The Hyundai Mobility Experience commemorated the Philippines and South Korea’s 75-year friendship through fashion, art, dance, and music.
In celebration of the Philippines and South Korea’s 75 years of enduring friendship, the Hyundai Mobility Experience: Partnership Beyond Borders emerged as a connection transcending miles to foster deep bonds between the two nations. The event, which transpired from April 26 to 28 at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall, was more than just a showcase of automotive prowess. It also represented a convergence of cultures, ideas, and aspirations.
The Hyundai Mobility Experience intertwined the realms of innovation and cooperation through music, art, fashion, and dance. Initiatives like this signifies commitment to progress, camaraderie, and interconnectedness.
Uniting two cultures
The event commenced with a kulintang drum performance from the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and Pilipino Etniko Ritmo Kanta sa Sayaw (PERKS). Their performance blended beats of Korean and Filipino instruments as the dancers took the floor.
Miss Korea Philippines 2018 and actress Shine Kuk introduced the VIPs who delivered speeches after the opening performances.
Hyundai Motors Philippines’ President Dongwook Lee described the exhibit, which highlighted both nations’ interests and passion. “We look forward to continuously fortifying the borders between Korea and the Philippines,” he said.
Mandaluyong City Administrator Ernesto Victorino also welcomed the VIPs and attendees at the event. His speech reflected how Korean culture is now embedded in the Filipino heritage through samgyupsal, K-Pop music, and Korean shows.
Fusing cultures through upcycled fashion
Four fashion designers demonstrated incredible talent and their commitment to sustainable creativity during the event. Their concepts showed that upcycling materials can result in beautiful and stylish wearables.
Glyn Alley Magtibay’s “Synthesia” is an imaginative combination of the Filipino baro’t saya and the Korean Hanbok. The designer’s piece consisted of discarded X-rays with a style inspired by beauty and uniqueness. It aims to encourage creatives to think outside the box and breathe new life to things considered as waste.
Pastillas wrappers served as Amor Albano’s inspiration for her design, “East Meets Amore: A Fusion of Korean and Filipino.” She utilized light materials for airiness and used the colors of the Philippines’ sampaguita and South Korea’s cherry blossoms.
Glady Rose Pantua is the creative mind behind “Strange Beauty,” a Filipiniana-Hanbok fusion. It has tassels, pearl beads, and other details that are unique to the traditional outfits. She applied colorful, handwoven yakan clothing from the indigenous people in Basilan, Sulu, promoting locally sourced materials in creative works.
Sculptor, jewelry maker, street artist, and designer Leeroy New was responsible for the “Carapace BioSuit” and the ceiling installation “Bioniq 1.0.” The former is made from reconstituted saw dust. The installation also derived from saw dust along with rattan and copper grounds. His works combine sustainability with fashion and innovation.
Hyundai also displayed an opulent array of their vehicles such as the Staria, Stargazer X, Santa Fe, and Custin, apart from the IONIQ 5.
Transcending borders
KCC Director Myeongjin Kim honored the participation of the Filipino artists who showcased their designs and artistry at the event. “We are commemorating the enduring significance of our friendship, diplomacy, and economies,” Kim explained. He said gatherings as such would deepen mutual understanding and foster connections that transcend borders.
Partnership Beyond Borders not only strengthened the Philippines and South Korea’s diplomatic ties. It also paved the way for a collaborative future grounded on respect and boundless possibilities. It was more than an exhibition–it was also a testament to the unifying power of cultural exchange.
Banner photo from Hyundai Motors Philippines.
