Itaewon Global Festival 2013 [Buzz Korea]

This article is written for the promotion of  Incheon Asian Games 2014 

Itaewon is the paradise of foreigners in Korea. It can be called as the little world village in Korea. Especially on weekends you may be surprised to see that Itaewon doesn’t looks like a Korean city rather it seems like a place of mixed cultures. People from all around the globe can be seen here. It is therefore a main tourist attraction where you can find cultural stuff and foods of every nation. Itaewon global festival is arranged every year to promote the mixed culture of Itaewon and to bring harmony, peace, love and respect for every culture since 2008. It has grown to become the representative culture festival of Seoul.

The Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every fall, brings together a fun coated with Korean traditions and foreign cultures in Itaewon Special Tour Zone (Itaewon Station ~ Noksapyeong Station).  It is indeed an eccentric multicultural event where people learn about and experience different philosophies of life. A number of proceedings take place during the festival inaugurating with an opening ceremony, performances of traditional dance from home and abroad as well as the Global Food Festival which runs throughout the weekend.

2013 Itaewon Global Village Festival took place from October 12 ~13. This was a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures in one place. The festival was free for everyone visiting Itaewon during the festival’s two-day run. Major programs included in this event were, a large-scale parade featuring each country’s national costume and traditional performances, a global food zone, a display of world institutions and customs, and hands-on activities on traditional folk games of the world. 

It was a nice opportunity for me to explore the traditions & cultures of various countries, Itaewon’s foreign culture and invigorate Itaewon area and attractions during 2013 Itaewon Global Village Festival. The World Culture Festival parade was held on October 12th. This large scale parade was joined by 29 teams and over 700 people were part of this parade from Hangangjin Station to Noksapyeong Station through Itaewon for about 1.5 km. With the Military band and the honor guard of the Ministry of Defense at the head, it was a great show of traditional costumes, performances, and traditional dances. The colorful faces, amazing costumes, lively people, the enthusiasm, love and respect for each other made this day a memorable day of my life. I thought for a while that world’s peace can be promoted at its best by sharing culture, traditions, and possessions of common interest.

Like all the other countries my beloved Pakistan has also a great presentation in this international festival. All the credit goes to the Pakistan Student Association Korea. It has been second time that the students association has the privilege to represent the diverse culture of Pakistan in a bunch of world culture show. Pakistani stall was one of the busiest booths among the stalls of Itaewon global festival. The “HINA stall” was a triumph and fascination of the Pakistani booth. The beautiful and attractive HINA designs attracted girls of different nations, backgrounds and cultures towards Pakistani stall. It was already decided that the income from the booth will be donated to “Baluchistan earthquake Victims” and this was indeed a big and noble cause. People from all fields of life contributed to this worthy cause and the students from different universities in Seoul participated with their friends to make it a success.

The parade was followed by a K-POP concert around 5:00 PM. K-POP show was an amusing demonstration of the famous Korean K-POP culture and people of different countries liked it very much. The craze and interest of people could easily be seen from their faces and body languages. There were a number of traditional world performances which were beautifies by the presence of world famous artists, musicians, DJs and bands. There were a number of street performances which amused the people and got a lot of praise from the audience.

The musical artists of the Hallyu Korean cultural wave performed their songs to celebrate Itaewon Global Festival 2013.  The C&M ‘행복나눔 착한 콘서트’ (C&M Sharing Good Happiness Concert) was the final stage of the day. The participation, interest and enthusiasm of the visitors was worth watching. I think being overflowing with various cultural performances, exciting spectacles, delicious food, and traditional games this festival has a great role to bring harmony and unity to people living in Korea and will be having everlasting effect on the minds of people of different nations.

