Performers in the 31st annual Korea-Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival on Sept. 30 last year pose for a group photo.

By Yoon Seungjin

Photos = Korean Cultural Center in Philippines

A festival celebrating the long-standing friendship and cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines will be held next week in Manila.

The Korean Cultural Center in Taguig said the 32nd annual Korea-Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival will open on Sept. 30 at the shopping mall Robinsons Place Manila in the capital's Ermita area.

From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the festival's booths will offer interactive cultural programs like allowing visitors to learn and practice Hangeul calligraphy. Also on the schedule is a crafts exhibition hosted by the Philippine Commission for Culture and the Arts and a kimchi-making event for the first 100 people who sign up during the pre-registration period.

Later from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., a parade featuring participants wearing traditional Korean and Philippine clothing will go from the mall to Korea town in Manila's Malate neighborhood. Anyone wearing traditional clothing from either country like Hanbok, barong tagalog (embroidered long-sleeved formal men's shirt) and baro't saya (blouse and skirt) can take part without prior application.

The main event is slated from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. with performances by dance teams and musicians from both countries. The Korean dance team Sweep Art Company, soprano Sung Moon-won, and Philippine pop groups Pluus and YGIG will take the stage.

Actor Kim Seung-soo, who appeared in the 2006 K-drama "Jumong," will host this year's event as a promotional ambassador. 

For more information on the festival and its schedule, visit the event's official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PhilKorCulturalExchangeFestival).

This is the official poster of the 32nd annual Korea-Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival.

scf2979@korea.kr