In celebration for the 70 years of good bilateral relations between Korea and Philippines, a 3-day special event was held in Seoul, South Korea last September 27 -29, 2019. It was the first “Korea Pinoy International Film Festival”, which showcased a great variety of Films.
The ceremony was opened with a performance by Benedict Balagot from Valenzuela City, Philippines.
MPJ Productions and JPP Dreamworld Productions flew to South Korea to speak on the GV session of the film “The Secret of Philippine Peso (Ang sikreto ng Piso) starring Ariel Rivera and Gelli De Belen. It was the first film that was showed on the first day of The First Korea Pinoy International Film Festival. A Q & A session was hosted by Roderick Alo (Tanghalang Banyuhay, Inc) and Rosie Peralta (Pinoy Artists in Korea).
Here are the attendees from MPJ productions and JJP Dreamworld Productions who also discussed the challenges of producing the movie.
Noreen Espejon (MPJ Productions), Joyce Penas Pilarsky (CEO), Bench Bello (President) and Ma. Victoria Penas (Vice President) of JJP Dreamworld Productions (From Left).
After the discussion, the film was played and the audience were thrilled to see it.
Picture of the staff was taken to remeber this day.
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The 2nd day of the event started with the screening of Alden Richard and Kathryn Bernardo’s Highest grossing Pinoy Film of all time, “Hello, Love, Goodbye”.
Many Filipinos in Korea are excited to watch the film that was made possible by Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea and TFC Korea.
It was followed by “Best in Mapua” by School of Media Studies of Mapua University.
While “You with Me” by Gitana Productions (which was filmed in Seoul) was the KPIFF 2019 Festival Spotlight. A program was held for the Filmakers (who flew to Korea from the Philippines), Korean Actors and producers of the film.
The program was hosted by DJ Mac who asks interesting questions to Rommel Ricafort (Director), Shine Ricafort (Writer and producer), Sunkuen Ahn (Director of photography), Hyejeong Kim (Producer, Film Line), Taisik Kim (Executive Director, Film Line) and Nina Jung of Seoul Film Commission.
Fans of Korean Actor Hyun Woo flew all the way from Japan just to support him. After the film screening, DK Soul grace the stage with his performance of the OST of the Filipino-Korean Film.
The night was filled with laughter and “Kilig” moments shared by the audiences that night along with the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community members.
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As we always say, save the best for Last. On the Last day of the 3 day event of KPIFF, a Red Carpet was prepared for the Korean and Filipino Actors, Producers, Directors, Filipino community in Korea and Koreans who are interested in Philippine Culture and arts.
A “Sari-Sari Store” booth was also set up to showcase Filipino food with cocktails for Koreans and Foreigners to taste and be introduced to our delicious delicacies.
Before the main program, Boys Selection, Pearl of the Orient, Cabalen All Stars and Seoul White Lies showed of their talents with their energetic dance moves as they grace the stage with their awesome performances. A second viewing of “Hello Love Goodbye”, Short Film Selection and Directors Showcase program are screened on Arirang Cine Center
A tearjerking performance about “Migration” by Tanghalang Banyuhay opened the Closing Ceremony of the 3 day event of KPIFF 2019.After their performance, Ambassador Noe Wong gave a speech about the 70th year of Korea and Philippines bilateral relationship.
It was followed by the awarding of the organizers, participating films, volunteers, supporters and partners of KPIFF 2019 which was given by the Ambassador of Philippine embassy in Korea, Nash Ang and Rosie Peralta (Executive Director of Pinoy Artists in Korea)
The Korea Pinoy International Film Festival 2019 was formally closed with the speech given by Nash Ang.
After the festivities, “The Luxury Bus” was played as the closing film which was followed by a Q and A session for the Director and producer’s of the film.
After the one year preparation, Korea Pinoy International Film Festival is a massive success. The event was made possible with the help of the people of Seongbuk-gu Government, Seongbuk-gu Cultural Foundation, Philippine Embassy in Korea, PLDT Global, Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea, Tanghalang Banyuhay, Koreigners, Mapua University – School of Media Studies, Rotary Club of Dong Pocheon, GoodNewsPilipinas.com, Coinshot, Seoul Filipino Catholic Community, Salad Multicultural Theater Company, Pinoy Seoul Media Enterprise and Pinoy Artists in Korea.