Itaewon Global Festival can be called as a practical implementation the Incheon Asian games motto which is “Diversity Shines here”. I think these kinds of events are the trailers of the upcoming great event in the form of Incheon Asian Games 2014, where we may be able to see the diverse cultures of Asia with their unique features.

http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/itaewon-global-festival/

IAG Crew 2014

It was nice evening when i received an email from the Incheon Asian games 2014 committee that i have been selected for the English blogging of IAG crew. It was indeed a matter of immense pleasure for me as representing my country in such  a big event is itself a great opportunity and I have to promote the IAG 2014 through my blogs and writings. I was really happy for that.

On October 11, 2013 we had the orientation ceremony and thus the first International crews for the Incheon Asian Games 2014 were officially appointed. I was excited to meet new friends and to work with them. It has been a long since i met new friends, so i couldn't wait for it . It was 50 minutes subway travel from my place to Incheon but i miss the subway and thus  i was late for 30 minutes.The IAG committee main office is located in one of the tallest building of Incheon near Technopark subway station.

We have a brief introduction with the officials by the in charge of our program Miss Seieun OH. She is a very nice and cooperative person with a calm and attractive personality. She presented some slides about the  Incheon Asian games and all the way its progress. All those slides were really informative and at the same time surprising that how the Incheon metropolitan government and Korea republic are involved in the preparation of IAG 2014.

We were presented with souvenirs and appointments shields by the head of PR department of IAGOC, Mr. Kim Jaein. In the coffee break I met my colleagues Kohinoor from India, Paola from Philippine, Daniel from Canada, Franky from Indonesia.All they were really interesting and enthusiastic to participate in this program. Just after the break we had an other presentation by Mr. Shin. He guide us on how to write blogs and promote the IAG 2014. Also he explain about the selection of contents and suitability of topics for blogs. Over all It was an interactive session.

We had a lavish buffet at 21st floor of the "Meet you all Tower". The look of Incheon from the top of the tower was really amazing. The clear weather and nice sun shine reflects the beauty of Incheon city. All the attractions of Incheon city were visible from sky portion of the building. The smooth and long roads show a great view from such  a height.

We had a productive group discussion after lunch in which we highlighted the role of the crews in promotion of the IAG 2014. Every participant express his/her opinion in this regards. We finalized our topics for the October and our group topic. We also have a detailed discussion, questions and answers session about the interests of the Incheon Asian Games committee and their expectations from the crews.
At the end of the day, we come up with a better understandings for our role and responsibilities. The meeting finished at 2:30 PM after 4 hours of the process and discussion. The next venue and time was also decided mutually.

Over all it was an amazing experience. I hope this opportunity will bring more pleasant experiences, chances to communicate with internationals  and occasions to express our personalities in a more proper way. I wish to be a part of further batches of the crews as well.
To be very honest I consider my self to be a lucky one for having such a great opportunity to represent myself and my country in the Incheon Asians games through my writings.

Korea and the Asian Games [Buzz Korea]

This blog id written for the promotion of Incheon Asian Games 2014. 

Korean people love games. They are just more than crazy for their traditional as well as the neighborhood games. The have intermixed games with technology, thrill and dedication and that is why they become the leading gold medals taker in international games. Korea and the Asian games have a long and interesting history. Korea welcome Asian games on their lands for the first time ever in1986 in the beautiful and energetic city of Seoul from September 20 to Oct 05.4839 athletes from 27 countries compete in 25 games for 270 events. This was the biggest sports event played in Seoul and thus the people of Korea welcomed the Asian athletes with open hearts to make that event a success.  China stood on top with gold medals followed by Korea 93 and Japan 58.

Korea welcomes Asian games for the second time in 2002 when the charming city of Busan organized the mega event from Sep29 to October14, 2002. Busan is the hub of Korean trade and communication with the world because of its soils that touches the sea. The Asian games 2002 made Busan a more prominent city in the world and the people of Busan make a history by attracting the attention and interest of the athletes of Asians countries and the media representatives from around the globe. The theme of the BAG 2002 was “Promotion and partnership among Asian games”. Participation from record 44 nations was a tag of success of the event. 7,711 athletes showed their skills in 38 sports and 419 events.  China was again the leading on the table of gold medals with 150 medals, Korea stood second with 96 Gold medals while Japan get 44 gold medals. 

