Wish Bus South Korea Joins Migrants' Arirang Multicultural Festival 2024

Music transcends barriers on many levels — including culture and language. 

Showcasing this characteristic of music, the Wish Bus South Korea went to Changwon, South Gyeongsang, on October 12, 2024, to take part in the Migrants' Arirang Multicultural Festival (MAMF).

The annually held MAMF touts itself as Korea’s largest cultural diversity event. During this year’s installment, the Wish Bus, parked along the scenic Yongji Culture Park, hosted several performances from musicians in the region. 

The roster of performers included Nounkhan (Mongolia) and Quach Tuan Du (Vietnam). Among the Philippine representatives were JPS, Mark Boniola, Maria Anne Casas, Wowie Jamil, and KDR Music House talent Esay Belanio.

Both JPS and Belanio previously graced the Wish Bus Korea launch in Busan.

“Kami po ay nandito sa Migrants' Arirang Multicultural Festival, ang pinakamalaking multicultural festival sa Korea. At ang Pilipinas po ang featured country para sa taong ito. Atin din pong idinaraos ang 75th anniversary of Philippines-Korea Diplomatic Relations this year,” remarked H.E. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, the Philippine Ambassador to Korea.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria from the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Cultural Diplomacy (DFA-OCD) lauded the event’s purpose.

Apart from Wish Bus performances, Filipino acts showed off their musical chops on the main stage in Yongi Culture Park and Seongsan Art Hall. Pop group HORI7ON, together with Belanio and the Bayanihan National Dance Company, headlined the said performances. 

This year’s MAMF took place from October 11 to 13 with the theme “Together to Gather: A Festival for Global Citizens.” A total of 21 countries, four Korean diaspora associations, and six Central and South American nations participated.

Written by Emmy Borromeo

Photos by Kenneth Valladolid, Photoville International - Korea