๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐จ, ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ
The rhythmic clacking of bamboo poles and the pulsing sounds of Korean pop beats echoed through the Farmersโ Training Center as Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and South Koreaโs Yeungnam University (YU) transformed the stage into an intercultural festival of movement and melody, 16 January.ย
The Cultural Exchange Program, part of YUโs Global Volunteer Project, showcased a dialogue of heritage and friendship through spirited dance and musical performances under the theme, โEmpowering Youth through Cultural Exchange and Collaboration.โ
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Edmar N. Franquera, TAU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET), underscored the living nature of culture expressed on stage. โThrough the songs, dances, music, and artistic expressions that we will witness today, we are reminded that culture is not merely preserved in history books but is alive in our people, our stories, and our collective experiences,โ he said.
In addition, the message of TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, delivered by Dr. Leonell P. Lijauco, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance (VPPQA), framed the program as part of a deepening relationship between the Philippines and South Korea. โThis growing bond is further reflected in the movement of our people,โ the VPPQA reads. โEach individual becomes a living thread in a rich tapestry of mutual appreciation and daily diplomacy.โ
TAUโs performances presented a compelling narrative of Filipino heritage. The TAU Chorale opened the program with the folk songs โNenengโ and โVochong,โ setting a reflective tone for the morning. This was followed by the TAU Performing Guild (PG) Dance Troupe, which took the audience on a cultural journey across the nation through three distinct pieces: the Ilocano farmersโ homage โCariada ti Mannalon,โ the solemn ritual dance โSubliโ from Batangas, and the widely recognized agility of โTinikling.โ
Complementing TAUiansโ performances, students from Yeungnam University energized the stage with a high-impact K-Pop and Idol Dance performance. Their precise synchronization and modern choreography highlighted how performance arts function as a shared language of youth identity and creative expression.
The program was attended by Prof. Jinyoung Jung, Director of the Institute of Social Contribution at YU, together with officials and administrators from both universities.ย
The afternoon concluded with a lively and interactive immersion, as students from TAU and YU participated in Filipino and Korean traditional games, collaborated on crafting short social media reels, and engaged in friendly conversations.ย
With another exchange session scheduled on 19 January, the fusion of traditional dance, choral music, K-Pop, and collaborative engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
YU is a private research university in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, South Korea. Formed in 1967, YU is nationally recognized for its high bar examination passing rates and its role in producing leaders in top South Korean companies, and is internationally ranked within the 501 bracket of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
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#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #CulturalExchange #YeungnamU #SouthKorea #SDG4 #SDG11 #SDG17
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Text | Jerome L. Duque [Information Unit]
Photos | June Adel S. Guerreroย [Information Unit]
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