can be best achieved if we immerse in the culture we

wish to understand.

That is why I firmly believe that traditional dancing can foster a

healthy environment for both Koreans and Filipinos. Dancing

may even serve as a perfect avenue for visiting each other’s

countries. The Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival, for

an instance, conducts competitions wherein Koreans must

perform Filipino traditional dance, and vice versa. The event is

held either in the Philippines or Korea; thus, the performers are

given the opportunity to travel outside their country. These

cultural festivals are only some of the concrete evidences that

prove how traditional dance can bridge cultures and establish

international friendships.

There is more to Korea than its K-Pop and K-Drama, just as much

as how the Philippines is more than just its beaches. Performing

traditional dance only takes two feet, a music and an open heart,

but little did we know, it can unite cultures and bring very

different people in harmony.

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References Crawford, B. (n.d.). Philippine fold dance history. Retrieved from

https://dance.lovetoknow.com/Philippine_Folk_Dance_History. Accessed in 17 May 2018.

Haviland, J. B. (2011). Musical spaces. Embodied interaction: Language and body in the material world, 289-304.

Logan, C. (2017). Understanding different cultures through dance. Retrieved from https://www.22westmedia.com/magazine/opinion/ understanding-different-cultures-through-dance-emphasizing-the-power-of-dance-in-bringing-people-together. Accessed in 18 May 2018.

Na, K. (2016). Ganggang sullae ring dance. Retrieved from http:// folkency.nfm.go.kr/en/topic/GanggangSullaeRingDance/3145.Accessed in 18 May 2018.

Philippines Travel Site. (2016). Ten interesting Philippine folk dances Retrieved from http://folkency.nfm.go.kr/en/topic/GanggangSullae RingDance/3145. Accessed in 18 May 2018.

Quora. (2016). What is the history of cariñosa dance from the Philippines? Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-history-of-carinosa-dance-from-the-Philippines. Accessed in 17 May 2018.

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It’s More Than Just the 3 K’s.

Austine Lee

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, a girl—let’s hide

her identity and address her as “Miss A”—whom with no

regrets, fell into the world of K-Drama and bonded by her pursuit

of new music outside of the mainstream western pop, eventually

developed a very special fondness for K-POP which kindled Miss

A to learn its language in order to break the barrier. Yep, you

guessed it right. I am Miss A and one thing’s for sure, a myriad

of Miss A’s are scattered all throughout the Philippines and

hearing K-POP songs on the radio become all the more frequent

as time has gone by.

A quick run-through of the history of the Philippines that we

have learned through the years of studying Philippine History in

our grade school and high school days, we recall all the tattered

Philippine flag, the seemingly endless bloodshed for

independence and painful battle scars our ancestors got from the

ruthless hands of the colonizers, primarily the countries Spain,

America and Japan; it would be an understatement to describe it

as a “tragedy.” In spite of all the egregious mark it left us and

the demerits it harbors, it also has its merits that are still well

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apparent in the country. Yet, over the past few years, no country

has ever made a massive impact into our lives than 대한민국 or

South Korea—albeit the fact that we have never been a colony of

South Korea. The funny thing is, it doesn’t have a pulse but it’s

like a living thing and it grows; a catalyst, I should say. Most of us

may think that the relationship between the Korea and the

Philippines only revolves around the 3 K’s—K-POP, Korean

Drama and Korean Cosmetics—however, according to the

Philippine Embassy, the ties between the two said countries have

blossomed whilst incessantly standing side-by-side for decades

in the areas of trade, political-security concerns and socio-

cultural exchanges for decades despite the disparity in terms of

language. Prior to this, through the implementation of the K-12

program, the Korean Embassy and the Department of Education

(DepEd) have signed an agreement to teach Korean language in

public schools. Over such a long period of time, both countries

indeed have cultivated an extremely steadfast collaboration in a

myriad of areas. Be that as it may, there are still quite a number of

unexplored domains that would benefit both parties.

