'Merienda' Celebrates 75 Years of Friendship Between Korea and the Philippines

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) continues to celebrate 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines. Last July 31, 2024, a unique culinary event, “Merienda: Phil-Kor Culinary Heritage Exchange” was held at the KCC.

The event featured esteemed chefs Lily Min and Reggie Aspiras in a delightful afternoon tea setting, showcasing traditional desserts from both nations.

The afternoon's highlight was the live culinary demonstrations by the two renowned chefs. Chef Lily Min captivated the audience with her expert preparation of Korean desserts using Filipino ingredients - ube and pandan - including Assorted Korean Rice Ball Cake and White Rice Cake with Honey. Chef Reggie Aspiras impressed attendees with her innovative approach to Filipino desserts made with Korean ingredients, featuring Suman with Mangoes and Korean Citron.

Guests from the Malaysian Embassy and invited press were able to engage in a hands-on experience, creating their own Assorted Korean Rice Ball Cakes using pre-prepared rice cake dough. The event concluded with a delightful afternoon tea, where guests enjoyed a variety of Korean and Filipino desserts and drinks.

“And just like how both Korea and the Philippines love using glutinous rice in desserts, I hope our nations' relationship remains tight and sticky, just like suman or 찹쌀떡,” Madame Lee Eun-hwa, wife of the Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Lee Sang-hwa, expressed.

This cultural exchange not only celebrated the rich culinary traditions of Korea and the Philippines but also strengthened the bond between the two nations, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding through the universal language of food.