Photo of the Day: "Stand By Me"

Or for Three Musketeers fans, it's "all for one, one for all".

After each performance that impresses the locals and international tourists every other Friday and Saturday afternoon at the War Memorial of Korea in the Yongsan District in Seoul, the soldiers and other performers mingle and pose with the crowd. 

And on one occasion, I was able to swing by and saw a platoon eager to share their time with the crowd. Although they were 'at ease', these Korean soldiers still had this air of discipline. And while they were huddled together, I just had to snap a photo from the back. 

And with their perfect alignment, uniform height, and intimidating military vests, these brave soldiers provided our photo of the day.

My Photo of the Day: Coffee For Everyone?

In Seoul, you'll always find these mobile cafes parked on the streets. And there's one in front of the War Memorial of Korea, where I got a cup of iced dutch coffee one time I was passing through. 

But luckily that day, I wasn't the only one passing through; there was a platoon of Korean soldiers passing, or rather, marching through! I just had to snap a photo as one soldier seemed to also had a craving like mine for a nice cold iced coffee. I would have offered to buy him a cup, but I wondered if the rest of the troops would also want one! Ha-ha-ha!

So, to the soldier who would have wanted that cup of coffee, in case I bump into your platoon again, I'd buy you that cup from the Dutch Coffee mobile cafe. And thanks to your platoon, we have our coffee, er, photo of the day!

Photo Of The Day: Marching Soldiers

If you roam around Seoul, you would always chance upon a Korean soldier in the subway, walking along the sidewalk, or even driving a military vehicle. He could be on duty or on leave. 

Able-bodied Korean men from 18 to 35 years old are required under the law to serve in the military. That's why you would find a lot of these young soldiers everywhere.

And one morning, as I was passing by the War Memorial of Korea, I saw a platoon of them marching towards the Memorial grounds. I guess they were heading to their assignment that day. 

So, thanks to these soldiers for their service to the country, and for our photo of the day.

PEFToK: Pinoy Soldiers in Korea 60 Years Ago Today

(Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos,

 a veteran of the Korean War)

(FVR, former First Lady Ming Ramos, and Ambassador Cruz)

On September 19, 1950, the first Filipino soldiers landed in Busan, South Korea, to fight for the United Nations Command in the Korean War.


The Philippines was the eighth country to send combat troops to South Korea in response to the call of the United Nations to its member states to help South Korea in its war with the North.


The Pinoy soldiers were the sixth largest contingent of about 7,420 combat and non-combat personnel under the United Nations command over the duration of the war. These Pinoy soldiers were the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFToK). Sadly, 112 Pinoy soldiers were killed in action. One of the proudest moments of these Filipino soldiers was when they fought and won the Battle of Hill Eerie over the Chinese soldiers who were fighting for the north. Incidentally, I have been to this area in 2006 when I spent a weekend at Cheorwon which is on the border with North Korea.


This week, the former Philippine President, Fidel Valdez Ramos (popularly known as FVR), who participated in combat during the Korean war, came to Seoul along with about 30 other Filipino veterans of the Korean War in order to commemorate the contribution of the Filipino soldiers in the Korean war.


I am proud being a Pinoy here in South Korea knowing that 60 years ago, the gallant Filipino soldiers came here, sacrificed their lives, and helped achieve the peace and democracy that every one here is enjoying.


I am grateful as a Pinoy and an advocate of democracy for the sacrifices of those Filipino soldiers, knowing that they have contributed, in one way or another, to the laying of the foundation of peace and stability of the Korean society on which much has blossomed, changed and advanced to what South Korea is now.


I may never meet and express my gratefulness to these Filipino soldiers who came to South Korea sixty years before me. But I promise not to forget their sacrifices, as I invite you to do the same as well.


So, to FVR and the Filipino soldiers of PEFToK, I salute and thank you! 🙏

(Photos above were taken during FVR's visit to the Philippine embassy in Seoul on September 13, 2010. The lady in blue is the former First Lady Ming Ramos, while the gentleman in gray suit is the Philippine ambassador, the Honorable Luis Cruz).