SEOUL, 14 June 2026 — More than a thousand members of the Filipino community in the Republic of Korea gathered for Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2026, a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, shared heritage, and service on 14 June 2026 at Seoul Battleship Park. Held in commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 31st National Migrant Workers Day, this year’s Pistang Pinoy highlighted the enduring strength, creativity, and strong community bonds of Filipinos in Korea.

The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, the Migrant Workers’ Office-Seoul, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Seoul, other Philippine government agencies in Korea, and Filipino community organizations from across the country. 

The cultural program opened with a colorful parade featuring more than 35 Filipino community organizations in traditional and festive attire, showcasing the diversity and rich cultural traditions of Filipinos across Korea.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez praised the close ties and mutual support among Filipinos in Korea. “It is heartwarming to see how Filipinos in the Republic of Korea have come together to celebrate our identity and shared heritage through Pistang Pinoy,” Ambassador Fernandez said. “I am awed by your talent, good spirits, and dedication. The lives of Filipinos in Korea are a testament to our strength and resilience. Your valuable contributions to Korean society continue to strengthen the friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea,” she added. 

Independence day and commemorative messages for Migrant Workers Month were also delivered during the program, including messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a community talent competition set to the iconic Filipino song “Mamang Sorbetero,” where participating organizations displayed creativity, humor, and performance skills. 

The talent competition was also followed by creative song and dance presentations by Filipino community groups.

Beyond the festivities, the Philippine Embassy and partner agencies also provided frontline services to Filipinos at the sidelines of the event, including consular assistance, labor and welfare services, tourism information, social security services, and Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund services.

The program culminated in the awarding of winners, led by Ambassador Fernandez, together with the panel of judges composed of Labor Attaché Rosemarie Duquez, Mr. Ahn Sung-pil of the Seoul Metropolitan Police, and Tourism Director Dr. Erwin Balane Jr.

Mr. Han Ki-Ung of Seoul Battleship Park was also presented a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his valuable collaboration and support in making the event a success. The celebration also featured the awarding of winners of the on-the-spot slogan-making contest, “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan,” and recognition of participants in the “Mukha ng OFW sa South Korea” poster-making competition held at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

The Seoul Filipino Catholic Community was named champion of the talent competition and received a cash prize of KRW 2,000,000. The Incheon Catholic International Community placed first runner-up, receiving KRW 1,500,000, while the Daegu Filipino Community Council was awarded second runner-up with a prize of KRW 1,000,000. The Seoul Filipino Catholic Community also received a special citation for bringing the largest delegation to Pistang Pinoy, with around 125 registered members joining the celebration.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Pistang Pinoy Coffee Truck served a variety of hot and iced coffee and juice drinks to attendees throughout the event.

Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2026 highlighted the vitality and resilience of Filipinos in the Republic of Korea, and reaffirmed the solid commitment of Philippine government agencies and community partners to support overseas Filipinos, promote Filipino culture, and deepen people-to-people connections between both nations.  END