Firstly, fighting hand in hand against pollution towards a greener

growth. South Korea and the Philippines are part of the world’s

biodiversity hotspots and the said countries both have stunningly

beautiful natural landscapes, but they may not count for much

when, in other parts of these countries, pollution runs in total

ruin. When it comes to air pollution, without a doubt, China gets

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most of the attention and often neglect other countries like

South Korea and especially the Philippines which are both

massive producers of air contaminants. It is observable that

majority of the said countries’ private and public sectors tend to

focus on how to improve the economy, neglecting the vast and

far-reaching effects of the environmental damages—earning the

title “worst air quality” among foreigners visiting these

countries. This should serve as a wake up call for both countries

to acknowledge their responsibility and to go the extra mile to

promote more awareness in order to prevent its further ruin by

addressing the issues of pollution together.

Secondly, taking action to end poverty and hunger. The reason

why people joking say that the ‘P’ in the Philippines stands for

‘poverty’ is unquestionable. Majority of families living in

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are living within or below the

poverty line. The South Koreans faced a similar challenge as they

agitate to put an end to poverty and hunger as the aftermath of

the Korean War which is also known as “the Forgotten War.” In

the letter written years ago by a Korean who has a heart that

commiserates our country, Jaeyoun Kim (김재연), “after the

Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the

world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country

was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural

resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for

Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really

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wanted to be well off like Filipinos. ” They have seen poverty up

close compared to most other countries in Asia—with over 4

million people were killed, countless of families lost their homes

and would wait in line for food while rubbing their stomachs in

hunger. In spite of this economic decline, their economy has

experienced vigorous development in such a short period of

time. South Korea is a ray of hope that may alter the perspective

of many and put an end to poverty and hunger that is

experienced by our fellow Filipinos.

And lastly, addressing mental health issues—its stigma and

discrimination that traps people in a cycle of illness. It is not a

secret that mental health issues—primarily depression—

skyrocketed as social media platforms become more popular

than ever. Millennials love social media, there’s no question to

it. However, there are countless subtle dangers of social media

that are either unknown or ignored by the people. Not to blow

smoke, but in a lot of ways, I’ve personally seen how social

media has indeed been a double-edged sword; at its best, social

media gives voice and serves as a platform for anyone who is

willing to engage. Consequently, at its worst, it triggers sadness

as a result of the endless comparison game as you scroll through

your feed. A shocking result of 1 in every 3 Filipinos suffer from a

mental illness was shown by a psychiatrist told the National

Academy of of Science Technology (NAST), as she called for more

vigorous government effort in making mental health care

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available all over the country. Another study conducted by the

Ministry of Health and Welfare indicates that 1 in 4 Koreans

experience mental disorders, but only 10% seek professional

help. The study also concluded that an increasing number of

people are diagnosed with depression and the disease is more

prevalent among women. A myriad of misconceptions regarding

mental illness are floating around which makes the recovery from

the illness more difficult. People with mental health conditions

shoulder a double burden. On one hand, they struggle with the

symptoms of the illness. On the other, they are plagued by the

stigma as well as discrimination in a world of people mostly

uneducated about mental illness. This calls for a joint action from

these two countries to share their best strides in addressing

mental health issues as a way of building confidence and

standing up to public stigma.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away called the Philippines

where norms, language and cultural differences may appear

persistent within its neighboring countries around Asia—stood

side-by-side with a country that is indisputably close to the

hearts of the Filipinos because then again, roses are red, violets

are blue, it’s more than just the 3 K’s cause there’s more

domains to view. Currently, the channels of interest may be few,

but the exploration starts with no one else other than me and

you.

