(published in the April 2018 print issue of Groove Magazine)
There are a number of women expat organizations in Seoul. They make the lives of women expats more active and livelier. There are more established ones and there are the recently-established organizations. But they all draw women for the same reasons: belonging to a community and having a support group.
Expat women, working or not, thrive in a community where they feel they belong. Most often, membership to an expat group empowers the members to do things that were just once imagined. There is strength in numbers, so they say. And when women support each other, incredible things happen. Women expat organizations are known to hold events that benefit noble causes and projects.
The Philippine Women’s Club (PWC) is fairly new here in Seoul but it has actively pursued its aim to promote Philippine cultural pride through its activities and has continuously fostered amiable relationships among local and foreign communities based on mutual respect through volunteer works, organization and participation in social and cultural affairs. For Filipino women, the PWC bridges the social divide with other expat groups.
The PWC started in 2013 as “The 601 Habit”. It has done meaningful projects for beneficiaries in the Philippines and here in Korea. In July 2017, it celebrated its re-birth from its original group name to become what is now the “Philippine Women’s Club”.
True to its thrust to promote the Philippine culture, the PWC holds an annual month-long program called “Buwan ng Wika sa Korea” every August, a take-off from the Buwan ng Wika celebration back in the Philippines. During these celebrations, interactive lecture of the Filipino culture is being done in several locations such as hagwons, multicultural and global centers. Members and volunteers of PWC would spend time reaching out to local and expat children to give presentation about the Philippine culture through songs, dances and games.Interactive Lecture for the members of the Global Youth Foundation)
Highlight of the “Buwan ng Wika sa Korea” is the Philippine Jewelry Making. This is a popular and effective activity of introducing Philippine craft of making accessories using materials from the Philippines. Though on limited slots, this is open to everyone interested to learn and appreciate Philippine handmade accessories.
PWC is not limited to sharing the Philippine culture. In its desire to promote mutual respect and appreciation, PWC takes the lead in introducing the culture of the host country in its most attractive form – the Hanbok fashion. Last year, PWC hosted the Hanbok and Tea Party and it was well-received. Participants learned how to do the elegant and graceful ritual of a tea ceremony. Interestingly, timing and order of preparation matter a lot and the way one does it could give varying results – your tea could taste exquisite at its best or bitter at its worst. Preparing tea requires skills… and serenity.
The Hanbok and Tea Party was an impressive sight and gave valuable experience. This year, the PWC is hosting another one this coming April 28, 2018. Participants come in their hanbok and enjoy the tea ceremony and dessert-making at the Korean Temple Food Center in Anguk-dong, Jongno. This promises to be another fun and memorable event. Inquiries and request for slot reservation, send your email to: philwomensclub@gmail.com.
The Philippine Women’s Club has a Facebook page with the same Facebook name (Philippine Women’s Club). All Filipino and other expat women are welcome to join their activities and be part of the community. As one respected Filipina said, “Remember your roots but expand your world-view”… this is true for all, that’s why sharing of cultures is an integral experience for everyone.
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