Jinju Silk Lanterns at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

If you're looking for a serene yet inspiring cultural escape this season, I highly recommend dropping by the Jinju Silk Lanterns exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. Running from May 24 until July 31, 2025, the exhibit transforms the KCC space in Taguig into a glowing wonderland of light, tradition, and storytelling. I visited last weekend, and stepping into the hall felt like walking into a living painting—lanterns in soft silk hues swaying gently above me, each one telling a quiet story.

These aren’t just pretty lights. The Jinju silk lanterns come from a deep-rooted tradition tied to the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in South Korea. It began centuries ago, during the Imjin War, when lanterns were floated on the river as a tribute to fallen soldiers. Over time, the practice evolved into a vibrant festival symbolizing hope, remembrance, and the power of light to connect people. Seeing them up close, you get a real sense of that reverence. Each lantern, handcrafted using traditional hanji paper and silk, carries an aura of both fragility and strength.

 

Beyond the breathtaking visuals, what I loved most about the exhibit is how interactive and immersive it feels. There are guided tours available on select days, where knowledgeable docents share the stories and cultural context behind each lantern piece. I took one of these tours and learned so much—about mythical creatures, old Korean legends, and even the modern artists who reinterpret these symbols for today. It really deepened my appreciation for what might otherwise seem like just a decorative display.

 

 

And here’s a fun bonus: every Friday this July (on the 4th, 11th, and 18th), KCC is hosting Hanbok Fridays. Yes, you can wear traditional Korean attire and take stunning photos surrounded by the glowing lanterns. Trust me, it’s a photographer’s dream—and such a fun way to experience Korean culture firsthand. Whether you're going solo, on a date, or with family and friends, this is the kind of memory you'll want to look back on.

So if you haven’t yet, make time to visit before the exhibit ends on July 31. It’s free, thoughtfully curated, and offers a quiet escape from the city’s usual buzz. Don’t forget to book your guided tour slot online (here’s the link: bit.ly/LightsOfKoreaGuidedTour). I promise—it’s worth the visit.

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afternoon with the gang of KIMMY DORA 2

a small chitchat with bloggers took place with the masterminds of the success and great anticipation of the new movie, Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme. the gang of Kimmy Dora comprised of Eugene Domingo (Kimmy/Dora), Bb. Joyce Bernal (director), Chris Martinez (writer). the movie will be in theaters starting June 13 nationwide.
Eugene, Joyce and Chris talked about how fun and challenging the production of Kimmy Dora is. as for Chris, it was a bit easier for him to produce the plot of the sequel unlike how he introduced the characters in the first movie. we'll be served with a comedy movie with a twist of horror and adventure which makes it more engaging to the audience. even kids will love it too.

as the plot requires to set in Korea, Eugene and Joyce remembers their experiences shooting with Korean staff. they explained how serious they are when they work despite Eugene and Joyce goofing around, shopping. Chris, on the other hand, while he is here in Manila, developed our characters' traits. Kimmy and Dora got richer and all others, funnier. the characters in the movie resemble little bits of the actors in real life, Chris Martinez says.

production of the movie was made even easier by those who contributed their time and talents especially the clothing designers who developed Kimmy and Dora's clothes: Jan Garcia, Rajo Laurel, Joey Samson, Kaye Morales, Rhett Eala, Tatah Galias, Marlon Rivera, Maxie Cinco, Ferdie Abuel, Jerome Salaya Ang, Cay Cuasay and Oz Go. you'll see their works within the movie.

Eugene has achieved a lot and she's thankful for the support that fans give her. soon, you'll see her reprise a role portrayed by the superstar Ms. Nora Aunor in PETA's remake of Bona. we'll see Eugene Domingo again take the stage where she has started. and also in I Do Bidoo Bidoo singing Apo Hiking Society songs in a musical movie feature. this is with Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano.

Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme is by Springfilms and ABS-CBN Star Cinema. showing on June 13, 2012 in theaters nationwide. see the official music video below.

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do Koreans really love it here?

last Sunday, napadaan ako sa Arirang TV and they are showing a kid's quiz show entitled Super Kids. it was yet the elimination round and the questions are about a famous novel called Heidi by Johanna Spyri. i don't know the answers to the question because i haven't read the book nor saw the Japan animation adaptation. pero what i know is that it's about a shepherd girl from France. the kids did great. and 5 children survived until the final round.

the real subject on this blog is not the students but the prizes. when they flashed the profiles of the children, one kid goes "Mom, dad, grandma, I promise I'll take you to the Philippines!" what?! would you think it would be better for them to stay there? and isn't it that there are more places rather than here? that was my initial reaction when I saw that profile. maybe it's a big deal for an elementary kid to get here but at first I thought he's nuts. i'm not degrading our country and of course i love it here. but they have a lot of other choices. HK is there, Tokyo, Beijing, and Singapore may be considered. and what's with us anyway that urged them to come over?

and here are the prizes:
GRAND PRIZE - family package to the Philippines (didn't mention where)
laptop, digital camera, mp3 player, Nintendo DS

for me, I would rather have those other techie stuff. besides, the Philippines is always here. I can go anywhere, anytime I want.

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