By Honorary Reporter Patricia Doreen Celso from Philippines
Photos = Patricia Doreen Celso

The KCC in the Philippines on Nov. 25 holds the BGC Passionfest in Metro Manila, the Philippines.

The vibrant streets of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Metro Manila, the Philippines, came alive on Nov. 25 as the BGC Passionfest was held in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Taguig. As part of the Honorary Reporters community, I attended the cultural celebration, which was resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the theme "Glocal: Color and Culture Festival," the festival showcased a diverse mix of global and domestic culture through musical performances, art exhibitions, parades, food markets and fun runs.

Appearing at the event was the Korean percussion group Tago, which is globally renowned for its synchronized beats and energetic movements. Its reputation earned on international stages and through a promotional video for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics made it an honor to see their exceptional talent firsthand.

Unfortunately, rain interrupted the much-anticipated onstage performance by Tago after the parade, but the energy, passion and commitment of the performers during the parade left a lasting impression.

The KCC booth at the BGC Passionfest features nail dyeing using bongseonhwa (balsalm or touch-me-not flower) and a photo zone.

On a brighter note, the booth for bongseonhwa (balsalm or touch-me-not flower) nail dyeing offered a traditional art technique. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. I had to dip my fingernails into the dye, resulting in a reddish-orange hue.

The nail coloring began as the nail artist mixed the dye with water. Slowly, the mixture thickened to create the perfect consistency for application. Using a gentle brush, she carefully coated my nails with the vibrant dye, ensuring every surface was covered.

While waiting for my nails to get done, I had an engaging conversation with the artist. She shared a charming folk belief related to her craft, a romantic superstition that if the orange color lasts on my nails until the first snow of the year, I will meet my first or true love. I couldn't help but burst into laughter, saying, "Oh no, there's no snow in the Philippines."

I had a lot of fun at the event in taking photos at the photo booth, getting my nails dyed and receiving a souvenir from the KCC.

With meticulous care, the artist delicately wiped away the dried petals on my nails, showing the stunning result of her craftsmanship. My nails was transformed into a unique work of art, reflecting the beauty and creativity of her craft. I was also surprised with a souvenir -- a small compact for the dyeing process -- allowing me to recreate the experience at home.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.