Pinoy Teachers Share Filipino Culture with Korean Students

A couple of months ago, a Filipina teacher went viral after speaking in Tagalog to her foreign students. Many were happy that she was proud of the language and seeks to share some of this knowledge to her students.

Recently, a group of Pinoy teachers also went viral for a similar feat as share the Filipino culture to Korean students.

At least 20 teachers who come from various regions all over the Philippines went to South Korea for a special program under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) Teacher Exchange Program.

Photo credit: Chandler Bumatay-Ibabao / PNA

Under this special program, the selected teachers get to visit South Korea. They will be assigned in various regions in the country, with the aim of teaching elementary or high school students their major subjects as well as the culture and history of the Philippines.

In turn, some teachers from South Korea will also go to the Philippines to teach their major subjects plus Korea’s history and culture.

One of those chosen to participate in the program is 39-year-old public school teacher, Chandler Ibabao. A native of Apayao in northern Philippines, Ibabao was assigned for a 3-month program at Daejeon Jeonmin Elementary School in South Korea.

The teacher happily shared many aspects of Filipino culture, teaching her Korean students how to do popular Pinoy folk dances such as the tinikling.

Photo credit: Chandler Bumatay-Ibabao / PNA

In photos she shared, the teacher wore a traditional Isnag attire as she demonstrated the dance to her students. Although it was only a 3-month program, the stint will forever remain in Chandler’s heart.

I will be forever grateful and indebted for making me feel at home away from home. Thank you for giving me multiple opportunities as to work, travel and cultural exposure which made me a better individual,” she said in a farewell speech after the program ended.

Supported by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Program was launched in 2012.

What are the Popular Filipino Folk Dances?

The Filipino culture is rich and diverse. One could see that in the many languages, costumes, customs, and folk dances around the country.

Some of the most popular Filipino folk dances are:

  • Tinikling
  • Pandanggo sa Ilaw
  • Maglalatik
  • Kuratsa
  • Itik-Itik
  • Singkil