Korea is ready to welcome again the Asian games this time the most beautiful and attractive city of Incheon with a new zeal and excitement. The Incheon Metropolitan city is decorated with new and already existing stadiums for games. This time there will the maximum number of participation from Asain countries. The 17^th Asain games will be played from Sep19 to October 4, 2014 among the 13000 athletes for 437 events and in 36 games. Many new games are introduced this time. Its gonna be a big big event. Korean people are already crazy for it. 

The Aliens Story [Buzz Korea]

(This story is basically a thought of my friend Ikram Khan. My role is just i have write it down with my words)

Once upon a time a traveler lost his way in a desert. He wondered here and there in search of a way to his destination but all in vain. During this struggle he became tired and thirsty. He felt like he is gonna die in a couple of hours but he did not lose his hope and tried to search.  It was getting darkness when suddenly he saw a house surround be some green trees. He became very happy and moved toward the house. It was night when he knocked at the door and asks for the shelter and food. The owner of the house seemed very kind as he provided him shelter and food. The traveler was very happy for the kindness of the house owner. As he was in search of job so he thought it would be wonderful if they offered him some job. The next day he asked the owner of the house that he can take care of his trees and can help him in maintenance of the house and in return he has to pay him some money and to give him shelter. The house keeper agreed to his statement.

The traveler was happy and was considering it a blessing of God. The house owner was also very kind and taking care of him in all respect. With the passage of time the traveler considered himself as the most important part of the family. He started thinking for his rights although the house owner were really good with him, yet he wanted some more and at the level of owner. He thought why they have so many things for themselves and less for me, in spite of this fact that I am performing more duties than them. He forget all the care of the owner that they had done to him when he came here as stranger. He tried to use different tactics to bother the owners of the house which ultimately put the owner of house in trouble.

These kinds of stories are important parts of our daily life which are told time and again to learn wisdom and common sense from it. Like this traveler we also came here to Korea, although it was not a dessert but our demands were quite similar to the traveler. And at that time Korea welcomed us with a smiling face and tried its best to create more opportunities for us. Although we came here as a visitor but we changed our visa status. Our arrival to Korea was like that traveler but with the passage of time every one of us started struggle for new facilities in the name of “Rights”. So called “Alien” were found involved in crimes like, rap, smuggling, kidnaping, money laundering, and even killing of other residents. While doing all that we forget that all the care and respect that Korea has given to us. We forget all the blessings and opportunities that Korea has created for us. In spite of being thankful to Korea we tried to find ways to justify our illegal acts and tried to escape of our responsibilities.

It is the time to bring stability in our behavior and to act as responsible citizens. It is the real time to think all those blessings and care that this nation has given to us. It is not a difficult work to perform. We don’t need to much more than,

·        To follow the rules and regulations of Korean Governments

·        To put the wastage and garbage at the right place.

·        To avoid smoking at public places.

·        To avoid doing piss in streets and in public places.

·        To give and take respect to the local people of our area.

·        To help the local government in making our streets clean.

·        To follow the rules of driving and respect the signals even if we are walking.

As all these rules and regulations are for our safety and health. So, why not to stop for a while and think?? Am I playing a role of traveler in this story???  

If yes, let us change our attitudes and try to be a responsible citizen. This is how we can develop a true multicultural society.

Korea in Motion Opening ceremony 2013 [Buzz Korea]

Korea in motion festival is celebrated every year in the month of September to promote Korean performances and KPop culture. Various platforms and activities are used to promote this event. During this entire event all the Korean performances can be watched with half price with much more discounts. Every performance is amazing as I have been to almost all the performances yet I wanted to watch it once more if I had a chance. Last Year I was the one who performed flash mob with other K Supporters on KOINMO stage and believe me that was amazing. So I had great expectations with this ceremony.