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References Korean’s Message for the Filipinos Written by Jaeyoun Kim

http://www.muonline.biz/zhyper/archive/index.php/t-288113.html History of Korean War https://www.nytimes.com/2018

/01/01/world/asia/korean-warhistory.html 1 in 4 Koreans experience mental disorders, but only 10% seek

professional help: Survey http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/1-in-4-koreans-experience-mental-disorders-but-only-10-seek-professional-help-survey

1 in 3 Pinoys have Mental Health Problem https://www. philstar.com/headlines/2017/10/12/1748271/1-3-pinoys-has-mental-

health-problem

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38

Notes about Contributors

Jesus or Jessie Deytiquez is a young man from the vast, sleepy, and nostalgic province of Nueva Ecija. He earned his BA in Political Science in San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila. He is now pursuing MA in Language and Literature in De La Salle University Manila. His flash fictions like "Sound and Light" and "Eulalia" can be read in cafelitcreative cafe.blogspot.co.uk (May 26 and July 1); His

"The Cold and Rainy Mountain City of Nostalgia" in www.fd81.net/freds-blog/travel-stories-treat-for-easter; And "The Sparrow's Nest" in www. storyhouse.org/jesusd2.html. Like C.S. Lewis, who is one of his favorite writers, the sight of far away and deep blue mountain ranges and the worlds of wonders in books taught him longing or Sehnsucht. He met his muse in a rainy and cold mountain city. He now aspires to see her once again, this time not in the middle of the pouring rain, but in the middle of the falling snow.

Mark Anthony Cabigas is a first year undergraduate student currently enrolled at the Philippine Normal University (PNU-Manila). He recently graduated his Senior High School with High Honors last April at Manila Tytana Colleges under the Academic Track with the strand Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). He was also recognized as First Honors when he moved up from Pasay City North High School– Main, garnering Best

in Social Studies for four consecutive years. In addition, Cabigas is also an advocate of history, heritage and culture – having attended several lecture series about cultural conservation hosted by both public and private institutions.

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Jeanette Garcia is a fourth year BA Political Science student of the University of the Philippines. A member of University of the Philippines Arirang and University of the Philippines Political Society to where she has served as the Editor in Chief of the official organization paper in 2017. Her research tracks mainly focus on East and Southeast Asian Politics. In fact, in the recent 4th Junior Conference of the Leong Center for Chinese

Studies in Ateneo de Manila University, she has presented her research on Foreign Aid and Chinese Politics. Recently, she has taken interest in the dynamics of Korean Politics which also aided her as she participated in the 2018 Korean Government Invitation Program to represent both Philippines and her university.

Daniella Denise Ajose is an incoming 4th year student, taking up Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at University of the Philippines- Diliman. Denise is currently a member of three organizations in UP, one of which is UP Arirang, a Filipino-Korean friendship organization. Her fondness for Korean culture started way back her grade school days, when she first subscribed to Hallyu. With her growing interest for the

Korean culture, she took up Korean language electives, Koreyano 10 and 11, and learned Hangul for two semesters. Recently, she also enrolled in GS 197, a special topic course dedicated to discussions on contemporary issues in Korean culture and society.

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Austine Lee, often referred to as "the typical quiet girl who loves to scribble stuff on the back of her notebook" is a 19 year old, Marketing Management student from the home of the growling tigers, the University of Santo Tomas. This essay contest was her first leap of faith; not to mention, it was her first ever writing contest to join. Beyond anything else, taking this leap of faith was the start of her journey in exploring more of her poetic and creative side.

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On April 27th 2016, the University of the Philippines launched the Korea Research Center, with the support of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) Korean Studies Promotion Service, aiming to provide Filipino scholars and researchers with opportunities to widen their interest in Korean studies. The Center hopes to be a venue for students and professionals to produce meaningful comparative researches and also to promote collaborative partnerships among Korean and Philippine institutions. The Center serves as a university-wide hub that helps promote and develop Korean Studies in the University and the country. It sponsors interdisciplinary and inter-college research and education activities on Korean studies, as well as facilitates the training of the next generation of Koreanists in the country.

The activities of UP KRC are supported by the Academy of Korean Studies – Korean Studies Promotion Service (KSPS) Grant funded by the Korean Government (AKS-2015-INC-2230012).

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UP Korea Research Center

Address: UP-CIDS Lower Ground Floor, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Magsaysay

Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Tel : +63 2 981 8500 loc 4266

Email : pkrc@up.edu.ph

Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPKRC

ISSN (Online) 2599-4277