Jasmine Lee sets up association to boost Seoul-Manila ties

By Rachel Lee

Former lawmaker Jasmine Lee has established the Filipino-Korean Heritage Association (FILKOHA) to strengthen cultural and educational ties between the two nations.

The Philippine-born naturalized Korean citizen _ who was a Saenuri Party lawmaker and is also secretary general of charity Waterdrop _ launched the organization on July 1 with initiatives “fostering mutual understanding of both Filipino and Korean heritages.”

The association also aims to share knowledge by identifying, connecting and fostering the growth of the Filipino community in Korea and by being active members of Korean society.

FILKOHA has nine officers, including Lee as president, as well as Vice-President Marge Kim, who has been doing charity work for the Filipino and Korean communities; secretary Eva Marie Wang, former Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO) president; and secretary Sherlyn Kim, who is CEO of Molly Manners Korea, an author and a columnist.

Lee and other members of the group met Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez last month at the embassy in Seoul and received a registration certificate as an official association representing the Filipino community here.

FILKOHA will organize its first event, “Bingo ng Wika,” with the Hana Multicultural Center Darin to celebrate “Filipino Language Month.” It will be held at the KEB Hana Bank headquarters building in Seoul, Saturday. About 200 Koreans and foreigners are expected to join the event that will include games and competitions centered on the Filipino culture and its language, Tagalog.

The Philippines has designated August as its national language month. Before the proclamation signed by former President Fidel Ramos in 1997, the celebration, which was called “Linggo Ng Wika” then, was limited to a week, FILKOHA said.

Lee said she hoped Filipino immigrants take pride in their language and culture while Koreans as well as foreigners learn about Philippine culture through the event.

All contributions will be used to establish a Filipino-Korean Heritage Learning Center, the association said.