OLONGAPO CITY- The Busan-based Method Philharmonic Orchestra serenaded Filipino-Korean residents and guests here with traditional Korean music during a concert.
Founded in 2002, the Method Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) aims to promote Korean music and culture. It is composed of young musicians from Busan, Korea.
The orchestra is led by distinguished Korean musician and conductor Son Young Chae.
Mr. Son explained the MPO hopes to serve as a bridge to promote Korean culture thru music in a bid to help multi-cultural families by building youth protection facilities, and social welfare centers for disabled people.
The MPO also aims to help Kopino (Korean-Filipino) communities in the country.
This year, MPO performed at the SM Central Olongapo City and Harborpoint at Subic Bay Freeport last October 27 and 28, respectively. The events had been sponsored by Husstem Korea Cedars Group, a block chain-based platform specializing in agricultural and fishery products.
The MPO has tied-up with Husstem Korea and awarded selected beneficiaries who were severely affected during the out-break of COVID-19: a female student whose Korean father suffered a stroke and could hardly work was given P100,000 and a scholarship grant; a young Korean who lost both his parents received P200,000; and a jobless Korean father who lost his mother received P300,000.
Meanwhile, the St. Francis Learning Center Foundation, which offers education for the indigenous youth in Zambales, received 20 cavans of rice and two units of solar-powered street lights.
Meanwhile, the MPO had expanded with the inclusion of Method String Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Donghwa Nation Music Company, and the Method Children Choir.
The MPO first performed in the Philippines on August 24, 2015 at SM City Clark.
“A meaningful cultural exchange festival, which supports scholarships for Filipino youth, has begun again,”according to Mr. Son noting MPO will continue assisting Kopino families in Olongapo City.