‘Dayo’ is a book about finding home between PH and Korea
The Filipino word dayò means foreigner or visitor. As an adjective, dayò is sometimes used to gently explain a misstep or moment of unfamiliarity. How often have we heard the phrase, “Pasensiya na, dayò lang,” to ask for patience and understanding when a nuance is missed or a custom is not yet grasped?
But the word also follows those who have established new roots in another place, yet remain different from the locals. A dayò can be someone who loves their new home but still holds the old one close to their heart. It can also be someone who hopes to leave a mark—or has already made an impact—in a place they temporarily call home.
The book “Dayò: Stories of Migration” tells different stories of the Filipino dayò in Korea and vice versa. Forty stories are featured in the commemorative book published by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“We wanted something focusing on people-to-people ties because that’s one of the most enduring components or elements of our relationship with Korea. The enduring friendship cemented during the Korean War,” said Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega.
She added that the relationship continued beyond that. The Philippines was vital in the country’s postwar recovery. For example, a Philippine firm helped the country build the Jangchung Arena.
Decades-long relationship
“The relationship goes back many, many decades before Hallyu, before the K-content wave took over and became a very popular aspect of pop culture in the Philippines,” she said. “There are these individuals, both Filipinos and Koreans, who’ve contributed to the growth of the two countries.”
The stories feature individuals from diverse sectors, and are grouped together according to the industries they are a part of, such as the arts, entertainment, sports, academe, IT, and industrial industries. There’s even a bit of romance courtesy of those who now live in Korea because they married.
“We have a significant number of Filipinos, mainly Filipinas, married to Korean spouses. So it’s the second largest group here,” said Dizon-De Vega. “They make up 20 percent of our community, between 15,000 to 16,000 people. It’s a lot.”
The book features a good mix of personalities, but the more familiar names are under the chapter of the Creative Champions, and they include radio DJ and host Sam Oh, “It’s Showtime” host Ryan Bang, actor Christian Lagahit, global group Hori7on, and dance guru Dasuri Choi.
But the first story in the book is that of its editor in chief Erlinda Mae Young. Dizon-De Vega said that her father was one of the 7,420 soldiers who went to South Korea during the Korean War. Young’s father, the late Maj. Maximo Young, was one of the only two Filipinos to receive the Taegeuk Cordon of the Order of Military Merit. This award is South Korea’s highest military honor.
“Part of it also is to show that there are these Korean nationals who made the Philippines their home. So that’s why we featured Ryan Bang,” she said. “He mentioned many wonderful things about living in the Philippines, the helpfulness of the people, the concern, and the empathy.”
The stories are told in two languages: English and Korean. Copies of the book have been donated to different libraries and universities, and soon to institutions like the National Library.
The Philippine Embassy is currently working on turning this work into an e-book so it will be able to reach more readers.
