K-Drama OST Concert to celebrate 75 years of Philippine-South Korea Diplomatic Relations

Earlier this month, the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Busan, South Korea also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two nations. Held at the Busan Eurasia Platform, Outdoor Plaza, the event saw performances by HORI7ON, Esay Bulanio, Zephanie, Zack Tabudlo, and SB19. It also featured the special appearance of Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine national women's volleyball team. A brief comment by Sisi Rondina onstage set the online world ablaze pitting volleyball and the A'TIN fans against each other. The non-controversy has cooled since then.

Gaho
photo from @ad_gaho at instagram

But the anniversary celebrations continue in Philippine shores this time around with a concert highlighting the music of K-Dramas that has swept the nation for more than two decades already.

The concert, entitled OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, happens on June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. The performance features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera. Also performing is South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho who topped the Korean charts with Start Over" (시작) from the OST of Itaewon Class Part 2. Two of the country's promising recording artists, Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie, will also perform songs from Filipino adaptations of K-Dramas.

Julie Anne San Jose
photo from @myjaps at instagram

The concert is for free and one just needs to reserve seats (if there are still any available, through this site: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

Zephanie
photo from @zephanie at instagram

OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC).

Reprinted below is the press release for OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

OST SYMPHONY: K-DRAMA IN CONCERT CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE-KOREAN CULTURAL HARMONY

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC) present OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, slated on Saturday, June 29, 2pm, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City.

Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will enchant audiences with unforgettable melodies from beloved South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. From tear-jerking ballads to heart-pounding themes, each piece promises to evoke cherished memories and emotions associated with iconic K-dramas such as My Love from the Star, Descendants of the Sun, and Crash Landing on You.

South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will captivate listeners with his soulful renditions of K-drama OST favorites. Also, as part of the celebration, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of well-loved K-dramas.

Since March 3, 1949, the Philippines and the South Korean governments have maintained a multi-faceted relationship, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields. It started when the Philippines - one of the first countries to respond to the United Nations' call for aid - sent its forces, the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), to support South Korea against the aggression of North Korea. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved to become a rich tapestry of diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines. Likewise, Filipino culture, including music, dance, and cuisine, enjoys a growing following in South Korea. These cultural exchanges and exposure also play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Philippine-South Korean diplomatic and cultural relations with this extraordinary concert, showcasing the vibrant talents of both South Korean and Filipino artists, and building stronger ties through the universal language of music,” she added.

The OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert exemplifies the power of music to transcend borders, fostering unity and mutual understanding among people from diverse nations.

The event is free to the public. To reserve seats, you may visit: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

For latest updates, follow the official CCP, NCCA, and KCC social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph