An endeavor sponsored by the Philippine Embassy to Korea is highlighting Filipinos and Filipinas living here and their attempts to maintain the spirit of the country's national hero.

Titled "Finding Jose Rizal in South Korea: Reflections by Filipino Migrants," the 35-page book is a collection of prize-winning essays, depicting people's lives as minorities in Korea.

The book, published at the end of last month, contains 10 essays and 40 photos.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos also contributed to the book as a guest writer.

He was a member of the Philippine contingent dispatched to Korea during the Korean War (1950-53), and was invited by the government here to attend the 60th anniversary of the war as a guest of honor.

Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea Luis Cruz noted, "This book not only affirms the inherent talent of our overseas Filipinos but also allows them to express, in a creative form, their aspirations and the difficult decisions they had to make in order to assist their families back home."

In Korea, over 50,000 Filipinos are currently working, studying, or married to Korean spouses, comprising a big portion of the expatriate community here.

What is the real connection is between their national hero and Philippine residents in Korea?

The answer is found in a comment by Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Commission in the Philippines, who said, "Rizal suffered terrible homesickness just like the modern overseas foreign workers. He was the epitome of OFW adventures and misadventures and mirrored the vibrancy of the cultures he met as he crisscrossed the globe."

Having lived in exile much of his life, Rizal took shelter in many different countries around the world including Spain.

He didn't stop in Korea, yet spent time in Japan and Hong Kong, carrying out his campaign for reform in his beloved country under the colonial rule of Spain.

His spirit is still taken as an inspiration for Filipinos, who will celebrate the 150th year of his birth next year.


skim@koreatimes.co.kr