As part of the official support team for media events and festivals at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines -- called the Krew -- I have attended various fun, exciting and interesting events and exhibitions organized at the center. Nolja: Korea Day 2016, held at the University of the Philippines (UP) on April 26, 2016, was by far one of the best and most awesome yet.




Nolja, or 놀자, the Korean word for "let's play," was this year's official theme for the celebration of Korea Day in the UP. The event was organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC Philippines), along with participation from students at the UP, including Korean exchange students. It brought a tremendous amount of excitement and was attended by many K-pop enthusiasts from across the cities in the metropolitan area.

Various booths, contests, activities and surprise performances were on show during the one-day event.






One of the most awesome booths was the "Descendants of the Sun" booth, or simply the DOTS booth. Filled with many students and enthusiasts of Korean soap operas, the DOTS booth obviously gained the most attention from the crowd, as it was primarily based on the successful, ever-popular and top-hit Korean soap opera of today. The organizers of the DOTS booth didn't disappoint, as visitors one and all were able to try their hand at being soldiers and doctors, just like their idols.




The theme of the event speaks for itself, as all sorts of traditional Korean games and activities were also enjoyed by the students and attendees. There were booths where everyone tried writing some Korean calligraphy and writing in Hangeul, where fingernails were painted using flower extract, booths with various traditional Korean games, such as tuho, jaegi and ddakjichigi, and even some games that showcased people's talents to illustrate the beautiful Taeguekgi, or South Korean national flag.






Attendees also got to try on and some beautifully made Hanbok, the traditional clothes often worn by many Koreans on special occasions or during the holidays.

Moreover, Nolja also featured some popular Korean food where foodies got to savour famous bibimbap dishes, a Korean version of mixed rice, with lots of side dishes and vegetables, spicy rice cake tteokbokki, gimbap seaweed rolls, some flavourful shaved ice popularly known as bingsu and refreshing Korean drinks.




Aside from the booths prepared by the students, they also organized fun games that everyone just loved, like the spicy Korean fried noodles eating contest and the intriguing "pretend that you just drank poison" acting contest modeled after a common scene in Korean historical period soap operas where a character drinks some poison.

It was unusual to eat spicy noodles during the peak of summer, but because it was just for fun and because it's really a tough challenge, everyone went all out and participated in the contest.






With the overwhelming line up of activities, as well as a series of exciting raffles, the event wouldn't be complete without some beautiful performances, some modern and some traditional.






A gayageum, a traditional 12-stringed zither, was played excellently by the KCC Philippines’ very own Minji Jung. The traditional music teacher impressed the crowd as she played on the gayageum a number of traditional Korean songs. With the soothing sound of the zither combined with her expert hands, she serenaded the audience with uniquely relaxing music that is distinctly reminiscent of old Joseon times.




Performances from the KCC Philippines’ traditional dance troupe and a musical group from the UP also captivated spectators as they elegantly showcased a traditional Korean fan dance and the harmony that can be made by traditional Korean drums. Nanta, a traditional Korean drum performance, put on by students at the KCC Philippines surprised the audience with its upbeat drum presentations, also inspired by the popular Korean soap opera "Descendants of the Sun."






As one of the highlights of the event, K-pop rock band J Morning amazed all the guests with a performance of their "I Love OPM" signature piece, "Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso." J Morning is known for their wonderful versions of various Philippine songs done the K-pop way.






Also, with the superb dance treats from the Philippines’ famed K-pop cover group SE-EON, the crowd went wild and they ruled the event hall’s center stage as they danced to the music of the famous K-pop group BTS. SE-EON was the Philippines' representative at the K-pop World Festival 2015 and is known for excellently covering K-pop top hits, particularly from the Bangtan Boys.






The KCC Philippines also had a booth at the center introducing its ongoing activities, upcoming events and future programs, especially the different language and traditional art classes offered this year. Attendees also received goodies just by signing up for the Korean Cultural Center’s monthly newsletter.




Nolja: Korean Day is not just about introducing Korean traditions both old and new to the Philippine community, but is also a showcase of knowledge, excellent talent and the great history of the beautiful Korea. With events like this, it definitely provides an understanding of the diverse cultures of both the Philippines and South Korea, especially helpful in strengthening the ties between both nations.

By John Paul Vergonia
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: John Paul Vergonia