It was an awesome evening with a beautiful weather when I along with 13 other friends was invited to attend the opening ceremony of KOINMO festival 2013. It was a great opportunity to get together before the end of summer vacations with our families sharing some foods. So we celebrate it as a one day picnic along the nice location's cheonggye stream. The program was well arranged with its seating background and entrance the location was carefully selected at its best. Many foreigners from all around the world were the guests of KOINMO opening ceremony. Every one there at the spot was excited to watch some thrilling Korean performances. The weather was amazing at the beginning which further converted into a rainy evening at the mid of the show. A managing director of KTO was the chief guest of the show. 

At the start of program the attention of the participants was attracted by some quiz and prices distribution. The MC asked few simple questions about the KOINMO events and the right answers were awarded with gift packs. 
Right after that was the performance of musical Hwarang, although they were not quite impressive as it seemed they were over acting however the excitement for other performances was enough to stay at seat. Next performance was the traditional and advanced Korean dance, "SACHOOM" and that was amazing. It was raining when they started performance which increased with the passage of time. As we don't have umbrella so we have to rushed to the nearby shelter. However a large number of people were still there covering themselves with plastic coats and umbrellas. Hats off to the performers as they were still performing in heavy rain.. 

The performance of Drum cats was the most appreciated performance of the evening. They really win the hearts of audience. Some young couple enjoyed this show in rain without umbrella. I along with my friends was at a little distance but still it was visible. 
Just after the drum cats the most awaited performance of the night take place and that was the performance of K.pop stars MBLAQ before their performance they were awarded as the honorary ambassador of KTO for the year 2012.  Their performance was just superb as the audience stand up and those who were on their way to workplace stop for a while to watch this unique group while singing.

This amazing show came to end with lots of lovely performances. It was the time to go back home as the rain was over. Looking forward for some more nice opportunities.. J  

Buzz Korea

67th Independence Day, Celebrating the colors of Pakistan

Having the status of independence state on the map of world is the most amazing thing in the history of nations and celebrating the occasions of independence every year is the traditions of lived nations. Since it remind us the sacrifices our forefathers that they had done to achieve the status of being  independent, I always feel energetic while having the green flag in my hands or on my chest remembering all the sacrifices that my nation has made on august 1947.

The importance of independence can easily be felt if you are living abroad, away from your family, friends in a country where you are called “Alien”.  This year 2013, the Pakistan Business Association arranged a marvelous gathering for the community of Pakistan in Korea, including people from business community, Students and working community. Forum of Pakistani students in Korea were the co-organizers of this great event. Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr Shaukat Ali muqaddam was the chief guest of the event. This was a great show of brotherhood, dedication, nationalism and solidarity. The event was beautified by the presence of children and families. 

Bundle of Thanks to our beloved Ikram Khan for giving us company all the way from Ansan to Seoul and offering his car for pick and drop for this event as well. He is a person with nice personality and is well know for his efforts in Pakistani community in Korea to spread brotherhood , love and respect.

The program started with the name of Allah almighty by recitation of few versus from the holly Quran by Mufti Asif shab. The event was further revamped by the comparing of two very talented Pakistani scholars Mr. Adullah Jani, the general secretary of FPSK and Dr. Sarwat. The Korean portion of comparing was done by Mr. Imran Bashir the president of FPSK. The event hall was nicely decorated, the sitting arrangement were perfect, Pakistan flags were all around and the stage was nice enlightened with soft and attractive lights. There was a separate sitting arrangement for male and female while children were just more than happy.

Soon after the official start, Mr.Khalid Khan, the chairman of election committee PBA, take the oath from the newly elected members of the PBA cabinet and presented congratulations to the president Mr. Wali Khan, Mr Mazhar the Vice president and Mr Muddasar Cheema the general secretary of PBA.  A documentary was presented with the title of “Vibrant Pakistan” which was really an inspirational video and some crazy young people raised the slogans of” Pakistan Zindabad” which developed a true patriotic scene.

