I have noticed that our friend Eloisa was teary-eyed as she read the letter given to us by our Korean hosts during one of the dinners organized by the Mu Gung Hwa Lions Club. My wife, China Marie, felt goosebumps on her arms, the kind you get when something deeply moves you. Others in our group were also visibly emotional, their eyes brimming with tears. As for me, I simply looked up at the ceiling, hoping to keep my own tears from falling.
Moments like these, especially when you are abroad, remind you of the deep pride that comes with being Filipino. Who wouldn’t be touched by such a gesture? Despite the language barrier, the owner of NAPA Hiking Supplies, Mr. Jung Daejin, took the time to write us a heartfelt letter. He wrote:
“Hello and welcome to Korea.”
My name is Jung Daejin, who runs an outdoor brand Napa in Hongcheon. When Korea was in trouble due to war in the Philippines, you sent 7,500 soldiers. Today’s Republic of Korea has become the basis for this development. Once again, I’d like to express my deep gratitude. Make a lot of good memories in Korea, please. Thank you.”
Reading those words, you can’t help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude. There are countless reasons why Filipinos are highly regarded around the world, but our connection with Koreans stands out as something truly unique and ever-growing.
In my younger years, I remember how my wife became captivated by the Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace.” Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon I found myself joining her for marathon viewing sessions of “Jumong”. We would watch from Sunday afternoon until the early hours of Monday morning. These shared moments with Korean culture have become cherished memories for us, and they reflect how cultural exchange continues to bring our peoples closer together.
I often wish we had more time to visit the historic sites where Filipino soldiers stood their ground during the Korean War in the 1950s, fighting alongside Koreans as part of the US contingent. Maybe, God willing, on our next visit, we will include these meaningful places in our itinerary, to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our countrymen.
What matters most, however, is the recognition and warmth we receive from our Korean friends. In their hearts, Filipinos are remembered as true brothers in arms. The simple yet profound gestures, like the letter from Mr. Jung and the generous hospitality of our hosts from the Mu Gung Hwa Lions Club, are moments we will never forget. They strengthen the bond between our nations and remind us to hold our heads high, proud to say, “I am a Filipino.”
Fostering these international connections is not just a privilege but a responsibility to continue building bridges of friendship and understanding between our peoples. These experiences inspire us to keep the spirit of camaraderie alive, wherever we go. ||
