This year's Parade of Nations didn't have the big ritzy feel of last year when it was televised by a local station, but it did have all the glamour and showmanship in a cozy atmosphere.
The largest charity event organized by the diplomatic community in Korea started off with a speech by the spouse of the ambassador of El Salvador.
"At this third consecutive Parade of Nations, the diplomatic community offers something very special with a unique presentation of the multicultural experience that living in Korea offers as we celebrate so many countries working together to assist the less fortunate," said Yoland Ungo.
Newly appointed Prime Minister of Korea Han Duk-soo said: "Charity begins at home. I have been fortunate to experience firsthand the true meaning behind this expression with my wife suggesting I join her in this gathering even before being confirmed as prime minister."
Even Korea's number one diplomat and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a message read out by Sports and Tourism Ambassador Dho Young-shim, who was pivotal in making this year's occasion a giant success.
"One of my top priorities is working to ease poverty, particularly in Africa," Ban said.
Figures aren't in yet but early forecasts for this year's event show that the spouses surpassed last year's 40 million won. In their first year the Parade of Nations gathered about 32 million won for Korean charities.
This year the event, will extend its help to the 100-Won-A-Day Association, Myongdo Services for Persons with Disabilities, the Migrants' Hospital, and Kechene Women's Pottery Cooperative in Ethiopia.
"We have worked so hard for this, we were here (Hyatt Hotel where the event took place) at 9 a.m. and we've worked none stop," said Michal Caspi, spouse of the Israeli ambassador.
"My husband barely knows me; I've been glued to the computer for three months now. I might recognize my children now," she said jokingly.
The largest amount of wine for the event was donated by the Australian, Chilean and New Zealand embassies with other embassies donating a few boxes.
The show kicked off with a dance performance by three year olds from the Russian School. After dinner it was back to Russia with another performance by the teenagers of diplomats from the Russian, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan embassies.
Korea's National Theater gave the audience a truly mesmerizing performance by some of the country's best folk dancers.
Equally mesmerizing, the Middle East and North Africa met Korea in a captivating performance of belly dancing that caught and held the attention of every man, and photographer in the audience.
Balle Balle, a dance troupe comprising of young ladies from the Indian embassy and Indian business community got together to show why Bollywood is so popular.
No trip around the world would be complete without a performance by an African country and Cote d'Ivoire did exactly that by bringing in the attention-grabbing performers AANINKA.
Latin America was also in the house with a hot and steamy set that made everyone want to dance to salsa rhythms.
"One of my top priorities is working to ease poverty, particularly in Africa," Ban said.
Figures aren't in yet but early forecasts for this year's event show that the spouses surpassed last year's 40 million won. In their first year the Parade of Nations gathered about 32 million won for Korean charities.
This year the event, will extend its help to the 100-Won-A-Day Association, Myongdo Services for Persons with Disabilities, the Migrants' Hospital, and Kechene Women's Pottery Cooperative in Ethiopia.
"We have worked so hard for this, we were here (Hyatt Hotel where the event took place) at 9 a.m. and we've worked none stop," said Michal Caspi, spouse of the Israeli ambassador.
"My husband barely knows me; I've been glued to the computer for three months now. I might recognize my children now," she said jokingly.
The largest amount of wine for the event was donated by the Australian, Chilean and New Zealand embassies with other embassies donating a few boxes.
The show kicked off with a dance performance by three year olds from the Russian School. After dinner it was back to Russia with another performance by the teenagers of diplomats from the Russian, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan embassies.
Korea's National Theater gave the audience a truly mesmerizing performance by some of the country's best folk dancers.
Equally mesmerizing, the Middle East and North Africa met Korea in a captivating performance of belly dancing that caught and held the attention of every man, and photographer in the audience.
Balle Balle, a dance troupe comprising of young ladies from the Indian embassy and Indian business community got together to show why Bollywood is so popular.
No trip around the world would be complete without a performance by an African country and Cote d'Ivoire did exactly that by bringing in the attention-grabbing performers AANINKA.
Latin America was also in the house with a hot and steamy set that made everyone want to dance to salsa rhythms.
The last two sets of the evening where by Oriental Express who teamed up with the diplomatic community's own jazzman Tim Strong. But that is not all, last not but least U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow not only played the drums but also sang "Born to be Wild" with Strong.
"It's a classic song from the late 60s which sums up my diplomatic career," said the U.S. Ambassador.
Special kudos goes to Lisa Vershbow who emceed the event. She brought a certain sweetness that was lacking from last year's event.
After the performances, the guests that remained danced the night away.
By Yoav Cerralbo
(yoav@heraldm.com)
2007.05.21
(yoav@heraldm.com)
2007.05.21
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