Filipinos Search for Local Icons
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
The Filipino Catholic community in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul, is organizing a contest to find the Filipino man and woman who best represent the country's culture.
The ``Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang Filipino,'' or Mr. and Ms. Filipino Culture, to be held in October, is aimed at showcasing the best of Filipino culture through dance, songs, costumes, values and traditions.
Every year, the community organizes concerts and beauty pageants to raise funds for its outreach programs, such as medical assistance for Filipino workers in Korea, and scholarships.
``Previous beauty pageants highlighted beauty, physical appearance, talent and intelligence. Though we consider these to be of importance, this year's event gives prime importance to how Filipino culture and values are highlighted, lived, expressed and portrayed by the candidates,'' organizers said.
The finals will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Tongseong High School Auditorium, Hyehwa-dong.
There are six female and six male candidates, who are currently living in Korea but came from different parts of the Philippines.
During the finals, candidates will perform dances, songs and music that emphasize Filipino culture and history.
They will also wear traditional Filipino costumes, such as the Maria Clara gown for women and Barong Tagalog shirt for men, as well as costumes from the different regions of the country.
Tickets for the show are 10,000 won. Each holder will have a chance to win 1 million won in cash and other prizes in a draw. Visit www.sambayanan.org for details.