31 August 2025, Jeju, South Korea — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul successfully held the 2025 Palarong Pinoy and Multicultural Family Day on 31 August 2025 at the Shimin Bokji Citizens Welfare Town Plaza in Jeju-si, South Korea. This vibrant event is part of the Embassy’s ongoing cultural diplomacy and community engagement efforts aimed at fostering unity and cultural pride among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino marriage migrants, and multicultural families in South Korea.

Now on its third year, the 2025 edition continues the momentum built by previous Palarong Pinoy gatherings, the first held in 2023 at Yongsan Family Park, Seoul, and again in 2024 at Wolchoen Park, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. 

The day’s festivities began with an energizing Zumba warm-up led by Ms. Cristel Gonzales and her dance team, setting an upbeat tone that was eagerly embraced by early attendees, including Filipino community members and Embassy personnel. The Philippine National Anthem, performed a cappella by Ms. Nerissa Gavino, followed shortly after. Opening prayers were offered by Pastor John Kim of Y.E.S. Church in Jeju and Ms. Cornelia DG. Chanco, Welfare Officer of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

During the opening program, Chargé d’Affaires Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza gave his welcome remarks. In his message, CDA Mendoza highlighted the importance of preserving traditional Filipino games and the values they carry in today’s fast-paced digital world, such as bayanihan, respect for fair play and pride in our cultural identity.

CDA Mendoza also shared a meaningful reflection on the sarangola making and flying contest, which symbolizes hope and joy in watching one’s creation “rise, soar, and dance in the sky, just like the dreams of every Filipino living and working abroad.”

Newly-arrived Labor Attaché Rosemarie G. Duquez of the Migrant Workers Office also gave her message. Addressing the OFWs, Labatt Duquez shared her background in labor and migration issues, particularly the Employment Permit System (EPS). She assured the Filipino community of her commitment to provide efficient and high-quality service, while expressing her readiness to listen to their concerns and extend support.

The occasion was also graced by distinguished guests from the local government and multicultural organizations in Jeju, whose presence highlighted the strong institutional support for multicultural initiatives and reaffirmed Jeju’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding. Among those present were Councilor Hong In Sook, Member of the Health, Welfare and Security Committee, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council; Director Lee Semun of the Jeju Migrant Peace Community; Director Moon Sang-in of Jeju Family Center; Director Kim San Og of Jeju Counselling Center for Women Migrants, Director Han Yonggil of Jeju Migrant Worker Support Center and Director Lee Eun Ha of the Seogwipo Multicultural Support Center. 

The Palaro brought together nearly 200 members of the Filipino community in Jeju, including overseas Filipino workers, marriage migrants, and their children. This enthusiastic turnout reflected the community’s desire for cultural connection, a sense of home, and shared togetherness. The event successfully fulfilled its goals of fostering unity among OFWs and Filipino marriage migrants and their families in Jeju, promoting Filipino culture and traditions, and providing a meaningful opportunity for Filipinos on the island to reconnect with their heritage through traditional games, music, and a spirit of camaraderie.

The games’ participants were divided into two teams - Red and Blue. The players engaged in traditional Filipino games such as Patintero, Human Dama, Sack Race, Luksong Garter, Basagan ng Palayok, and Hilahang Lubid, while children were introduced to classic Filipino games of Sungka, Jackstone, Tumbang Preso, Sipa, and Piko. 

One of the highlights of the Palaro was the kite-making contest. Entries to the contest were filled with Filipino symbols like eagles, and designs using the red, blue, and white colors. The winning kite was made by a Filipino-Korean boy that featured hand-painted images of the Rizal Monument, Mayon Volcano, a coconut tree, and the words “I LOVE PH,” showing his creativity and love for the Philippines.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were vibrant performances from Filipino talents in Jeju. Mr. Roi Gonzales and his Korean wife, Ms. Julia Kim, captivated the crowd with soulful renditions of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). A Filipino-Korean teenage girls’ group composed of Kim Minkyeong, Kim Mihyun, Kim Hahyun, and Hee Sora further energized the event with dynamic dance performances set to popular Filipino pop songs.

An impromptu community caroling session, led by Mr. Joel Rosuello and Ms. Han Ari, added warmth and nostalgia, unofficially ushering in the long Filipino Christmas season, a moment that evoked the deep sense of family and home among the overseas Filipinos in Jeju island.

The day concluded with exciting raffle draws, the distribution of Filipino snacks, and continued laughter and bonding. Hosting the event were Mr. Christopher Vistan and Ms. Andrea Data, who ensured high energy and active participation throughout.

More than a day of fun and games, the 2025 Palarong Pinoy and Multicultural Family Day in Jeju was a celebration of unity, identity, and shared roots. It offered the Filipino community a chance to reconnect with their culture, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen their bonds—reminding everyone that the Filipino spirit remains vibrant, wherever in the world it may be.

The Philippine Embassy extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, volunteers, community leaders, and institutional partners who made the event a resounding success. The Embassy reaffirms its commitment to promoting programs that celebrate Filipino culture, instill pride, and support the Filipino community in South Korea. END