Filipinos turn Hongdae venue into home away from home

In the heart of Seoul's bustling Hongdae district, a vibrant tribute to Filipino music and culture unfolded at Rabbit Hall, a basement live music venue nestled within the White Rabbit bistro and wine bar in Mapo District. On September 26, Filipinos from across the city converged on the charming space for its inaugural Filipino Night, a celebration that aimed to bring the community closer to their roots.

The venue, known for its lively open mic sessions, offered the perfect setting for an evening of musical delights and cultural fusion. The night began with a captivating traditional Mindanaoan dance titled "Pangalay," performed by Filipino artist Nicky Juanite. Accompanied by Kyle Abraham, a Filipino-American dancer and choreographer, the opening act set the tone for the evening, imbuing the space with a sense of reverence as Juanite expressed her intention to "bless this space before we start the show."

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became a vivid tapestry of Filipino sights and sounds. Attendees were treated to a medley of English and Tagalog karaoke hits, alongside the emotive Korean ballad songs that resonated throughout the venue. The audience, embodying the spirit of a typical karaoke gathering in the Philippines, responded with fervent vocalizations, pouring their hearts and souls into the melodies.

The Filipino Night at Rabbit Hall became a testament to the enduring connection between Filipinos and their culture, transcending geographical boundaries and creating a temporary haven where the essence of Filipino music and tradition thrived.