Wali Khan, the president of PBA in his speech expressed his gratitude to all the Pakistani community for their participation in the event and making it a success. He thanks all the members of PBA for trusting him for the important responsibility of president ship of PBA. He speaks about the history of PBA and all the pioneers who played a key role in strengthening PBA. He explains the current scenario and future plans of PBA. At the end he thanked the ambassador of Pakistan for his contributions towards a stronger business relationship between Pakistan and Korea.

Mili naghma were presented by Israr which created an environment of patriotism as everybody was singing with the singer. The Bboys dance was awesome. They win the hearts of audience by their nice movements and incredible skills. Their movements were amazing and attractive. One of them presented congratulations and good wishes to the Pakistani community on this historical day. The honorary council general and the representative of Pakistan Korea friendship presented a great respect for the people of Pakistan in their speeches. They represent a hope for an eternal friendship. They said that they have a respect for the traditions and culture of Pakistan.

The ambassador speech was another important segment of the day. He said we have an official flag raising meeting in the embassy on August14.  He explains Pakistan-Korea relationship in detail. He said we are working in many fields of life like shipping, education, industry, power and sharing of culture. He said that in our 45 years of friendship, 3 Prime Ministers and 1 president of Pakistan have visited Korea, among which one president and one Prime Minister visited Seoul last year 2012. However up till now no Korean president has made an official visit to Pakistan. He added this time He has invited Mis Park, the president of Korea to visit Pakistan.  He congratulate the new cabinet their election and presented his good wishes for their success and achieving their goals.

Just after the ambassador speech, there was a patriotic speech by a lovely girl, Nishat Khan who was representing the youth of Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of independence in the lives of nation. She presented some historical status of the founder of nation Quaid-e-Azam, That Pakistan came into being for existence. Just follow the rule of unity, faith and strength and you will always be rewarded. The Ex president of PBA, Hafiz waheed expressed his views about the developments that BA has made in the resent years.

I along with my friends Mr Arbab Waheed, Mr. Arsalan Arif, Mr. Rasheed Husai and Mr. Naik Muhamamd presented our traditional attan with great pomp and show. This segment was really appreciated and gets applause from the audience. Here is a link for the Attan… Please enjoy… :)

http://youtu.be/GyvI5Hhx4aA 

The event came to end with the Dua that our beloved Pakistan and Pakistan community in Korea remains prosperous, happy, peaceful and successful in the upcoming future. A nice dinner was presented by the PBA and the food had a real taste of Pakistani Chicken Karhai, Biryani, Mutton Karhai , Kebab and Kheer. During the dinner a quiz was arranged for the audience and I won a T-Shirt. Just after the dinner cake cutting ceremony was performed by the ambassador, PBA and FPSK and a photo session was held. Ambassador meets people from different cities and fields.

Overall this was a great effort by the PBA to unite Pakistani from different background at a platform. This was a prodigious achievement by the newly selected cabinet as members of Pakistani community participated from faraway cities like Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejan, Incheon and many more for the first time ever in such a large number. I must say BPA, Mr. Wali Khan, Mr. Khalid Khan and the Forum of Pakistani Students in Korea deserved a big appreciation for this successful event. May Allah almighty bless our country with much more unity, prosperity and strength.

Pakistan Zindabad

KOINMO Logo Competition [Buzz Korea]

Korea in Motion festival is ready to rock Korea. Major cities of Korea including Seoul, Busan, Jeju , Dagu, Daejun and Gwangju will offer Korean performances (arts, drama, music, kpop and much more) at more discounted prices.

KTO arranged a competition to make a logo for this festival. Here is my Logo for the event.
Cant wait to watch the performances... :)